IT202000011917A1 - Apparatus formed by an electronic and digital system, equipped with hardware and software components integrated with predictive algorithms with feedback and self-learning logics, capable of receiving and imparting remote inputs for operation, regulation, control, integrity verification and the efficiency of individual devices, sensors and complex integrated systems, through a method of generating, processing and correcting data directly from peripheral units, with their integration into the central system. - Google Patents

Description

Field of invention

The current electronic systems used for the operation, regulation or measurement of specific apparatus or complex systems, which operate in certain environmental conditions, are generally characterized by an architecture composed of a central computer which collects data from peripheral apparatus, equipped with sensors, which subsequently processes by returning specific reading or operation orders to the same peripheral devices, to be sent, in turn, to the plants or parts of the plants managed. This architecture, completely typical of telemetry and remote management systems, presupposes particular operating mechanisms? that generate heavy consumption of electricity that inevitably lead to the need? their connection to the mains or to power supply solutions which require periodic manual replacement of the batteries. Furthermore, the information managed by the sensing and actuation systems mainly in use today, require an additional connection for the transmission and reception of data.

The power supply requires a socket and a series of devices that are typical of an electrical distribution system.

In addition to the cost, the power supply involves a number of complexities? since the design phase, since? requires a measurement and data acquisition system.

During the construction of the systems, then, does the passage and positioning of the cables involve a series of complexities? realizations that involve workers and physical masonry works. The latter must deal with interference of various kinds, where other systems already exist.

These interferences are even more? delicate if nearby there are data transmission cables which, too, require, both in the design and construction phases, the same study and accuracy as those of the power supply.

In addition, the data transmission system, in addition to the specific cables, requires having a whole series of additional devices which, from the data source to the information reading centre, are distributed along the entire system. Sometimes, these apparatuses greatly burden the realization of a data acquisition system resulting redundant and heavy in their positioning and placement. The cost of the work of the entire electrical power supply and data transmission system is in itself? a not insignificant item of the total cost.

The operating systems are also equipped with a series of procedures which supervise the release of certain services. Their blockage or degradation always requires the assistance of specialized personnel, who by going on site must provide for the removal of anomalies or faults, restoring functionality? original. This ? one of the aspects of vulnerability? of all electronic systems; they, however, if well questioned, internally retain a series of signals capable of predicting ahead of time what is? their real state of functioning and efficiency.

Wanting to make a concrete case of any device or sensor, you can? consider an electric motor, a switch, or an anemometer or hygrometer. In their commercially available versions they have very different specifications so when you have to place them in environments already? operating, as in a tunnel, in a railway station or in a hospital, it is necessary to integrate them with the electrical and computer systems already? existing.

In this case the? activity? of integration requires a very strict study right from the design stage, as it is necessary to study and identify all the appropriate methods? of hardware and software interfacing, to make them compatible with the system in which they are intended to be inserted.

The invention described here simultaneously solves the listed problems, through a widespread and at the same time centrally integrated hardware architecture, with firmware and software equipped with self-learning algorithms, reliability adjustment and of the data collected and calibration of energy consumption.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention described here, briefly called ?ALIOT?, simultaneously solves the problems listed above, through a widespread hardware architecture (Figure 4 and Figure 5) and at the same time integrated at a central level, with firmware and software equipped with self-learning algorithms and self-adaptation to the technological environment in which you want to install it, of operation and regulation of the reliability of the data collected and calibration of energy consumption.

ALIOT (Figure 1 and Figure 2), from an architectural point of view, ? consisting of a unit central (10), that ? represented by a card (1; Figure 3) with any large storage and computing power, and a series of peripheral devices (1; Figure 1) object of the invention, each equipped with self-learning algorithms (Figure 6, Figure 7 ) and artificial intelligence (Figure 6, Figure 7) and the connection to a specific number of sensors (9), actuators (8), indicators (9) as well as specific doors (5, 6), both in mode? wired and wireless, which allow to receive signals also coming from sensors, actuators and indicators also belonging to other systems, technologies and manufacturers, suitably connected.

In this sense, the architecture of the system provides for the distribution of intelligence on multiple? levels, overcoming the traditional center/periphery articulation typical of traditional telemetry and remote management systems.

