Multi-Communication Data Logger with Automatic Channel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data logging and transmission systems in remote or mobile locations often experience disruptions, leading to potential data loss and delayed corrective actions, as they lack reliable and uninterrupted communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A data logging and transmitting device equipped with multiple communication devices, input and output ports, data buffers, and processing units that utilize an instruction list to automatically switch between communication methods and frequencies to ensure continuous data transmission to external locations, even in the event of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single communication device is used for data transmission, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of continuous data transmission deteriorates due to potential disruptions and failures
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into multiple independent communication devices (first communication device and second communication device), each capable of transmitting data independently. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different communication channels if one fails, thereby improving reliability without requiring a complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of communication frequency by switching between different communication devices and frequencies based on availability. The processing unit monitors the status of each communication device and dynamically selects the appropriate frequency or device to maintain continuous data transmission, thus improving reliability through parameter adaptation.
2Reliability
If multiple communication devices and frequencies are used to ensure continuous transmission, then the reliability of data transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each communication device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating on multiple frequencies and protocols. The first communication device can use first frequency, while the second communication device can use second frequency or alternative protocols. This universality allows the system to maintain reliability through redundancy without requiring entirely separate specialized devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit automatically monitors the status of communication devices and performs self-service by selecting the appropriate communication channel without external intervention. When a disruption is detected, the system automatically switches to an alternative communication device or frequency, maintaining continuous operation and reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If data is buffered for predetermined time before transmission, then the continuity of data recording is improved, but the loss of time for real-time transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
Data is buffered in advance in the data buffer before transmission occurs. This preliminary action allows the system to accumulate data during periods when communication devices are unavailable or unreliable, ensuring that data recording continues without interruption. When a communication device becomes available, the buffered data is transmitted, maintaining the stability of the data recording composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic checking of communication device availability and transmits buffered data in periodic batches rather than attempting continuous real-time transmission. The processing unit periodically attempts to transmit data using available communication devices, and if unsuccessful, continues buffering. This periodic approach balances data continuity with time loss by transmitting data as soon as communication becomes available.
Data Source
AI summary
A data logging device (1) that includes more than one communication devices (7), a stored instruction list (6), input ports (3), output ports (8), data buffers (4) and a processing unit (5); wherein: the data logging device (1) collects, processes and forwards data and/or predetermined signals to one or more external locations (10); the data/predetermined signal is independently transmitted to said one or more external locations (10) using one or more communication devices (7) and/or frequencies; such that, if a chosen communication device is not available, or cannot reliably transmit the data/predetermined signal to said one or more external locations (10), then the processing unit (5) consults the instruction list (6) and selects the next predetermined communication device (7), until transmission is successful or the instruction list (6) dictates another action.