Distributed Data Acquisition Configuration via Intermediary Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In distributed data acquisition systems, configuring and managing large numbers of individual data acquisition units across various locations is resource-intensive due to limitations in communication bandwidth, power consumption, and network constraints, particularly in facility management where timely resource replenishment and waste management are critical but labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for configuring distributed data acquisition equipment that involves obtaining configuration data, generating a message, transmitting it to a data collection unit, and then extracting and forwarding the configuration data to the respective data acquisition units, optimizing communication and power usage by addressing only the necessary units and adjusting settings dynamically based on facility needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If configuration data is transmitted to each data acquisition unit individually, then configuration precision is improved, but communication bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidcommunication bandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines configuration data for multiple data acquisition units into a single message that is transmitted to a data collection unit. The data collection unit then distributes this configuration data to the appropriate data acquisition units, reducing redundant transmissions and optimizing communication bandwidth usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The data collection unit acts as an intermediary between the central entity and multiple data acquisition units. It receives configuration messages from the central entity, extracts the relevant configuration data, and forwards it to the appropriate data acquisition units, thereby reducing the communication burden on the central entity and optimizing network bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If configuration data is transmitted frequently to ensure real-time updates, then system responsiveness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic configuration updates rather than continuous transmission. Configuration data is transmitted at scheduled intervals or triggered by specific events, allowing the data acquisition units to operate in low-power modes between updates while still maintaining system responsiveness when changes are needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The data acquisition units are designed to autonomously process and apply configuration data when received, reducing the need for frequent polling or repeated transmission attempts. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain responsiveness while minimizing communication overhead and power consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If all data acquisition units are configured with the same configuration data, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration management complexityVSAvoidlocation-specific adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transmits a single configuration message containing location-specific configuration data to the data collection unit, which then distributes the appropriate configuration data to each data acquisition unit based on its specific location and requirements. This allows each unit to have customized configuration while maintaining centralized management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration data is segmented into location-specific parameters that are selectively distributed to different data acquisition units. The data collection unit parses the configuration message and extracts relevant parameters for each specific location, enabling differentiated configuration without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10505794B2Configuration of distributed data acquisition equipment

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 ESSITY HYGIENE & HEALTH AB

AI summary

Configuring distributed data acquisition equipment including at least one data collection unit and at least one data acquisition unit coupled to the data collection unit, including obtaining configuration data for the at least one data acquisition unit, generating a message comprising the configuration data, transmitting said message to a data collection unit coupled to the at least one data acquisition unit, extracting in the data collection unit the configuration data, and transmitting the extracted configuration data to the at least one data acquisition unit.