Sensor Device Management System Registration Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of sensor devices is inefficient due to the risk of wrong registration and communication verification errors, particularly in challenging environments like utility holes and metal-covered areas, which requires expert radio communication expertise and prolongs the installation process, causing traffic disruptions and productivity losses.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device management system that uses a mobile terminal to read sensor IDs via two-dimensional codes, connects the sensor to a low-power wide-area network, and verifies communication through a management server, preventing registration errors and facilitating efficient installation by collating IDs and performing communication tests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual registration of sensor identifiers and positions is performed, then installation flexibility is maintained, but registration accuracy deteriorates due to human errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration accuracyVSAvoidinstallation procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical registration processes with automated optical recognition systems. Two-dimensional codes on sensor devices are read by mobile terminals using camera-based recognition, eliminating manual typing and reducing human error in identifier and position registration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses two-dimensional codes as visual copies of sensor identifiers. These codes encode unique identification information that can be automatically read and transmitted to the server, replacing manual data entry and ensuring accurate copying of identifier information from the sensor device to the registration system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If communication verification is performed in challenging radio environments, then communication reliability is improved, but installation time increases due to requirement for expert specialists

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication verification accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables automatic communication verification where the sensor device itself performs transmission tests to the server without requiring external expert intervention. The device autonomously verifies its communication capability in the actual installation environment, and the system automatically determines whether the location is suitable based on verification results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mobile terminal as an intermediary between the sensor device and the server during communication verification. The mobile terminal facilitates the verification process by establishing temporary communication links and transmitting test data, enabling non-experts to perform verification in challenging radio environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If thorough installation verification is performed, then installation quality is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to extended installation time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation qualityVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs communication verification in advance during the installation process itself, rather than as a separate post-installation step. The sensor device transmits test data to the server immediately after installation, allowing verification to be completed as part of the installation workflow and eliminating the need for separate expert verification sessions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements automatic feedback loops where the server receives test transmission data from the sensor device and automatically determines installation suitability. The system provides immediate feedback on communication quality and installation status, enabling rapid decision-making without requiring manual analysis by specialists.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3544324B1Sensor device management method and sensor device management system
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 HITACHI LTD
  • EP3544324B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3544324B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3544324B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to prevent wrong registration due to an operation error and an input error in installation work of a sensor device. A terminal acquires a first identifier which the sensor device has and further, acquires positional information using a positioning device. The terminal transmits the first identifier and the positional information respectively acquired to a management server. The sensor device transmits a second identifier held by itself to the management server. The management server correlates the second identifier and the positional information when the management server judges that the first identifier and the second identifier are located in predetermined relation, registers them in a storage, and the management server notifies the sensor device of a result of the judgment.