Multi-Node Sensor Interface for Dynamic Configuration and Firmware Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional multi-node sensor networks lack flexibility in data processing and parameter configuration, as they are typically limited to pre-defined settings and unchangeable modes, failing to adapt to software updates and varying data output requirements.

Innovation Solution

A data transmission and control device with a processing control module that allows real-time interaction with external control devices for parameter configuration, firmware updates, and data processing, featuring multiple interfaces for communication and data acquisition, enabling dynamic adjustment of sensor parameters and data processing operations without altering hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional sensor control modules use pre-set and unchangeable configuration parameters, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate as the system cannot adapt to software updates or varying data output requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control module transforms from a static, pre-configured device to a dynamic system where configuration parameters can be modified in real-time. The processor allows runtime changes to voltage, gain, threshold, and other parameters, enabling the system to adapt to different operating conditions and software versions without hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control module is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple sensor types and applications. By implementing a programmable architecture with configurable parameters and support for various data processing modes (energy spectrum analysis, time spectrum analysis, etc.), a single control module design can serve multiple purposes across different sensor networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional sensor control modules have fixed data processing modes, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as the system cannot respond to varying data output requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic parameter changes in data processing modes through software configuration. The control module can switch between different processing algorithms, energy window settings, and data output formats by modifying operational parameters rather than requiring hardware changes, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces fixed hardware-based data processing with software-based processing that can be dynamically reconfigured. Instead of having separate hardware circuits for different processing modes, the system uses a programmable processor that can implement various processing algorithms through software, eliminating the need for complex hardware manufacturing variations.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensor configuration parameters are pre-set and unchangeable, then reliability is improved through stable operation, but adaptability deteriorates as the system cannot adapt to software updates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control module implements feedback mechanisms that monitor system performance and allow dynamic adjustment of configuration parameters. This enables the system to maintain optimal performance across different operating conditions and software versions, achieving both adaptability and reliability through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration and validation of parameter changes before they take full effect. This includes checking compatibility between software updates and configuration parameters, and validating new settings before applying them, thus maintaining system reliability while enabling adaptability to updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3257443B1Data transmission and control device in multi-node sensor network
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 RAYSOLUTION HEALTHCARE CO LTD
  • EP3257443B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3257443B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A data transmission and control device in a multi-node sensor network, comprising a processing control module (110). The processing control module (110) comprises an instruction processing unit, a data processing unit, at least one group of first-type interfaces (J101-J10n), at least one group of second-type interfaces (J201-J20n), one group of fifth-type interfaces (J500) and one group of sixth-type interfaces (J600). The fifth-type interfaces (J500) have communication connections with an external control device (120). The first-type interfaces (J101-J10n) respectively have communication connections with a sensor (140) so as to cooperate with the instruction processing unit to configure and query a parameter of the sensor (140), and to upgrade firmware and report feedback information of the sensor (140) and the processing control module. The second-type interfaces (J201-J20n) respectively have communication connections with the sensor (140) and the sixth-type interfaces (J600) have communication connections with an external service terminal (130) so as to cooperate with the data processing unit to acquire data of a plurality of sensors (140) and transmit the data to the external service terminal (130) for processing. The device controls the sensor (140) via a network, enables the data of the sensor (140) to be modular, and provides a uniform interface to the outside, thus forming a smart control platform for dynamic configuration, data processing and external interaction of the sensor (140).