Metadata-Gated Data Output for Reliable Virtual Sensor Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing virtual sensor systems risk inappropriate processing due to input data not satisfying predetermined conditions, leading to potential errors in processing modules.

Innovation Solution

An output management apparatus and method that acquires and associates first metadata indicating processing module conditions with second metadata indicating input data attributes, using an output control unit to determine and notify whether input data is allowed for processing, thereby reducing the likelihood of inappropriate processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If input data is directly input to the processing module without verification, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inappropriate processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing speedVSAvoidprocessing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The notification unit performs preliminary verification of input data conditions before the processing module executes processing. By checking whether input data satisfies predetermined conditions in advance and notifying the output control unit accordingly, the system prevents inappropriate processing from occurring, thus maintaining reliability while preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If metadata verification is implemented before data processing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The notification unit serves multiple functions: it acquires first metadata indicating processing conditions, acquires second metadata indicating input data attributes, determines whether conditions are satisfied, and notifies the output control unit. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single unit, the system achieves reliable verification without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the notification unit verifies data conditions before processing, then inappropriate processing is reduced, but loss of time increases due to additional verification steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing validityVSAvoiddata verification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The notification unit extracts only the essential verification function from the overall data processing flow. By separating the condition verification task into a dedicated notification mechanism that operates in parallel with data transmission, the system minimizes the time impact while ensuring processing validity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12099868B2Output management apparatus, output management method, and program

Publication Date: 2024.09.24 OMRON CORP

AI summary

An output management device, an output management method, and a program are provided that manages output of input data to a processing module. The processing module is associated with first metadata indicating a condition of the input data. The input data is associated with second metadata indicating an attribute of the input data. The input data is temporarily stored in the data buffer. Output of the input data from the data buffer to the processing module is controlled by an output control unit. In the output management apparatus, a first acquisition unit acquires the first metadata. A second acquisition unit acquires the second metadata. A notification unit notifies the output control unit of whether or not the input data is allowed to be output to the processing module based on the first and second metadata.