Position-Based Measurement Rate Control for Wireless Field Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices in process automation and factory automation often consume excessive energy due to constant measurement and data transmission rates, especially in mobile applications where the rate of change of process variables can be low, leading to inefficient energy use and unnecessary data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A field device equipped with a control circuitry that adjusts measurement and data transmission rates based on the current geographical position, allowing for adaptive measurement and transmission frequencies, reducing energy consumption and optimizing data transmission according to the dynamic activity of the application zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant measurement and data transmission rates are used, then data availability is maintained, but energy consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of measurement and data transmission rates based on the detected activity of the application zone. The control circuitry modifies operational parameters in real-time according to positional information and activity levels, transitioning from static constant rates to adaptive dynamic rates that match actual process needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (measurement rate, data transmission rate) based on detected zone activity. When the application zone is detected as inactive, the control circuitry reduces or suspends measurement and transmission activities, thereby changing system parameters to reduce energy consumption while maintaining data availability when needed.
2Measurement precision
If high measurement rates are maintained, then measurement precision is ensured, but unnecessary data transmission occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different measurement and transmission qualities to different spatial zones. When the application zone is detected as inactive, the system reduces measurement and transmission activities locally in that zone, while maintaining higher rates in active zones. This ensures measurement precision where needed while avoiding unnecessary data transmission in inactive areas.
3Loss of information
If frequent data transmission is performed, then data freshness is maintained, but radio coexistence deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic data transmission adjusted to zone activity rather than continuous transmission. When the application zone is inactive, transmission frequency is reduced or suspended, creating periodic rather than continuous transmission patterns. This maintains data freshness during active periods while reducing radio interference and improving coexistence during inactive periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A field device for determining a process variable is provided, the field device including: a sensor circuitry configured to sense a measured value of the process variable; a communication circuitry configured to transmit the measured value wirelessly to a receiver; a position determination circuitry configured to determine a geographic position of the field device; and a control circuitry configured to determine, as a function of a current geographical position of the field device, at least one of: (a) a current measurement rate at which the sensor circuitry acquires measured values of the process variable, and (b) a current data transmission rate at which the communication circuitry transmits measured values to the receiver. A method of operating a field device is also provided.