Measurement Data Gateway Using Config Files to Avoid Data Collisions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting measurement data from multiple measuring tools to an evaluation unit while ensuring compatibility and flexibility, particularly in environments where additional software installation on the evaluation unit is not feasible.

Innovation Solution

A measurement data transmission device that communicates wirelessly with measuring tools and via USB with an evaluation unit, using a mass storage device for configuration files to adapt communication settings, allowing serial transmission of data and flexible control of measuring tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple measuring tools transmit measurement data simultaneously to an evaluation unit, then data collection efficiency is improved, but data collisions occur and transmission reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by using time slots for different measuring tools to transmit data sequentially rather than simultaneously. The evaluation unit is assigned specific time windows to receive data from different tools, which eliminates data collisions while maintaining efficient collection from multiple sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the data transmission process into separate channels or time slots for different measuring tools. Instead of allowing all tools to transmit at once, the system segments the transmission timeline so each tool has its designated period, preventing collisions while preserving parallel data collection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional software is installed on the evaluation unit to support multiple communication protocols, then communication versatility is improved, but system complexity and compatibility requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a gateway device that handles protocol conversion and data routing between measuring tools and the evaluation unit. This gateway acts as a mediator that translates different communication protocols into a unified format, allowing the evaluation unit to maintain simplicity while supporting multiple tool types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing the evaluation unit with a standardized interface that can handle data from multiple measuring tools through a common communication protocol. The system achieves multi-functionality by making the evaluation unit universally compatible with different tool types without requiring additional software installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If measurement data are transmitted in parallel from multiple tools, then transmission speed is improved, but data collision and processing conflicts worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoiddata collision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the contradiction between transmission speed and data collision by implementing periodic action with time-divided multiplexing. Data transmission occurs in periodic time slots assigned to different measuring tools, maintaining high overall transmission speed while eliminating collisions through structured temporal separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from spatial parallel transmission (multiple tools transmitting simultaneously on the same channel) to temporal parallel transmission (multiple tools transmitting sequentially in different time slots). This adds the time dimension to the transmission architecture, allowing parallel data collection without collision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4589397A1Measurement data communication device, measurement data communication method, and measurement tool system
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 HOFFMANN ENG SERVICES GMBH
  • EP4589397A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4589397A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4589397A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates, inter alia, to a measurement data transmission device for transmitting measurement data from at least two measuring tools to an evaluation unit, wherein the measurement data transmission device has a communication device, wherein the communication device is designed and configured to communicate wirelessly with the measuring tools and to communicate with the evaluation unit by cable, in particular via USB, wherein the measurement data transmission device is designed and configured to receive measurement data from at least one of the measuring tools by means of the communication device and to transmit received measurement data serially to the evaluation unit by means of the communication device, which is further developed in that the measurement data transmission device has a mass storage device for storing configuration files, wherein the measurement data transmission device is designed and configured,to read out and process at least one configuration file stored in the mass storage device with communication settings stored therein, wherein the communication device is designed and configured to receive measurement data from at least one of the measuring tools according to the communication settings and/or to transmit received measurement data serially to the evaluation unit.