Valve Positioner Optical Status Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments with multiple valves in close proximity, wireless communication of valve position information is challenging due to crosstalk and security concerns, such as malicious interception, especially when using Bluetooth or radio waves.
Innovation Solution
A valve positioning system that uses a valve positioner with selectively illuminated lights to optically transmit status information to a computing device in line of sight, and a photodetector to receive control information from the computing device, thereby reducing crosstalk and enhancing security through direct physical access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless transmission (Bluetooth, radio waves) is used to transmit valve information, then communication convenience is improved, but crosstalk and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wireless electromagnetic transmission (radio waves, Bluetooth) with optical transmission using visible light. The valve positioner uses lights to optically transmit status information to a computing device, and the photodetector detects light from mobile devices to receive control information. This substitution eliminates crosstalk and security risks associated with wireless transmission while maintaining communication convenience through line-of-sight optical links.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium for communication between the valve positioner and computing devices. The lights emit optical signals that carry status information, and the photodetector detects optical signals containing control information. This intermediary optical transmission method provides secure, targeted communication that avoids the crosstalk problems of direct wireless transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve positioning systems operate in the same area, then system coverage is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication channel by using directional optical transmission. Each valve positioner's lights transmit information only to computing devices within its specific line-of-sight path, and each photodetector receives signals only from specific directions. This spatial segmentation allows multiple valve positioning systems to operate in the same area without crosstalk, as each system's optical communication is confined to its own directional beam path.
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 system effectively communicates valve status and control information optically, minimizing crosstalk and security risks by ensuring direct line of sight communication, thus improving communication reliability and security.
Implementation Method 1
The valve positioner includes one or more lights that are configured to be selectively illuminated in a predetermined order based on the status information
Implementation Method 2
The valve positioning system includes a photodetector configured to detect light, based on control information for controlling the valve positioner, that is generated by a computing device
Data Source
AI summary
A valve positioning system controls a valve and exchanges information related to the valve. The valve positioning system includes a valve positioner in operative association with the valve such that the valve positioner receives status information related to the valve. The valve positioner includes one or more lights that are selectively illuminated in a predetermined order based on the status information. By selectively illuminating the one or more lights in the predetermined order, the valve positioner is optically transmits the status information to a computing device that is in a line of sight with the one or more lights of the valve positioner. A method of exchanging information related to a valve in a valve positioning system is also provided.