DE4440680A1 - Remote monitoring of probes determining physical, chemical or other variables - Google Patents

Abstract

The method includes initial programming of the individual addresses of the probes by using a monitoring unit to transmit an activating wave whose energy level is steadily raised w.r.t. to time. The nearest or the most favourable positioned of a number of probes will respond after detecting the activation wave, by sending a response wave. The response wave sent by the probe after running an internal test procedure that includes the level of the received activation wave, is of the same form as the activation wave and is sent after a stepped, increasing delay period of random shift direction. The monitoring unit individualises the probe by sending an unique address to the probe which stores it in its memory. After the initialisation the probes can be accessed by the monitoring unit through their addresses. In case of a collision of response waves sent by two probes simultaneously the monitoring unit has to be relocated, and the initialisation restarted.

Description

The present invention relates to remote access of probes by means of a detection device and in particular others wirelessly.

It is generally used to remotely query probes, which are able to display parameter data of predetermined sizes increase, namely physical, chemical or other Sizes to capture them at a distance from the probes device to transmit. It is especially used in the Remote monitoring of lost probes in materials such as for example concrete, are housed to the moisture content of the concrete at a certain point and at a be agreed timing to determine.

There are already systems for remote interrogation of several probes Help of a registration device.

In general, a selected probe is capable of Transmit data of predetermined parameters to the interrogator, if they have an individual address stored with them has known, which has been addressed by the detection device.

In practice, the necessary individualization takes place of the probes during a programming process in which each Probe of a programming device is presented to her assigns and feeds an individual address.

Such programming requires considerable effort, because they pass all probes on the programming device tion requires.

The invention provides a solution to this problem.

A first aim of the invention is individualization of the probes, in which the programming of the indi vidual address is possible in a simple and easy way.  

Another object of the invention is to provide probes which are set up to respond only when they are sent be asked.

Another object of the invention is to provide probes which can be active without having an internal supply.

In the first place, the invention is based on the object Remote inquiry procedure between one registration device and several ren probes of the aforementioned type.

This object is achieved by the features specified in claim 1 solved.

At low radiation energy levels you can get close located and / or advantageously aligned probes; at stronger energy levels can be reached further away or less well-aligned probes.

Another aspect of the invention is the subject of the An Proverbs 2.

The transmission of parameter data advantageously contains one individualized and known probe towards the Ab interrogator modulates the activation common to all probes wave with the parameters to be transmitted.

Secondly, the invention is based on the object specify a remote query system with which the invention Procedure can be performed.

In a third place, the invention is based on the object specify a probe on a remote one to the interrogator Location is arranged, wherein the interrogator is able the probe by sending out a common activation wave to activate from a distance, with the probe thus activated is able to send predetermined parameter data to the interrogator  to transmit when it sends out one from the interrogator recognizes individual address that was previously in the probe after the Individualization of the same has been saved.

According to an important aspect of the invention, the probe contains the features of claim 5.

The probe control device preferably contains the features of claim 6.

The probe also advantageously contains the features of claim 7.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the reception contains device of the probe at least one antenna.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the Probe the features of claim 9.

In one variant, the probe is in accordance with the characteristics of the An pronounced 10 executed.

Another variant of the probe is characterized by the characteristics of the Claim 11 characterized.

Advantageously, the probe also has the features of Claim 12 on. Other training courses are the subject of Claims 13 to 16.

In the fourth place, the present invention is distant target device that can query multiple probes and in is able to send a selected probe by sending a Activation wave common to all probes at a distance activate while the probe is able to pass data to transfer agreed parameters to the interrogator when they an individual, previously ge with her after individualization recognizes the saved address.  

According to another important feature of the invention the interrogator has the features of claim 17. Advantageous Developments thereof are the subject of claims 18 and 19.

Other features and advantages of the invention are set out below with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings tion examples are explained in more detail.

It shows:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a remote query system according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the essential ingredients of a probe according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a flow chart showing the customization of a probe in accordance with the invention; and

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the detection of an individualized probe according to the invention.

In Fig. 1 an interrogator DI is provided to remote requests more individualized sensors S1 to S4. The device DI activates a selected probe at a distance by sending out an activation wave HFDI common to all probes. The probe is activated after a test that includes the energy level of the activation wave received. After activation, it sends data of predetermined parameters to the interrogator. In a known manner, the transmission of the parameter data takes place after the detection of an individual address which has previously been stored in the probe after individualization thereof.

For security and cost reasons is according to the invention provided the probes in a single programming pre gear to individualize, at which the individual addresses all probes. This process takes place, for example  instead, if the probes are embedded in concrete, if the moisture content and the load of the same is transferred shall be.

Those skilled in the art know that the remote query is through a material through, which has a considerable relative damping (at for example a lossy material such as concrete) simultaneous activation of multiple probes and response from the can result in the same, although such simultaneous Activations and responses are less likely than with a lossless material.

