Sensor Data Collection via Centralized Processing and Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote reading systems for energy self-sufficient sensors face challenges in data homogeneity, energy consumption, and operational complexity due to local data processing and bidirectional communication, leading to maintenance needs and high energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving time-stamped data recording and storage by sensors, with unprocessed raw data transmitted in compressed form via radio links when data packets reach a predetermined size or time interval, allowing for central processing and evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If local data processing is performed by sensors with sophisticated electronic means, then data evaluation capabilities are improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data processing function from the sensor device and relocates it to a centralized remote facility. The sensor only performs measurement and stores raw data locally, while all sophisticated evaluation, analysis, and business function processing are performed remotely at the facility, eliminating the need for complex electronics in the sensor itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary between the sensor and the remote facility. This interface handles data transmission and can perform basic formatting or compression, but the bulk of processing is performed by the remote facility, acting as a mediator that provides sophisticated processing without adding complexity to the sensor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated electronic means are provided in sensors, then processing resources are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy-intensive processing operations from the sensor and relocates them to the remote facility. The sensor only performs low-power measurements and stores data in memory, while all sophisticated processing, analysis, and business function evaluations are performed remotely where unlimited power is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic data transmission from the sensor to the remote facility. Instead of continuous processing and transmission, the sensor accumulates data in memory and transmits it periodically when triggered by events such as full memory buffer, time intervals, or detected anomalies, reducing energy consumption from continuous operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional radio links are implemented, then communication flexibility is improved, but transmission security and energy consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or event-triggered unidirectional transmission from sensor to remote facility, rather than continuous bidirectional communication. The sensor transmits data when triggered by events such as full memory buffer, time intervals, or detected anomalies, and the remote facility triggers downloads when needed, minimizing radio usage and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional master-slave communication model. Instead of the sensor actively requesting data or the remote facility continuously polling, the remote facility initiates downloads when needed, and the sensor pushes data when ready, creating an event-driven communication pattern that reduces unnecessary radio transmissions.
4Reliability
If data are transmitted at regular intervals, then data availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic data transmission with configurable intervals, allowing the system to balance between data availability and energy consumption. The transmission can be triggered by time intervals, memory buffer status, or detected anomalies, providing flexible data updates without continuous radio usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows dynamic adjustment of transmission parameters including interval duration, buffer size thresholds, and trigger conditions. These parameters can be modified remotely to adapt to changing requirements, enabling the system to optimize the balance between data availability and energy consumption based on operational conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for collecting data delivered by sensors (1) each containing a measurement element, which sensors are associated with radio communication means and each comprise storage means for storing and preparing measurement signals recorded by the respective measurement elements for the transmission of said signals, and an autonomous power source. The method is characterised in that it comprises the following steps: recording successive raw measurement data corresponding to time-stamped, elementary measurement units of at least one physical or physical-chemical variable or parameter delivered by the measurement element of a particular sensor (1); in each sensor (1) concerned, storing this raw measurement data in the storage means of the sensor (1); transmitting the unprocessed raw measurement data in compressed form via a radio link; and collecting, storing and evaluating the raw measurement data transmitted from a multiplicity of sensors (1) in a remote central processing facility (8).