Industrial Sensor Display Device Using Optical Coding for Remote Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial sensors often have small type plates that are not readable in harsh environments and lack efficient methods for displaying and updating device-related information throughout their lifecycle.
Innovation Solution
A display device with an electronic display that uses optical coding, such as QR codes, to store and retrieve device-related information, allowing for remote access to a database via a user device, enabling flexible and adaptive display of information like serial numbers, maintenance recommendations, and firmware updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a type plate is attached to the industrial sensor, then device-specific information can be displayed, but the type plate is small due to limited space and may not be readable in harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional physical type plate to a multi-dimensional information storage system. The electronic display on the sensor body provides a first dimension (local display), while the database accessible via coded information provides additional dimensions (remote storage, expanded capacity). This resolves the contradiction by displaying information locally in a compact form while enabling access to extensive information remotely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coded information (barcode, QR code, data matrix) as an intermediary between the sensor and the database. This intermediary enables indirect access to device-specific information without requiring direct physical space for all information, resolving the contradiction between limited display area and information accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device-specific information is printed on a type plate, then information is available, but it cannot be updated throughout the product life cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static printed type plate with a dynamic information system. The electronic display can be updated, and the database storing device-specific information can be modified throughout the sensor's operational life. This allows the system to adapt to changing requirements, firmware updates, and maintenance needs while extending the functional duration of information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-establishes the infrastructure for future updates by implementing the electronic display and database connection before they are needed. The coded information and communication interfaces are built in advance, enabling seamless information updates throughout the product lifecycle without requiring physical modifications later.
3Loss of information
If an electronic display is added to show device information, then information can be displayed, but the display consumes energy and requires power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or on-demand display activation rather than continuous operation. The electronic display can be activated when needed (e.g., when a user scans the coded information or when updates are required) and remains inactive otherwise, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining display capability when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service information access where the display shows essential information autonomously, and detailed information is retrieved on-demand from the database. This reduces the need for continuous power consumption by displaying only critical information locally while enabling periodic access to comprehensive data.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device for an industrial sensor is provided, including an electronic display configured to display encoded information, the encoded information being information for retrieving device-related information about the sensor. An industrial sensor system, and a method for retrieving device-related information about a sensor of an industrial sensor, are also provided.