In order not to have the same individual address two different ones Allocating probes is a first solution, the Ab to adjust the interrogator (more precisely its antenna ADI). The energy level of the activation wave varies in Dependence on the distance that the interrogator from the Separates probes.

In any case, it must be distinguished that two probes are the same reply in time.

A solution for finding simultaneous responses from two Probes is a in the responses of the probes division that enables the interrogation device from the simultaneous probe response.

In practice it is provided according to the invention that received gene activation wave completely with a sequence of temporal Shifts to the same extent and random directions to send back.

That is, once the probe is activated, it replies in which they received from the common wave of activation Energy returns completely to a binary "0" or to send out a binary "1" with a sequence time shifts of the same size and changing rich tung.  

If for example a common wave of activation sufficient levels to activate the queried probe next has a binary "1", then this probe sends completely return this "1" by changing it by one predetermined size, for example Π / 3, in the positive direction shifts. If then the common wave of activation with sufficient level to activate the queried probe has further binary "1", then sends the queried probe completely return this "1" by always sie / 3 shifts, either in a positive or negative direction.

As will be seen in detail below, it is this episode temporal shifts by the same predetermined sizes and in a random direction, which is the solution to that of the inven problem posed by the simultaneous Two probes answer.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which shows in detail the customization of a probe according to the present invention.

In step 10, the query device DI shares a common act crossing wave HFDI simultaneously to probes S1 to S4 blasted, the energy level of the wave being variable.

In steps 12 for the probe S1 or 14 for the probe S4 one receives at the end of a test 13 or 17 , which includes the energy level of the activation wave 11 or 15 thus received, the activation wave 19 or 21 completely with a sequence of temporal shifts in each case same predetermined size and random direction, which will be explained in detail below.

In step 20, the energy level is output in the interrogation device sent activation wave at the level of that from the probes S1 or S4 returned wave compared.  

In the event that the average level of the energy received is above a predetermined period of time (step 22) that of the return from a single probe, for example here from the probe S1 corresponds, not fluctuates, is provided, the individual Send the address to the activated probe S1 and send it there save to customize this probe (step 26).

For example, the predetermined period of time during which the Analysis of the average received energy level is carried out equal to a multiple of the individual cycles of the signal lower Frequency F, which will be explained in detail below.

It is advantageously provided with respect to the probe S1 Confirm receipt of the address thus transmitted and the Lock funds that are the result of temporal shifts produce.

In the event of a fluctuation (step 30) the same as that early return of multiple probes is provided for Relocate the interrogator and return to step 10 sweep.

In a special application form, the invention does not in which the probes are transducers that are in concrete are embedded to the data of parameters such as Moist speed and voltage has to be determined as described above Individualization has the advantage that it identi the use shear probes allowed and that these in the concrete in the course of the various successive construction steps of a building can be used.

With such individualization, it is no longer necessary maneuverable to demonstrate all probes of a programming device, which makes it very easy to maintain these probes to lead.

It should be noted that in a known manner an out selected probe, for example probe S4, is able to  Data of predetermined parameters to the query device DI only after the detection of a previously in the S1 probe according to Individuali the saved individual address send.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates the detection of the probes after their individualization.

In step 100, the common activation wave becomes HFDI sent out with the individual address of the he knowing probe is modulated.

These probes S1 to S4 receive this activated activation wave and demodulate it to create the modulating indivi extract duel address from it (step 102 for the Probe S1 and step 104 for probe S4).

The extracted individual is in each probe (S1 to S4) le address with the after individualization of each probe in compared to their stored individual address (steps 106 and 108).

In the case of identity (steps 110 or 112) the data the parameters recorded by the probe (steps 114 or 116).

The transmission of parameter data is advantageously carried out of an individualized and recognized probe in it, the Activation wave HFDI, which at the same time of individualization and detection is used to modulate, and this time with the Data of the parameters is modulated to be so individualized and send out recognized wave.

Referring to FIG. 2, a probe of the invention comprises a catching device Emp, receive the light emitted from the interrogator DI activation wave HFDI to. This receiving device is advantageously formed by an antenna 200 . For example, in an application in concrete where the probes are generally cuboid, the receiving device 200 consists of first and second antenna windings arranged on the first and second adjacent surfaces of the cuboid (not shown in the drawing).

For example, the cuboid that forms the transducer has a size in the range of about 2 cm side length.

The diameter of each antenna winding is in the sizes order of 1 cm.

It should be noted that with an array of antennas windings on adjacent sides the probe is able the activation wave HFDI from two mutually perpendicular Receive polarization axes, which improves reception and processing the activation wave independently of the Alignment of the probe allowed.

