Measuring System Relay Unit Software Update Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring systems for determining physical or chemical variables in media do not provide a method for updating the basic software of relay units, which are essential for maintaining system functionality and compatibility with evolving sensor technologies.
Innovation Solution
A measuring system comprising a base unit, relay unit, and sensor unit, where both units have dedicated memory regions for storing and updating their respective basic software, with password-activated upload software allowing selective updating of the sensor and relay unit software modules, ensuring compatibility and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the measuring system uses relay units to maintain system functionality and compatibility, then the system's operational continuity is improved, but the ability to update relay unit software is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measuring system into distinct functional units (sensor unit, relay unit, base unit), each with independent memory regions for storing basic software. This segmentation allows the relay unit to maintain its core functionality while enabling separate software updates through dedicated upload software stored in distinct memory regions, resolving the contradiction between operational continuity and update capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by storing upload software in a separate memory region alongside the basic software. This upload software is prepared in advance and can be activated by unique passwords to perform selective updates of the basic software, allowing the system to maintain operational continuity while enabling future software updates without disrupting ongoing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows software updating of relay units, then adaptability to new sensor technologies is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing software update capabilities specifically in the relay unit rather than throughout the entire system. The relay unit contains dedicated memory regions for basic software and upload software, with password-protected activation mechanisms. This localized approach enables adaptability to new sensor technologies while minimizing system-wide complexity by confining the update mechanism to where it is most needed.
3Reliability
If the system implements selective software updating with passwords, then security and functionality are improved, but operational time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by using password comparison to selectively activate only the necessary upload software in the relay unit. Rather than updating all software components simultaneously, the system performs a password comparison and activates only the specific upload software needed for the intended update, reducing the overall time required while maintaining security and functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring system for determining a value of a physical or chemical, measured variable of a medium, includes: a base unit; at least one relay unit connected with the base unit and a sensor unit connected with the relay unit. The sensor unit includes a circuit having at least one microcontroller, at least a first memory region, and a second memory region. The upload software is embodied, in interaction with the microcontroller, to perform an updating of the basic software with at least one software module provided from the base unit. The relay unit includes a circuit having at least one microcontroller, and at least a first memory region, in which a basic software of the relay unit is stored. The circuit of the relay unit further includes a second memory region, in which an upload software of the relay unit is stored.