In terms of hardware? software, ALIOT ? consisting of an electronic card (1; Figure 3) equipped with a special firmware that communicates through dedicated software. Hardware, firmware and software develop interrelationships governed by five algorithms covering the following three specific areas:

? Power on/off;

? Acquisition/reading of data/commands;

? Energy consumption release,

guaranteeing the functions specified below:

1. Apparatus/system operation: remote on/off commands, (turn on/off; release of instructions/commands, etc.)

2. Calibration of electricity consumption: for each function, the entire system searches for the lowest electricity consumption. adequate, by intervening on?intensity? and timing of energy intake;

3. Data transmission: provides information about

the operating state of the system in which ? inserted;

4. Integration function between all modes?

above, in order to make the operation and performance of the connected device efficient.

The electronic board (1, Figure 3, Figure 4) ? made up of a series of components (processors, transistors, connectors, data transmission boards) connected to each other according to a precise concatenation (Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6) and an electrotechnical software and hardware sequence such as to form an apparatus single and homogeneous and in which the indicated sequence contributes considerably to energy saving which is also implemented through the functions described below. The apparatus? in fact able to guarantee a series of performances, from a functional point of view (commands, data transmission, regulation of energy consumption) only with a specific set-up which makes it a specific and efficient unit.

ALIOT ? versatile, as it is capable of adapting and integrating into any system, generating, in addition to the energy savings reported, considerable savings from the plant engineering point of view because? does not require electrical cables and data transmission, nor? special masonry works and ? easily integrated in terms of setting.

Does the arrangement illustrated interact in a one-to-one way with proprietary software, installed both on each single board (1) and on the Unit server? Control unit and Data Room (10), with the following characteristics.

The first feature? given by the fact that a release of functionality is ensured? certain, determined and adjustable: in fact, there is the absolute certainty that the device is able to power the required function, be it command or data transmission. Such features? they can be preset at certain times and for precise and predetermined operating times. The same functionality? activated they can optionally receive or not receive limitation inputs, depending on the user?s needs.

ALIOT ? designed to overcome all the limits of elasticity? and of eclecticism that characterize the hardware when it comes to inserting them in contexts where it is necessary to resort to a series of operating performances. In this sense, ALIOT lends itself to dialogue in a one-to-one sense with devices of all types and also with more controller systems. articulated, such as the SCADA of large infrastructural devices, such as railway stations and lines, airports, highways.

ALIOT can? therefore be inserted in disadvantaged sites and with devices already? existing or together with newly designed and installed equipment; road and railway tunnels, airports and road and railway infrastructures, large highly frequented complexes to establish centralized command functions, or data acquisition, for systems such as escalators, air conditioning, fire prevention, lifts, etc., or sensors of all kinds to integrate the collection of more data in order to regulate the operation of service equipment (starting and stopping fire-fighting systems, ventilation, access doors, etc.).

The characteristic of Aliot, for how ? been configured its operating mechanism, ? the capacity? inherent ability to internally regulate the flow of data to be processed and controlled for the purpose of releasing a certain function. Its composition and integration between hardware and system software, and the algorithms included in it, allows you to check in advance the address of the correct functioning of a given device or a complex system. Therefore, Aliot ? able to intensify the diagnostic functions in order to guarantee the exact performance of the systems in which it is inserted.

Constituent elements

The invention? made up of the following elements (shown in the Legend with the same numbering):

1 Electronic board: board inside the system on which the components described below are mounted in a logical sequence (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7); represents the ALIOT apparatus as a whole;

2 Battery power supply: high efficiency power supply system, whose consumption is regulated and made more efficient by the energy saving device (3) and by the general logic of the system as a whole;

3 Energy saving device: device inserted in the electronic board (1) responsible for optimizing and reducing the system's energy consumption;

4 Processor with memory: unit? processing and memory incorporated in the electronic board (1) assigned to data processing and the execution of instructions independently from the unit? central and data room (10), but in connection and coordination with it in mode? continuous or discrete through an integrated microcontroller;

5 Command outputs: special communication ports with actuators (8);

6 Measurement inputs: special input ports for inputs from sensors (9);

7 Transmitter/receiver: device inside the electronic card (1) dedicated to the transmission of data and their reception from and to the central unit and data room (10);

8 Actuators; devices suitable for sending instruction and command signals to other devices or systems, included in the card (1);

9 Sensors and signallers: devices suitable for reading the operating status of other devices or environmental or other conditions and transmitting them to the electronic card (1);