They are transformation devices for the activation wave provided the joint activity thus received convert the HFDI wave into a supply voltage that is capable of the various that make up the probe To supply elements when queried by the interrogator becomes.

In a first variant, the probe is flat and has one Top and a bottom on. In this case, include the receiving devices first and second antenna wires, the perpendicular to each other on the same side or on different sides are attached.

In a second variant, the probe is spherical and ent hold the receiving devices first and second antennas wires that are perpendicular to each other, each Antenna has one end in the sphere and one free end having.  

In a known manner, the transformation devices consist of a transformer 202 , filter devices 204 and a capacitor 206 , which is able to store the supply voltage obtained by means of the transformation device 202 . The capacitor 206 has a capacitance of 33 nF, for example.

The antenna or antennas of the probe and the transformer are, for example, in a homogeneous technology leads, for example in copper / ceramic technology.

The probe is completed by test equipment capable of checking the level of the activation wave received. These test devices 210 carry out a threshold value measurement of the reception level of the activation wave. Power regulating devices 220 regulate the supply voltage of the probe. For example, they contain a step-down converter, which is offered by LINEAR TECHNOLOGY under the type number LT 1073. This converter is designed, for example, in silicon technology.

The test devices 210 contain, for example, a voltage comparator with a predetermined threshold value of, for example, 10 mV when the common activation wave is a maximum frequency signal HFDI of a frequency in the order of 500 MHz to 2 GHz and the supply current obtained by receiving and transforming the signal HFDI is of the order of 500 µA.

The test devices 210 are implemented, for example, in silicon and of the type LT1073 already mentioned.

In order to carry out steps 19 and 21 described above in FIG. 3, the probe contains return devices 230 which are intended to send back the received activation wave completely with a sequence of temporal shifts of the same predetermined size and random shift direction.

It should be remembered that this sequence of temporal differences Exercises of the same predetermined size and random Direction the solution according to the invention for that by the simultaneous response of two probes posed problem poses.

For example, the devices for generating the sequence of temporal shifts and random direction contain the following assemblies:
an oscillator that generates a low frequency signal F; and
a comparator, one input of which receives a low-level noise signal and the output of which supplies a signal clocked at frequency F, in order to form a series of time shifts of the same size, which lies, for example, between Π / 6 and Π / 3 and has a random sign .

It is noteworthy that the clock frequency F is not necessary is accurate, if it is not necessary, for example to synchronize wisely with those of other probes.

Processing devices 240 are associated with the return devices 230 of the probe in order to store the individual address of the probe that was sent by the interrogator upon detection of a single return of the activation wave.

These storage devices are, for example, from sliding registers, the programmable EEPROM memory facilities for programmable, non-volatile memories assigned.

Modulation / demodulation means of the probe complete the return means 230 to demodulate the activation wave modulated with the individual address of the probe, to extract the individual address therefrom and to store it.

In addition, the processing devices 240 of the probe are able to compare the thus extracted address of the individual address previously stored in the probe after individualization of the same. If the addresses compared are identical, the processing devices are able to activate the transmitting part 250 of the probe.

This transmitting part 250 is formed, for example, by a piezo transducer, such as that sold by Siemens under the type number KPY 57A and which is able to record at least one physical parameter PP.

The converter delivers an analog signal which is the one recorded in this way represents physical parameters.

In the above-mentioned application in concrete, 7 sensors can be provided, namely
3 sensors for tensions in the mutually orthogonal main axes;
2 inclinometers, from which one can derive the measure for the alignment axes of the antenna because the latitude is known;
2 sensors for temperature and humidity.

The analog / digital converter 260 convert the analog signal into a digital signal, which in turn is digitally recoded in Manchester encoding, for example.

The modulator / demodulator devices 230 of the probe thus modulate the activation wave with the digital signal thus obtained.

Advantageously, the means for generating the sequence of temporal shifts can use the comparator of the test means 210 to generate the said sequence.

In practice, the modulator / demodulator devices assigned to the return devices 230 of the probe are implemented exclusively in silicon technology or exclusively in AsGa technology or at least partially from these two materials.

The interrogation device DI in turn consists of modulator / demodulator devices TDI ( Fig. 1), which are able to modulate the activation wave with the individual address to be transmitted and to demodulate the activation wave, which is modulated with the parameter data in order to to process.

