Reconfigurable Sensor Node Using Universal Protocols for Interoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing environmental monitoring systems in complex manufacturing environments are often inflexible and proprietary, limiting their ability to effectively monitor and report a wide range of conditions, particularly in dynamic and hard-to-access areas.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plurality of sensors, a configurable processor, and input/output modules that can detect, process, and transmit environmental data, with optional coprocessor support for external sensors and network connectivity, enabling flexible monitoring and reporting via open standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary integrated monitoring systems are used, then integration with existing machinery is achieved, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is designed with universal communication protocols (Modbus, BACnet, OPC, HTTP) that enable it to interface with multiple types of machinery and platforms. The system can function as both a monitoring device and a gateway, adapting to different industrial environments without requiring proprietary integration for each machine type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular components including sensor modules, processing units, and communication interfaces that can be independently configured and deployed. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to different machinery configurations while maintaining reliable integration through standardized protocols.
2Device complexity
If fixed-functionality monitoring systems are deployed, then system complexity is reduced, but ability to monitor diverse conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities where monitoring parameters, thresholds, and communication protocols can be adjusted in real-time based on operational requirements. The configurable processor allows runtime modification of monitoring behavior without requiring system redesign, enabling adaptation to diverse conditions while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single monitoring system platform provides multiple functions including environmental sensing, data processing, wireless communication, and gateway services. This multi-functionality is achieved through modular architecture where different sensor types and communication protocols can be activated as needed, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems.
3Reliability
If proprietary protocols are used, then integration with specific machinery is achieved, but interoperability with open standards is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system acts as an intermediary gateway between proprietary machinery protocols and open standards. It receives data from machinery using proprietary protocols, processes and standardizes the information, then transmits it through open protocols (BACnet, Modbus, OPC, HTTP) to building management systems and analytics platforms, enabling interoperability without sacrificing integration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module is designed to support multiple protocols simultaneously, functioning as both a proprietary protocol client and an open standards server. This dual capability allows the system to maintain reliable integration with specific machinery while providing broad interoperability with diverse platforms using open standards.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a data acquisition device comprises a plurality of sensors to detect an environmental condition, a configurable processor coupled to the plurality of sensors, wherein the configurable processor is configured to receive one or more signals from the plurality of sensors, process the one or more signals to generate environmental data representative of the environmental condition, wherein the environmental data is, and a first input/output module to transmit the data to a remote device. Other embodiments may be disclosed.