10 Units? Central and Data Room: central system for the control, coordination, processing, standardization of data and their archiving; can? be represented or redundant even by a ?remote center? at a considerable distance, even at the antipodes of the planet;

11 Devices: unit? mobile computers (tablets, smartphones, laptops, etc.) that give the possibility? to monitor data and/or issue orders remotely. With limitations given by their computing power and data storage, can they also act as a Unit? Central (10);

12 Data transmission network: any network through which any ALIOT device is able to communicate with the Unit? Control unit and Data Room (10), depending on the system being managed: LAN, MAN, WAN, Internet, Ethernet, data transport networks, etc.;

13 ALIOT apparatus container box: ? the envelope that contains and protects the card and its components (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7);

Figure 1: ALIOT apparatus, external view of the container box (13);

Figure 2: ALIOT device with container box (13) open and view of the card (1);

Figure 3: Board base (1);

Figure 4: Physical diagram of the electronic board (1), with indication of the information flows between the components (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) of the same;

Figure 5: General architecture of the system;

Figure 6: ALIOT operation flowchart;

Figure 7: Example process diagram: Safety ventilation system flow.

Description of operation

ALIOT can? be associated with any existing or newly designed system and inserted as a terminal apparatus of a system or act as an acquirer and processor of information to be transmitted to one or more? device (11) as well as a remote center (10).

The installation initially consists in the correct determination of the observation functions that ALIOT must operate through the sensors (9), the list of variables and situations that it must observe and their logical and physical interrelationships, the list of commands that it must execute and the situations and occurrences in which it must intervene through the actuators (8). The typical or typified situations are set according to predetermined models, the so-called ?Basic model configuration? (Figure 6), which are corrected and customized immediately after installation through a ?training? of adaptation or of ?model optimization? (Figure 6) of the apparatus through artificial intelligence algorithms, to the environment that must monitor and manage that can? also lead to the ?definition of a new model? (Figure 6) and that, in any case, whether it is just an adaptation or the definition of a new model, the implementation logics (Figure 6) are recorded and archived (Figure 6) in order to build a library of cases which form the basis for the management of present and future cases. This archiving takes place both at the local level of the ALIOT device and at the level of the unit? central and data room (10). The physical installation takes place, in addition to what is described above, through the correct positioning of sensors (9) and actuators (8) and/or the connection of sensors (9) and actuators (8) already existing as regards systems already? present and functioning, and their connection to ALIOT at the measurement inputs (6) and command outputs (5) ports. The system is repeatedly tested until the setting required by the procedure to be managed is reached. This phase can be managed remotely through the use of devices (11) or even through the central unit and data room (10) which communicate with ALIOT via the transmitter/receiver (7). This stage is followed by repeated quality refinement procedures. of the data through a higher sampling frequency which increases its significance? statistics, allowing for a better identification of situations considered ?normal? and the discarding of data that can be considered ?anomalous? or insignificant. This procedure? identical to the one that ALIOT activates during its normal operation whenever one or more? situations for which the system should read some anomaly and not ?understand? the origin or the cause or the possible effects on all the devices connected upstream or downstream. In cases where this type of data reading occurs, the system would immediately proceed to activate the data verification procedure through the above-described intensification of data collection and sampling and their more? subtle and precise interpretation. This procedure can be activated both locally and from the unit? central and data room (10).

Aliot? therefore capable of ensuring a series of services in complete autonomy which we list below for the sake of brevity, while replicating some information for greater precision: a) Gives remote ignition or closing commands, even repeatedly over time. ? capable of self-regulating according to the functions it has to perform and also able to self-diagnose;

b) Does it connect to the unit? central (10), device (11) or remote center (10), to perform a specific service; after that?, ? capable of positioning itself in a ?sleeping? state;

c) Aliot also performs measurements in units? predefined times, also being capable of repeating the activity, if it judges the measurements made to be unreliable. In this case it adopts a configuration for which it stands on close samplings in the unit? of time, which can ensure the validity? of the measurements. In the event that, however, the system, through the? activity? processing, does not recognize the measurements as valid, transmits a special negative signal;

d) Aliot is able to carry out measurements of the duration of the functions that are requested of him, in order to specify the energy consumption requirements for each function. And, this, both in the case of command/ignition, and of acquisition, processing and elaboration of data;

e) Aliot can? be inserted in a sensor by modifying its functional profile, making it autonomous both as regards the function of capturing signals and functioning, and as regards the energy supply.

