Script-Based Meter Reading Device Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for recording consumption values in buildings are inflexible, requiring specific programming for each device and limiting compatibility with different consumption value recording units and communication standards, making it time-consuming and costly to adapt to various meters and networks.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a central processing unit and a data acquisition unit with configuration scripts that can automatically set up to read consumption values from multiple units, using wireless communication and script-based configuration parameters, allowing dynamic adaptation to different consumption value recording units and networks without changing the firmware, supporting various standards and manufacturers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific programming is hard-coded for each device, then device functionality is ensured, but adaptability to different consumption value recording units and communication standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The data acquisition unit is designed with universal configuration capabilities through script-based configuration files that enable the same hardware to work with multiple consumption value recording units and communication standards. The configuration files contain device-specific parameters, communication protocols, and data formats, allowing one device to serve multiple functions without hard-coded programming for each specific unit.
2Reliability
If firmware is specifically programmed for each device type, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity and programming effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
Device-specific configuration parameters and programming logic are extracted from the firmware and placed into external configuration files. This separation allows the firmware to remain generic and simple, while device-specific details are managed through configurable files that can be created or modified without changing the firmware code, significantly reducing programming effort and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple device configurations and communication protocols are merged into a single unified firmware image through the use of configuration files. Instead of creating separate firmware versions for each device type, the system combines support for multiple device types, communication standards, and data formats into one firmware that adapts to specific devices through configuration file parameters.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is performed for each consumption value recording unit, then configuration accuracy is improved, but setup time and automation capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration parameters, communication protocols, and data formats are pre-defined in configuration files before the data acquisition unit needs to operate. The configuration files contain all necessary device-specific information prepared in advance, allowing the system to automatically configure itself upon startup or when a new device is connected, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining accuracy through pre-validated configuration templates.
4Stability of the object's composition
If configuration parameters are hard-coded in firmware, then system stability is improved, but flexibility and ease of modification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static hard-coded configuration to dynamic configuration through external configuration files. Configuration parameters can be modified, added, or removed by simply updating the configuration files without recompiling or reflashing firmware. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to new device types, communication protocols, or operational requirements while maintaining system stability through the same core firmware architecture.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (2) for recording consumption values determined by means of at least one consumption value recording unit (1), with at least one data acquisition unit (4) for reading the received consumption values, wherein: - the data acquisition unit (4) comprises at least one communication interface for communication with a central processing unit (6), - the central processing unit (6) provides a plurality of configuration scripts (CS) by means of which the data acquisition unit (4) can be automatically configured to read consumption values from different consumption value recording units (1), wherein - the central processing unit (6) transmits stored configuration scripts (CS) to the data acquisition unit (4) depending on the consumption value recording unit (1) to be read.and wherein - the majority of configuration scripts (CS) each comprise predefined configuration parameters for the automatic setting of the data acquisition unit (4).