Sensor Network Identity Determination via Reference Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger transport installations, such as elevators and escalators, face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively determining the identity of sensors within their sensor networks, particularly in retrofitting older systems, due to the need for individual sensor configuration and logistical efforts.
Innovation Solution
A sensor network with a master unit and sensor nodes that utilize a signal transmission means, such as a bus system, and a sensor detection module to determine sensor identities based on reference measurement results, sensor node configurations, and pre-established information stored in a database, allowing for automatic identification without requiring unique physical designs or extensive configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual sensors are configured with unique identities and wired to a central controller, then sensor identity determination is reliable, but installation complexity and logistical efforts increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor nodes automatically determine their own identities by autonomously measuring operating parameters during operation and comparing them with reference values stored in the database. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration of unique sensor identities, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable identification through automatic parameter-based differentiation
Solution Approach 2:
Reference measurement results are pre-stored in a database before the sensor network becomes operational. During installation and commissioning, the system performs preliminary automatic determination of sensor identities by comparing initial parameter measurements against these pre-established references, avoiding the need for complex individual configuration procedures
2Measurement precision
If manual configuration of each sensor is performed, then accurate sensor identification is achieved, but installation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor node automatically performs identification by measuring its own operating parameters and comparing them with reference values. This self-service approach achieves accurate sensor identification without requiring manual configuration, thereby significantly reducing installation time and associated costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from measured operating parameters to automatically determine sensor identities. By continuously monitoring parameters such as acceleration, temperature, or electrical current and comparing them against reference values, the system achieves precise identification without manual intervention, reducing both time and cost
3Ease of manufacture
If identical sensors of the same type are used throughout the network, then production and inventory are simplified, but sensor identity determination becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system differentiates identical sensors by detecting changes in their operating parameters during operation. Each sensor node measures parameters such as acceleration patterns, temperature profiles, or electrical characteristics that naturally vary based on the sensor's specific location and function. These parameter variations serve as unique identifiers, allowing the system to distinguish between identical sensors without requiring different hardware models
Solution Approach 2:
Each identical sensor node autonomously determines its identity by measuring its own operating parameters and comparing them with reference values. This self-service mechanism enables the system to differentiate between identical sensors based on their operational characteristics rather than physical design differences, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enabling accurate identification
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger transport system sensor network has a master unit, a signal-transferring apparatus, and a plurality of sensor nodes each having at least one sensor sensing a physical measurement variable and transferring the sensed variable to the master unit via the signal-transferring apparatus. A sensor-identifying module in the master unit determines the identity of the sensors from information, stored in a database, of: a first information type about reference measurement results to be typically provided by a particular sensor under already known conditions; a second information type about the identity of a sensor node containing the particular sensor, the sensor node having a plurality of different sensors or a plurality of identical sensors in different configurations; and/or a third information type about a configuration of a sensor node holding the particular sensor, which configuration was defined in advance. Sensor identities and installation locations can be determined in an automated manner.