When the connection takes place successfully, the microcontroller (4), having received a confirmation of the correct connection to the network (12), will pass? the data to the transceiver (7) that will send it? on the server (10).

The unit measurement inputs (6) is interrogated by the local control system (4), to obtain all the data received from the sensors/hardware (9) connected to it. To the local system (4) can be connected more? components to be monitored or controlled.

The intelligent local control system, incorporated in the processor (4), will allow? therefore the collection of data, the historicization of backups for a buffer that can be set on request, any filtering and transmission of information.

The architecture of the proposed system foresees the distribution of an intelligence on several? levels, overcoming the traditional telemetry/telemanagement type articulation.

In fact, having a field intelligence, the system will be able to adapt and modify on the basis of the outputs of the learning algorithms (which will be elaborated and updated by the central unit) and, therefore, for example, will be able? be able to self-regulate the quantity/frequency of data on the basis of recognized events even in the absence of communication with the centralized Control System.

The presence of a? field intelligence makes the proposed solution more? resilient to failures, but also able to be more? easily extended and climbed.

In fact, ALIOT technology makes it possible to add sensors (9), actuators (8), indicators (9) even at a later stage, both in mode? wired, and wireless, greatly simplifying integration thanks to the possibility? to load new software modules directly from the Operations Center in the? unit? of field intelligence (Figure 6).

? in fact, it is possible, where necessary / desired, to add sensors (9) at any time, even from different manufacturers and technologies.

In turn, the apparatus is connected to the data transmission network (12), for sending the measurements and signals to the central data processing and archiving system (10).

The central system (10) collects and logs the data collected and applies the algorithms for the analysis of the correlations, for the analysis of the deviations from the reference model and for the predictive analysis of the interventions that need to be carried out. By means of an operations room (10), or device (11), it will be It is possible to check all the works under control and access the parameter measurements, video feeds and the necessary documentation.

For a visual representation of the process, please refer to Figure 6 where you can observe the chain of operations and interactions, and in particular:

? Acquisition of measurements from sensors and devices present in the field;

? Monitoring and self-diagnostics of all devices constituting the control system as a whole;

? Temporary archiving of acquired data;

? Sending of measurements and reports to the central system;

? Reception of commands and set-points from the central system;

? interoperability of operators/maintenance technicians with field devices through simplified graphics; ? Calibration and search for the balance of energy consumption. The chain of operations, from the taking of the measures up to their release to the unit? control unit, also takes place in complete automation, without any external intervention. ? This is a key feature of ALIOT, since? are the external conditions to guide the functioning of a system/apparatus, without the intervention of man, where such an intervention can? be late, or can? be subject to human error. The system ? was conceived through expansion modules according to a platform to which further functions/hardware can be added.

The system ? It was built to perform a series of functions within a single technological context and also manages to escape any type of external interference, automatically excluding measures or unidentified elements. It ? capable of processing and processing quantity? huge amount of data/measures released in the? area in which ? inserted, through a continuity? technological, software and hardware, which guarantees reliable performance as regards the spatio/temporal representations of the objects under examination, the start-up phases for the registration/data intake/information, reliability examination? of information, and temporality? of the various functions associated with the correct balancing of electricity consumption.

The heart of the Aliot system, ? its Control System to which each single electronic card (1) or device placed in the field belongs, as well as the unit? central and data room (10) which actually acts as a sort of control room. The Aliot system? a real evolved IOT (Internet Of Thing) system, as it can? be configured for the different needs and applications to which it is intended to be dedicated.

His predisposition to communicate through standard protocols of different nature such as the traditional and more? widespread industrial protocol ModBus, the innovative IOT MQTT protocol or the most? advanced WEB protocols allow the majority of industrial and professional sensors (9) and actuators (8) on the market to be connected to the Aliot system. The prediction of connections via network (12), for example, ethernet allows the Aliot system to put extensive systems under control both in terms of number of devices and territorial extension. The network connection (12) ? supported both via cable and via Wi-Fi network or both at the same time; if necessary? Is it possible to activate a 4G or 5G mobile connection which is essential for connections from remote areas not covered by longer connections? traditional cable or, for sensitive systems or linked to safety functions, to create backup communication lines. There are no limits to the type of data transmission networks (12) that can be used, other than those given by the current state of knowledge and technology.

