Distributed Smart Sensor Nodes for Autonomous Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condition monitoring systems face challenges in scalability, customization, and complexity due to centralized data processing and cabling, which hinders autonomous event-driven actions in distributed sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
A configurable distributed smart sensor system where sensing nodes can autonomously detect events and perform actions without a central host, using internal and external sensing elements connected via a digital bus, allowing for customizable configuration files and action sets, enabling local data processing and reduced cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a central host controls all data buffering and event detection in analog sensor systems, then the system structure is relatively simple, but the host becomes a single point of failure and the system lacks scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized host functionality into distributed sensing nodes, each capable of independent data buffering and event detection. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity at the node level while achieving improved reliability through distribution, as failure of one node does not compromise the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensing node is equipped with autonomous capabilities to buffer data locally and detect events independently without requiring constant host intervention. This self-service approach enables nodes to continue operating even when disconnected from the host, thereby improving system reliability while maintaining a simple overall architecture.
2Reliability
If individual cabling is used for each analog sensor, then the system provides reliable point-to-point communication, but the system becomes heavy and requires complicated installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual communication channels into a single digital bus that connects all sensing nodes to the host. This consolidation reduces the overall cabling complexity and installation burden while maintaining reliable communication through the shared bus architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces analog signal transmission through individual cables with digital data transmission over a shared bus. This substitution reduces the mechanical complexity of cabling while maintaining communication reliability through digital protocols and error handling mechanisms.
3Loss of information
If all sensor data is processed centrally at the host, then the host can perform comprehensive analysis, but the processing load on the host increases and response time for local events may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data processing function by distributing event detection capabilities to individual sensing nodes. Each node can immediately detect and respond to local events without waiting for host processing, reducing response time. Meanwhile, the host retains comprehensive data for complete analysis, maintaining data analysis completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces local event detection logic at each sensing node as an intermediary between data acquisition and host processing. This intermediary enables immediate local response to critical events while still allowing the host to perform comprehensive analysis of all data, thereby reducing response time without sacrificing analysis completeness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses configurable distributed sensing nodes with autonomous event detection, then the system becomes more adaptable to different applications, but the configuration and setup becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs sensing nodes with universal, configurable capabilities that can be adapted to different applications through software configuration rather than hardware changes. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware platform to serve various monitoring needs while the configuration complexity is managed through standardized interfaces and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adaptability through configurable parameters and settings at each sensing node, allowing the system to be tuned for different applications without changing the physical architecture. This parameter-based configuration provides versatility while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple and manageable.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method performed by a plurality of digital sensing nodes of a sensing network having a controller and/or host is provided. A first sensing node of the plurality of digital sensing nodes is configured with a configuration file selected from a plurality of configuration files, which defines a plurality of action sets to perform in association with detection of respective first and second events. The plurality of digital sensing nodes are configured for acquiring sensed data for monitoring a system. The first sensing node is configured based on the configuration file for, autonomously of the sensing network controller and host, detecting at least one of the first and second events as a function of sensed data output by a sensing element of the first sensing node, performing a first action set if the first event is detected, and performing a second action set if the second event is detected.