Sensor Parameter Change Verification via Segmented Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for changing sensor device parameters over a wireless network face challenges in reliably recognizing the success or failure of parameter changes due to packet dropouts and increased data packet size, which can lead to incorrect determination of parameter changes by the management server.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device management method and system where the management server holds and transmits parameter changes along with change management information, which is stored on the sensor device and sent back with measurement data, allowing the management server to determine the success of parameter changes by collating the received and stored information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the management server adds parameters to measurement data packets for reliable recognition of parameter changes, then the reliability of parameter change recognition is improved, but the size of measurement data packets increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter change recognition reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement data packet size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the parameter change recognition mechanism into two independent parts: (1) change management information that tracks parameter changes, and (2) measurement data packets that carry sensor readings. This segmentation allows the system to recognize parameter changes through separate change notification packets rather than embedding parameters in every measurement data packet, thus reducing packet size while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces change management information as an intermediary mechanism between the management server and sensor devices. This intermediary tracks parameter changes and communicates them separately through change notification packets, eliminating the need to include full parameter sets in every measurement data packet while ensuring reliable parameter change recognition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the management server uses ACK responses to determine parameter change success, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to packet dropout causing false failure determination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter change determination simplicityVSAvoidparameter change success determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensor devices send change notification packets containing change management information to confirm parameter changes. The management server compares this feedback with its records to determine success, providing reliable confirmation without over-reliance on simple ACK responses that may be lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent assigns version numbers to parameter sets before transmission. This preliminary action allows the management server to track and verify parameter changes by comparing version numbers in change notification packets, enabling reliable success determination even if some communication packets are lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If the sensor device transmits parameters with measurement data, then the loss of information is reduced, but the use of energy increases due to larger packet size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter information completenessVSAvoidsensor device power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts parameter change information from measurement data packets and places it in separate change notification packets. This extraction allows measurement data packets to contain only essential sensor readings, reducing their size and the energy required for transmission, while parameter information is still transmitted separately to maintain completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If the management server resends parameter change instructions upon receiving NACK, then the reliability of parameter change is improved, but the loss of time increases due to repeated transmission attempts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter change execution reliabilityVSAvoidparameter change completion time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent assigns version numbers to parameter sets before transmission and includes them in change notification packets. This preliminary action allows the management server to verify parameter changes by comparing version numbers, reducing the need for repeated transmission attempts and minimizing time loss while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10996076B2Sensor device management method and sensor device management system

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 HITACHI LTD

AI summary

A management server 103 holds a parameter of a sensor device 101 and change management information related to a change in the parameter, and transmits the changed parameter and the change management information to the sensor device. The sensor device 101 holds the parameter and the change management information transmitted from the management server, and transmits the change management information to the management server together with measurement data. The management server collates the received change management information and preliminarily-held change management information to determine the change in the parameter on the basis of a result of the collation.