Through the configuration tool, ? It is possible to register, enable and configure all the sensors (9) and actuators (8) connected to the Aliot system. Not only that, will it is also possible to combine each sensor (9) with one of the different data acquisition algorithms made available by the system, so? to be able to manage all surveys in a timely and efficient manner.

The measurements acquired by the sensors (9) and validated by the sampling algorithms (Figure 6) are sent to the processing procedures and, if required, to the archives for their logging (Figure 6). The processing procedures such as the data storage and transmission logics are managed by specific algorithms of various kinds which are created and configured directly in the control system (Figure 6). This feature, unique of its kind, allows you to create, manage and manipulate the behavioral logic of the Aliot system to transform it into a specific and effective system for the context in which it is inserted.

The operational logics can in turn be modified over time through the insertion of rules to make the Aliot system even more? punctual, or to simply be expanded in its functionality?.

The possibility? to create autonomous or dependent intelligent algorithms one from the other with instantaneous and real input values acquired by the sensors connected to it, allows to give to the Aliot system capacity? infinite behavioral, but always specific to the task assigned to him.

Algorithms

The representation of the functions contained and managed by the ALIOT algorithms are represented in Figure 6 and in Figure 7 which represent a concrete example of management and control of air flows of a ventilation safety system. The main features are described below, also with reference to the specific functions insured.

The arrangement and organization of the algorithms ? such as to ensure high system performance and maximum flexibility? and versatility that, how already? underlined, make the system applicable both to sets of sensors (9) and actuators (8) specifically dedicated to it and the integration in civil / industrial systems of others, already? existing and functioning.

The event detection tree (Figure 6), like practically all those conditions which in a system, for example, can generate ALARM and PRE-ALARM conditions, identifies a certain emergency scenario defined as ?critical?.

The tree contemplates all the intervention logics that regulate the detection and, for completeness of analysis, ? also integrated with the branches relating to the verification of the natural conditions of the system, which in turn determine the existence of an ordinary operating scenario.

The interconnections between the branches of the tree (Figure 6 and Figure 7) represent logical ANDs, for which the verification of all the conditions reported in sequence must be simultaneously respected.

The logical scheme of? tree of events represents the totality? of the possible combinations found on the detection systems, and the simultaneous occurrence of all the conditions represented along a branch of the chain of events, determines the state of the detection system.

As a logical scheme, the tree does not want to represent any priority? o chronological order of verification in the chain of revelation.

The detection system? always active and continuously generates alarm states and signals. Under normal operating conditions, the event tree? complied with in all the conditions described in the sequence of branches leading to the defined operating condition.

The PRE-ALARM threshold (Figure 6) corresponds to a logical sequence of detected events which never includes a certain specific alarm event (for example temperature alarm produced by thermal detectors e.g.: Figure 7), whose intervention, associated with any branch of the detection determines the direct definition of the ALARM status (Figure 7).

The SIGNALING status of the detection tree determines the signaling of any error/alert status to the supervisory system, recalling any intervention of the diagnostic system (Figure 6).

The continuation of a state of alert pu? request, for example, maintenance intervention on the system in general, or on its subsystems and/or components that caused the signal, with specific diagnostic implementations in the automation and supervision system.

In summary, can you? affirm that the alarm detection procedures follow the logics described below:

? the intervention of the linear detector always generates an ALARM state;

? the intervention of an alarm determines a minimum PRE-ALARM scenario which affects the entire ALIOT system; ? the association of an alarm with other elementary alarms can? make the PRE-ALARM condition change to ALARM; ? this is the case, for example for the control and correction of the air in a given environment, of the joint intervention on the AID system of a specific signal and an alarm from an opacimeter (CO/OP);

? the association of the alarm alone with the alarm generated by the CO/OP system will generate? a PRE-ALARM condition. During the REPORTING phase, even if it is not expressly indicated in the event tree, the confirmation of alarms generated by two or more? CO-OP sensors, automatically determines the passage to the PRE-ALARM condition

Scalability? and adaptability? of the system

The system (1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) thanks to the integration of all its components, ? able to scale the modularity? of its architecture to detect the various functions that are required of it, such as, for example, in the case of activities? of certain installations.

With special processing (Figure 6), are determined the modalities? of operation and the objectives to be achieved for each individual plant. The elaborations are always started on the occurrence of predefined macro-scenarios or on the probability that may occur as a result of certain events. The results of the algorithmic processing will be the objectives to be achieved for each type of plant. In parallel, each system will operate? independently and will take action? in such a way as to achieve the objectives set for it, optimizing its resources. Will each plant remain? autonomous and will serve? of its own specific sensors, which will use? as feedback, to check the achievement of the set goal.