Claims (19)

1. A method for remote interrogation of several probes (S1 to S4) by an interrogation device (DI), in which a selected probe is able to receive data of predetermined parameters following the detection of an individual address previously stored in the probe after individualization of the same to the interrogation device to sen, characterized in that the customization of the probe comprises the following steps:

• 1) the interrogator (DI) gradually increases the energy level of a common activation wave (HFDI) and this common activation wave is simultaneously transmitted to the probes,
• 2) in the case of one or more probes, after completion of a test which comprises the level of the activation wave received in this way, the activation wave with a sequence of temporal displacements of the same predetermined size and random displacement direction is completely sent back,
• 3) in the interrogator, the energy level of the activation wave emitted is compared with the level of the wave returned by the probe or probes,
• 4) in the event of no fluctuation in the mean energy level, which is received for a predetermined period of time in accordance with the return from a single probe, the individual address is sent to the probe thus activated and stored in this probe so as to individualize it, while in the case a fluctuation, which corresponds to a simultaneous return of several probes, the interrogator locally adjusted and returned to step 1.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection of an individualized probe comprises the following steps:

• i) the interrogator sends out an activation wave which is modulated with the individual address of the probe to be recognized,
• ii) the common activation wave received in this way is demodulated in each probe in order to extract the modulating individual address therefrom,
• iii) the individual address extracted in this way is compared with the individual address stored in the individualized probe, and in the case of an identity, the parameter data thus obtained is sent from the probe thus recognized to the interrogation device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sending of the parameter data from an individuali and recognized the probe to the interrogator the modulation the common activation wave with the Para to be sent meter data includes. 4. System for remote inquiry between an interrogation device and meh Other probes for performing the method according to one of the An sayings 1 to 3. 5. A probe located in a location remote from an interrogator capable of remotely activating the probe through a common activation wave, which probe is configured to provide parameter data to the interrogator upon detection of one in the probe to send after individualization of the same previously stored individual address, characterized in that it contains:
Receiving devices ( 200 ) for receiving the common activation wave, which originates from the interrogation device and whose energy level can be increased progressively,
Test devices ( 210 ) for checking the level of the activation wave thus received,
Return devices ( 230 ) which, depending on the result of this test, are able to send the common activation wave back in its entirety with a sequence of time shifts of the same predetermined size and random direction, in order to indicate to the interrogator that only the said probe sends back the activation wave,
Storage means ( 240 ) for storing the individual address of the probe which has been sent out by the interrogator when a single probe sends back the common activation wave. 6. Probe according to claim 5, characterized in that the return devices contain:
an oscillator for generating a low frequency signal (F);
a comparator, one input of which receives a noise signal of low level and the output of which outputs an output signal which is clocked at the frequency of the low-frequency signal (F), in order to form the result of a time shift of the same predetermined size and random direction. 7. Probe according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it further contains:
Demodulation means ( 230 ) for demodulating the activation wave modulated with the individual address of the probe in order to extract the modulating individual address therefrom, and
Processing devices ( 240 ) for comparing the individual address thus extracted with the individual address previously stored in the probe after individualization of the same, and in order to pass the parameter data recorded by the probe in the event of identity. 8. Probe according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the receiving devices ( 200 ) contain at least one antenna. 9. Probe according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in net that it is essentially cuboid and that the receiving devices first and second antenna loops fen included, the first and second, adjacent to each other beard areas of the cuboid are arranged. 10. Probe according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized draws that it has a flat shape, the top and has a bottom, and that the receiving devices have first and second antenna wires perpendicular to each other other on the same page or on different pages are brought. 11. Probe according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized shows that it has a spherical shape and that the Receiving devices comprise first and second antenna wires, which are arranged perpendicular to each other, with each antenna has an arranged in the ball and a free end. 12. Probe according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the processing devices have transformation devices ( 202 , 204 ) which convert the activation wave into a supply voltage and storage devices ( 206 ) which are able to supply save voltage. 13. Probe according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized records that the activation wave (HFDI) a maximum fre is a signal. 14. Probe according to one of claims 5 to 13, characterized records that the frequency of the activation wave in the The order of magnitude is between 500 Mhz and 2 Ghz.   15. Probe according to one of claims 5 to 14, characterized records that they entered a lossy environment is bedded. 16. A probe according to claim 15, characterized in that the Environment is concrete. 17. Multi-probe remote interrogator capable of remotely activating a selected probe by sending an activation wave common to all the probes, the probe being able to send predetermined parameter data to the interrogator if it contains one in accordance with Indi vidualisierung has recognized previously stored individual address, characterized in that it contains:
Transmitting devices for emitting a common activation wave simultaneously to the probes, the energy level of the common activation wave being progressively increased;
Processing devices for processing the parameter data received in this way,
characterized in that the processing means are arranged to compare the energy level of the transmitted common activation wave with the energy level of the waves returned by the probe or probes and in the event of fluctuation of the received energy level during a predetermined period of time corresponding to the return from a single probe are to send out the individual address to the probe activated in this way in order to individualize it. 18. Interrogator according to claim 17, characterized in that it also contains modulation devices to the common same activation wave with the individual address of the to modulate individualizing and recognizable probe.   19. Device according to one of claims 17 and 18, characterized records that it still contains demodulation devices for demodulating the modulated with the parameter data crossing wave to process it.