NFC Interrogation for Industrial Flow Meter Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic measurement instruments, such as flow meters, face challenges in efficient data storage and retrieval, particularly in industrial settings where multiple instruments are difficult to access, making it cumbersome for engineers to verify installation, detect tampering, and retrieve operational data.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing near-field communication (NFC) allows mobile devices to interrogate measurement instruments, capture and store data related to installation, service, or performance, using reference data for efficient data management and retrieval, including geolocation and operational characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If engineers manually access and inspect measurement instruments in industrial settings, then they can verify installation and retrieve data, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient especially when instruments are located in awkward positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical access to instruments with automated optical scanning systems. Cameras and image recognition algorithms automatically capture and process instrument data, eliminating the need for engineers to physically access each instrument in awkward locations, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining data retrieval capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of cameras, image processing algorithms, and data management software that mediates between the measurement instruments and the engineers. This intermediary automatically captures instrument data, processes images, and retrieves information without requiring direct engineer access to each instrument, thus improving ease of operation and reducing time loss
2Reliability
If multiple measurement instruments are deployed in a single site with awkward locations, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but identification and verification of each instrument becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cameras to create visual copies and images of each measurement instrument. These digital copies include captured images, identified instrument identifiers, and stored performance data. By working with these copies rather than physically accessing each instrument, engineers can verify installation and retrieve data efficiently even when instruments are in awkward locations, maintaining reliability while managing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where measurement instruments automatically provide their own identification and performance data through machine-readable codes (barcodes, QR codes) and embedded sensors. The system automatically captures these self-provided data elements, eliminating the need for complex manual verification processes and reducing the complexity of managing multiple instruments across difficult-to-access locations
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 simplifies data storage and retrieval, enhances the efficiency of maintenance operations, and enables in-situ verification of measurement instrument performance, improving the ease of managing and maintaining multiple instruments in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
interrogating the measurement instrument using near field communication; receiving, in response to the interrogation, reference data from the measurement instrument
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are described for storing and retrieving data related to the installation, service, repair or performance of an industrial flow meter or other measurement instrument. Methods and apparatus for other processes associated with measurement instruments are also disclosed.