Wireless HACCP Data Collection System with Remote Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HACCP data collection and management systems are time and labor intensive, require frequent reconfiguration of sensors and measurement devices, and are prone to data loss due to mechanical or electronic failures.
Innovation Solution
A system enabling bi-directional communication between remote wireless measurement devices and a central web server via a local com/data link, with data buffers to reduce data loss and an Internet-based user interface for remote configuration and management of devices and data packets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors and measurement devices are distributed across a large physical area to monitor multiple critical control points, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and reconfiguration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor platform that can monitor multiple different parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.) across various critical control points. The system uses standardized sensors that can be configured through a centralized interface to monitor different food safety parameters, eliminating the need for specialized devices for each measurement point and enabling easy adaptation to different monitoring requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of sensor parameters and monitoring thresholds through software updates via the centralized interface. Sensors can be remotely programmed to change measurement ranges, sampling frequencies, and alert thresholds without physical reconfiguration, enabling rapid adaptation to different food safety requirements and process changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each sensor and measurement device is reconfigured for new processes and parameters, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated self-configuration capabilities where sensors automatically receive updated parameters and process definitions through centralized software updates. The centralized interface allows administrators to define new processes and parameters once, and the system automatically propagates these configurations to all relevant sensors, eliminating manual reconfiguration efforts and enabling rapid adaptation to menu changes or process modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures sensors with standardized parameters and communication protocols during installation, creating a flexible baseline configuration. This preliminary setup allows sensors to be quickly adapted to specific processes through software updates rather than requiring complete reconfiguration, enabling rapid response to changing food safety requirements.
3Loss of information
If data is stored locally in sensors and measurement devices, then data accessibility is improved, but reliability decreases due to mechanical or electronic failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a hierarchical data storage architecture where data is simultaneously maintained at multiple levels: locally in sensors for immediate accessibility, at intermediate collection points for regional backup, and centrally on servers for master storage. This distributed redundancy ensures that data remains accessible even if any single storage location fails, combining local accessibility with enhanced reliability through geographic and architectural distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated data backup and validation mechanisms that create redundant copies of critical data before potential failures occur. Data is continuously synchronized across multiple storage locations, and checksum validation is performed to detect corruption. This preemptive approach ensures data integrity and availability even when mechanical or electronic failures occur at any level of the system.
Data Source
AI summary
The information system and method for collecting, transferring and administrating quality control data, and particularly HACCP data disclosed allows bi-directional communication between a plurality of remote wireless measurement devices and a central web server through a local com/data link. The com/data link provides wireless communication with the various measurement devices and communication with the web server via an Internet connection. An Internet based database and website interface provides centralized data storage and easily accessible data management and analysis. Administrator/users can access and manage the data from any location or device with Internet connectivity. The measurement devices allow their operation and functions to be configured and reconfigured by uploading customized device “data packets” into the devices system memory. The Internet-based user interface allows administrator/users to remotely customize and modify these “data packets” for each individual measurement device to suit each specific application. The bi-directional communication between the various wireless measurement devices and the web server allows administrator/users to reconfigure each individual measurement device remotely through an Internet-based user interface.