Event-Driven Data Transmission for Low-Power Meter Counters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for data transmission between communication units, such as meter reading systems, require powerful and expensive signal processors for continuous monitoring, leading to high power losses and limited processor availability for other tasks.
Innovation Solution
The method employs event generators to monitor and report events during data transmission independently of the central processor, allowing for the use of inexpensive processors with low clock frequencies and reducing power consumption, thereby freeing up processor power for other tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If powerful signal processors are used for continuous monitoring of data transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but power consumption increases and processor availability for other tasks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into two separate components: an event generator that continuously monitors transmission phases independently, and a central processor that handles higher-level tasks. This segmentation allows continuous monitoring without overloading the central processor, resolving the contradiction between reliability and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The event generator autonomously monitors data transmission and generates event reports without requiring continuous intervention from the central processor. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable monitoring while freeing the central processor for other tasks and reducing overall power consumption.
2Reliability
If expensive powerful processors are used for continuous monitoring, then transmission reliability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the monitoring function into an independent event generator, the patent enables the use of simpler, less expensive central processors. The event generator handles the computationally intensive continuous monitoring, allowing the central processor to be less powerful and more cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The event generator is implemented as a dedicated, relatively simple component that can be manufactured at lower cost. This component handles the demanding continuous monitoring task, allowing the main system to use more economical processors for other functions.
3Reliability
If the central processor continuously monitors data transmission, then transmission reliability is improved, but processor availability for metering tasks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing responsibilities by creating an independent event generator for continuous monitoring and a central processor for metering tasks. This division ensures that the central processor remains available for metering operations while transmission reliability is maintained through dedicated monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The event generator performs continuous monitoring autonomously without requiring central processor intervention. This self-service approach ensures reliable transmission monitoring while keeping the central processor available for metering tasks, resolving the productivity conflict.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient data transmission with low power loss, allowing a significant amount of processor power to be used for metering tasks, and supports various network topologies and transmission protocols like M-Bus, while reducing energy consumption by using inexpensive processors.
Implementation Method 1
a first signal sequence is transmitted from a first communication unit to a second communication unit during a first transmission phase
Implementation Method 2
a second signal sequence is transmitted from the second communication unit to the first communication unit during a second transmission phase
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The method serves to transmit signals and data within at least one first and one second transmission phase (TP1, TP2), which follow each other synchronously or asynchronously, between a first communication unit (L) and at least one second communication unit (Z), which comprises a central processing unit (CPU), a memory unit (M) in which an operating program (OP) is stored, and at least one first event generator (EG1), which monitors signal sequences (SL, SZ) transmitted via a transmission line (W) between the two communication units (L, Z) independently of the central processing unit (CPU) and generates event messages (e1, e2) for events during the data transmission that occur according to the applied transmission protocol, which are transmitted to the central processing unit (CPU) and/or to at least one event user (EU1).