Portable Data Carrier for Sensor Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transferring configuration data, particularly firmware, to sensors are cumbersome and require external computers, especially for updating firmware or changing parameters in industrial settings, due to slow data transfer rates and the need for separate programming devices.
Innovation Solution
A transportable data carrier with a read-write memory that stores configuration software, allowing for automatic or interactive compilation of data, which can be loaded into an external computer and then transmitted to a sensor via a second connection means, eliminating the need for a programming device and enabling quick firmware updates and parameter changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sensors are connected to external computers via serial interfaces or network connections for firmware transfer, then configuration data can be transferred to the sensor, but the data transfer rate is comparatively slow and requires additional interface converters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor and programming device into a single integrated unit. The sensor housing contains both the sensing element and the programming interface, eliminating the need for separate external computers and interface converters. This integration directly increases data transfer rate while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a programming device as an intermediary component that is integrated into the sensor housing. This programming device serves as a mediator between the sensor and external computers, providing direct high-speed communication without requiring separate external programming equipment.
2Productivity
If separate programming devices are used for transferring configuration data to sensors, then firmware can be updated, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the programming device with the sensor in a single integrated housing, the patent eliminates the need for separate programming equipment. The sensor itself becomes the programming device, allowing firmware updates and configuration changes to be performed directly at the sensor location without requiring external computers or additional programming hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed to perform its own programming and configuration functions through the integrated programming device. The sensor can receive firmware updates and parameter changes directly via the programming interface without requiring external intervention, making the system self-sufficient and simplifying the operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external computers with graphical user interfaces are used for sensor configuration, then comprehensive control is possible, but the cost and complexity increase especially for sensors already positioned at specific places
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the programming and configuration functionality from external computers and integrates it directly into the sensor housing. The programming device contains the necessary interfaces and processing capabilities to perform configuration tasks locally, eliminating the requirement for external computers with graphical user interfaces while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable data carrier for transferring configuration data from an external computer to a sensor. Said data carrier comprises a first connection element for connecting the data carrier to the external computer, a read-write memory for the intermediate storage of the configuration data which memory interacts with the first connection element, the first connection element being adapted to transfer the configuration data from the external computer to the read-write memory. The portable data carrier is characterized in that a configuration data software is stored in the read-write memory and can be uploaded into the main memory of the external computer when the data carrier is connected to the external computer. The data carrier is further characterized in that the configuration software is at least adapted for the automatic or interactive compilation of the configuration data for the sensor by a user. The data carrier comprises a second connection element for connecting the data carrier to the sensor, said second connection element interacting with the read-write memory and being adapted to transfer the configuration data from the read-write memory to a memory of the sensor when the data carrier is connected to the sensor, and a network-independent voltage supply for the data carrier. The invention also relates to a method for transferring configuration data from an external computer to a sensor.