Sensor Data Collection Using Optical Signaling and Acceleration Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor information collecting apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a maintenance-free state for 10 years due to high power consumption in wireless systems and require complex and costly wireless modules for data transmission, complicating device configuration and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A sensor information collecting apparatus with a simple configuration that includes a sensor module, sensor amplifier, acceleration sensor, control unit, power supply unit, and illumination unit, where the control unit manages power supply and data transmission using optical communication, activating components only when necessary to reduce power consumption and simplify device operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wireless module is always in standby state to receive read requests and transmit data, then data transmission capability is improved, but power consumption of battery increases and lifetime is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless module operates in periodic intervals rather than continuous standby. It wakes up at predetermined intervals to check for read requests, transmits accumulated data if requested, then returns to sleep mode. This periodic operation maintains data transmission capability while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous standby state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the wireless module based on actual needs. The module transitions between sleep mode and active state according to whether data transmission is required, optimizing the balance between reliability and power consumption rather than maintaining a fixed standby state.
2Reliability
If a microcomputer is mounted on the wireless module for wireless control, then data transmission function is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is extracted from the wireless module and placed in the main control unit. The wireless module itself remains simple without a microcomputer, while the main control unit handles all control logic. This separation simplifies the wireless module's circuit while maintaining full wireless control capability through the main controller.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor amplifier is always in operation state to output detection data, then measurement capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor amplifier operates periodically rather than continuously. It is activated at predetermined intervals to perform measurements, then powered down. This periodic operation maintains measurement precision when needed while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation state.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus achieves reduced power consumption, extends battery life, and simplifies device configuration and cost, enabling efficient data transmission and maintenance-free operation for infrastructure monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination unit, which is able to emit light with superimposing an optical communication signal
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor information collecting apparatus includes: a sensor module including a sensor; a sensor amplifier; an acceleration sensor; a control unit; a power supply unit; an illumination unit; an illumination driver; and a battery, which supplies a battery voltage to the acceleration sensor, the control unit, and the power supply unit, wherein, when an acceleration level is equal to or more than a threshold value for data-storing, the control unit activates the sensor amplifier and controls the memory to store the detection data, and wherein, when the acceleration sensor detects an acceleration level which is less than the threshold value for data-storing and is equal to or more than a threshold value for data-transmitting, the control unit outputs an optical communication signal and the illumination driver controls the illumination unit to emit light, on which the optical communication signal is superimposed.