With this approach, the systems will always be in use and will optimize their operation in real time based on the events that will occur on the site, to search for the best solution. suitable for a specific context.

The functional procedures will be determined mainly taking into consideration safety and information for users.

The overall system (1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), as declared from the beginning and in pi? parts of the document, ? format, in addition to the declared hardware components (1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), the incorporated software, with the feedback and measurement and data assumption logics described below, with the algorithms contained, as well as in the electronic card (1), also in the unit? central and data room (10) and in the devices (11), eventually and optionally, used. Also included in this concept are all sensor and automation algorithms. Below we provide a description of the above.

Feedback algorithms for taking measurements and data

The system (1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) makes use of algorithms that are intimately integrated with the apparatuses used to acquire the data of the measurements that are needed. Therefore, the selection of? hardware ? calibrated on the type of environment in which the system is lowered (1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12).

In this sense, the system collects a series of parameters that concern the articulations with which the various functions are carried out: the timing of data/measurement recording, the intervals of each reading, the duration, and the methods? of energy consumption.

For each feature? a specific algorithm therefore corresponds, and all the algorithms of the system are linked together within a logical structure of the system (1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12).

In this sense, the system developed has the characteristic of being very elastic depending on the environment in which it is lowered. Not only the hardware, but also the functional articulations of the system logic can be made variable according to the needs of the case.

The control card (1), while maintaining a uniform and rigid setting in its components, lends itself to modifying the versatility? of the system it incorporates. What? all timings for taking the data/measurement are subject to being made modifiable.

The algorithms, set on feedback logics? that release what they learn over time through the experience of their operation? can they develop skills? of adaptation (Figure 6 and Figure 7) to perform the functions to which they are called. So if a time interval chosen for the duration of the reading, or for the space between one reading and another, or even for the moment in which to carry out the same reading, is not considered significant or adequate for a series of reasons ? energy load, unstable network, etc. ? ? it may change over time. Its significance, however, remains unchanged, in the sense that the system internally establishes the reliable definition of the sampling necessary for that specific environment. If so? it was not, the system itself declares its difficulty? reporting the problems it encounters in carrying out the functions requested of it (Figure 6 and Figure 7). In fact, the various measures/non-measures are duly evaluated by the system through the attribution of adequacy weights, similar to performance ratings.

During its operation, the system develops the best set-up for its operation, managing to conceive how to achieve maximum performance through the release of information produced by the environment in which it is proposed. At every scan? as if the algorithm produced a check of its own functioning based on the various parameters on which the assumption of the data/measurement is set. The algorithm therefore interacts with the entire ALIOT system also in order to receive the most inputs? suitable for improving the operating efficiency.

sensor algorithms

In every environment where the ALIOT system (1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) is to be located, the measurements/data need to receive a normalization process related to the operating status of the reference sensor (9).

In this sense, the algorithm is entrusted with the function of validating the measurements/data of the sensor (9) to compare them with those that would be released in a routine situation, arriving to provide in the case of divergent values, a scale/range of significant quantities . Therefore, the recorded measurements must remain within a certain range otherwise they are not taken into consideration.

Valid sampling means the acquisition of the measurement in the absence of anomalies in the controlled hardware, and/or in the communication phase, and that the value obtained is included in the operating ranges foreseen by the sensor (9).

If, for example, there are not at least 15 valid measurements, the last valid measurement calculated is assumed for at least 3 cycles, after which, if the problem persists, the value is assumed to be 0 and an alarm signal is given in the acquisition of the measures, for example (Figure 6 and Figure 7) of the speed? of the air in a sensor such as, in the example considered, an anemometer.

This ? a fundamental aspect, since? each hardware (1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), or external hardware controlled by the system (1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), or sensor (9), over time undergoes the effect of? wear and the conditioning of external factors, such as humidity, magnetic fields, heat, stress. Individually, or as a whole, these elements can condition the measurements/data over time, making them unreliable. Thanks to the attention action carried out by the system logic in which the algorithm in question operates, reliable measurements are obtained, in the various field conditions that are realised.

Control room algorithm (10) / device (1)

The system entrusts an algorithm that we could define as last resort with the task of acting as a sentinel in order to control any anomalous behavior of the external hardware / sensors (9) under control.

