Sensor Data Field Interpretation for Unknown Vendor Formats

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data processing systems face challenges in interpreting sensor data from multiple vendors without pre-defined formats, as the definitions of sensor data fields are often unknown, making it difficult to understand the represented physical quantities and formats.

Innovation Solution

A data processing apparatus and method that includes a data acquisition unit, interpretation unit, output unit, estimating unit, and confirming unit to acquire, interpret, and output sensor data, even when field definitions are unknown, by estimating definitions based on sensor data characteristics such as variation patterns and physical addresses, and confirming these definitions with user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sensor data from multiple vendors is processed without pre-defined formats, then the system's adaptability and versatility are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring field definitions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to process sensor data from multiple vendorsVSAvoiddifficulty of understanding field definitions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically analyzes sensor data to self-determine field definitions without requiring external documentation or manual configuration. The determination unit examines data patterns, ranges, and characteristics to autonomously identify what each field represents, enabling the system to adapt to different vendor formats independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of field definition from a static, pre-defined format to a dynamic, data-driven definition. By analyzing actual data characteristics such as value ranges, variation patterns, and temporal behavior, the system adapts field definitions to match the specific sensor data being processed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If field definitions are determined automatically without user input, then the productivity and ease of operation are improved, but the measurement precision and reliability of field definition accuracy may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of processing sensor dataVSAvoidaccuracy of field definition
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the determination unit continuously refines field definition based on analyzed data patterns. By monitoring data characteristics and adjusting definitions accordingly, the system improves accuracy over time while maintaining automated processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of sensor data to establish initial field definitions before full processing begins. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare accurate definitions in advance, improving both the speed and accuracy of subsequent data processing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If all sensor data fields are interpreted with known definitions, then the loss of information is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to needing to handle unknown fields

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of data interpretationVSAvoidcomplexity of handling unknown field definitions
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and separates known fields from unknown fields in the sensor data. By identifying and extracting fields with recognizable patterns and characteristics, the system can process these with high confidence while handling remaining unknown fields through automated determination, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The determination process is segmented into multiple stages: initial data analysis, pattern recognition, field definition hypothesis generation, and verification. This segmentation allows the system to handle complexity in manageable steps while maintaining comprehensive data interpretation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4109053B1Data processing apparatus, data processing method, and data processing program
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP4109053B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4109053B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4109053B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A data processing apparatus is provided comprising a data acquisition unit configured to acquire sensor data of a sensor that is capable of measuring physical quantities of a measurement target, an interpretation unit configured to attempt to interpret, in accordance with a definition for each field of the sensor data, sensor data in the respective fields, and an output unit configured to output the sensor data interpreted by the interpretation unit for a field of which a definition is known, and to output the sensor data acquired by the data acquisition unit as is for a field of which a definition is unknown along with an indicator indicating unidentified. The data processing apparatus further comprises a confirming unit configured to later confirm a definition for at least one field among fields of which the definition is unknown.