This type of algorithm performs the function of continuously verifying the correspondence of the data/measurements with that of optimal operation. In case an anomalous function is registered, the algorithm in question alerts the system (1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12).

The algorithm, however, ? capable of verifying even false alarms or incorrect readings.

Main features of the automation software.

To ensure optimal management of the system (1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) in all possible scenarios, the software installed in the various units? logics may have different functions?.

Therefore, the installed software ? responsible for performing, among others, the following main functions:

? determine the optimal operating configuration of the system (1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) as a whole, in operating conditions and in emergency conditions;

? manage any emergency procedures;

? manage the required time sequences, so? as determined by the operating configuration module (Figure 6), based on the number of operating hours and the total number of starts;

? manage the time sequences of startup, cos? as determined by the Emergency Procedures Form;

? process the signals in order to establish the start moment;

? possibly, highlight operating anomalies on the basis of the current absorbed and the level of malfunctions;

? detect operating anomalies of the sensors (9);

? acquire alarm signals from the system;

? acquire all the quantities sampled by the sensors installed in the field.

The software, on the other hand, has the task of supervising the following functions:

? display a synoptic overview of the operating status and the values of the variables measured by the installed sensors;

? access the configuration of the general system control parameters;

? access the configuration of the general system control parameters;

? view and analyze the data stored in the database, relating to the time trends of the measured quantities and the sequence of operations and alarms carried out and received by the system;

? activate and manage maintenance procedures for the individual components of the fixed systems.

LEGEND

1 Electronic board

2 Battery power supply

3 Energy saving device

4 Processor with memory

5 Command outputs

6 Measurement inputs

7 Transmitter / receiver

8 Actuators

9 Sensors and signallers

10 Units? central and data room

11 Devices

12 Data transmission network

13 ALIOT apparatus container box

FIGURES

Figure 1: ALIOT apparatus, external view of the container box

Figure 2: ALIOT device with container box open and board view

Figure 3: Board base

Figure 4: Physical diagram of the electronic card, with indication of the information flows between the components of the same Figure 5: General architecture of the system

Figure 6: ALIOT operation flowchart

Figure 7: Example process diagram: Safety ventilation system flow.

Claims (8)

1. Digital, portable and locally installable electronic device equipped with hardware and software components containing pre-setting and auto-setting algorithms, equipped with predictive and feedback and correction logics, capable of being installed in any environment and technological context, receive and give remote inputs for the operation, regulation and control of devices of any size and location and of complex technological systems, also formed by electronic, mechanical, robotic parts or any technology capable of being controlled, regulated and/or commanded at a distance; 2. Digital, portable and locally installable electronic apparatus described in claim 1, which uses the cited algorithms to carry out data analysis and processing by collecting data from sensors and indicators and is capable of correcting them and sending suitable commands to actuators; 3. Portable and locally installable, digital electronic apparatus described in claims 1. and 2. which includes a technology for communicating and receiving data from and to a central unit and data room with which it shares the algorithms described in claim 1. and the functions described in claims 1. and 2., and from which unit? central and data room is able to receive data processing, interactions, corrections, instructions, new process models also using data and instructions coming from a multitude of other devices, as per claims 1. and 2. installed in other ?n? environments; 4. Portable and locally installable digital electronic apparatus described in claims 1 and 2 which includes a power supply and energy saving technology, intimately related to the hardware and software processes governing the apparatus, which powers the apparatus same according to logics of minimization of consumption, according to which certain functions, such as those of analysis and interaction for better sampling of data and those of communication towards the unit? central and data room, activity? all particularly expensive in terms of energy, are put into operation only when strictly necessary and in mode? discrete, although different continuous programming is always possible; 5. Apparatus, according to all the preceding claims, which can be inserted and integrated into any other existing technology, both by using sensors and actuators of other people's systems and by considering the same apparatuses to be managed as if they were sensors, indicators or in any case data sources and by connecting own outputs of the actuators to the input inputs of other plants, giving them commands; 6. Electronic apparatus capable of placing itself in dormant setting and of activating itself in full automation only when the surrounding conditions require it; 7. Electronic apparatus capable of seeking the best functional balance and the most? appropriate condition of energy consumption; 8. Electronic device which in all its phases constantly guarantees full performance and reliability? of the recording measurements also in order to impart operating inputs.