KR102553051B1 - Smart sensor, gas monitoring system including the same and smart sensor sensing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

communications department; a first sensing unit composed of at least one gas sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a 'component sensor') and generating an output value for a specific gas sensed by the constituent sensors as first detection data; a second sensing unit configured to sense at least one of temperature and humidity while the first sensing unit is operating and to generate second sensing data therefor; a data storage unit configured to store the first sensing data and the second sensing data; a logic storage unit in which measurement logics for deriving gas concentrations for each gas measurement type of the gas sensor are stored; a matching unit that determines a measurement type for the configuration sensor and matches any one measurement logic corresponding to the determined measurement type among the measurement logics stored in the logic storage unit; a data processing unit deriving gas concentration data from the first sensing data and the second sensing data stored in the data storage unit by applying a measurement logic matched through the matching unit; a control unit for controlling each of the above units; and a power supply unit supplying power for the operation of each unit described above. It provides a smart sensor comprising a, a gas monitoring system including the same, and a smart sensor detection method thereof.

Description

Smart sensor, gas monitoring system including the same and method for detecting the smart sensor {SMART SENSOR, GAS MONITORING SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME AND SMART SENSOR SENSING METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a smart sensor, a gas monitoring system including the same, and a method for detecting the smart sensor, and more particularly, when detection of various types of gases is required, gas concentration and the like are measured regardless of gas measurement types. It relates to a smart sensing technology capable of automatically recognizing and managing component sensors.

As the industry develops, the possibility of being exposed to various types of gases in the living environment increases, and the possibility of gas exposure always exists not only in industrial sites but also in homes and businesses.

At this time, in the case of a specific gas among the gases that may be exposed, if a leak accident occurs or if it exists above the standard concentration value, it may cause damage such as human / property loss and environmental pollution. There is a need to detect gas and continuously monitor it.

Conventional gas detectors have been modularized with a gas sensor for detecting a single gas in which measurable gas is fixed to one gas due to differences in signal processing methods, output types, and measurement ranges of each measured gas. More specifically, the gas sensor is selected from among measurement types such as electrochemical, contact chemical, non-dispersive infrared (NDIR), photoionization (PID), semiconductor, and thermal conduction, depending on the type of gas to be detected. It is provided in one measurement type, and the gas detector equipped with the corresponding gas sensor detects the gas concentration through a single measurement logic corresponding to the measurement type of the mounted gas sensor.

Accordingly, only one type of gas could be sensed through a single gas detector, and there was a problem in that different gas detectors had to be provided to measure different types of gas. That is, as the number of gas detectors to be provided increases as the types of gases that can be exposed in the field where gas detection is required increase, the economic burden inevitably increases.

In addition, since the gas sensor provided in the gas detector is specialized only for the gas detection function, it is difficult to accurately determine the gas level detected through the gas sensor even if it is different from the actual gas level, and the gas sensor mismeasures. If this is done, the damage could be intact without even having time to take measures against the concentration level of the actual gas.

For example, the life time of a gas sensor may depend on the external environment in which the gas sensor is located, but the existing gas sensor has a lifespan of an external environment unless the replacement cycle according to the gas sensor specification is reached. The replacement cycle of a degraded gas sensor could be missed. In this case, as the lifespan of the gas sensor decreases, the gas detection function also deteriorates, and an error between the actual gas level and the measured data may occur.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0121236

The present invention is to solve the above problems, and includes a smart sensor capable of automatically recognizing the measurement type of component sensors regardless of the gas measurement type and deriving various types of gas concentration data through corresponding measurement logic matching. Its purpose is to provide a gas detector and its smart sensor detection method.

In order to achieve this object, a smart sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit communicating with at least one of a gas detector and a monitoring device; a first sensing unit composed of at least one gas sensor (hereinafter, referred to as a 'component sensor') and generating an output value for a specific gas sensed by the constituent sensors as first detection data; a second sensing unit configured to sense at least one of temperature and humidity while the first sensing unit is operating and to generate second sensing data therefor; a data storage unit configured to store the first sensing data and the second sensing data; a logic storage unit in which measurement logics for deriving gas concentrations for each gas measurement type of the gas sensor are stored; a matching unit that determines a measurement type for the configuration sensor and matches any one measurement logic corresponding to the determined measurement type among the measurement logics stored in the logic storage unit; a data processing unit deriving gas concentration data from the first sensing data and the second sensing data stored in the data storage unit by applying a measurement logic matched through the matching unit; a control unit for controlling each of the above units; and a power supply unit supplying power for the operation of each unit described above. can include

At this time, the component sensor is at least one of an electrochemical formula, a contact chemical formula, a non-dispersive infrared type, a semiconductor type, a photoionization type, a solid electrolyte type, a constant potential electrolysis type, a thermoelectric type, a heat conduction type, a contact combustion type, and an optical type. It can have a gas measurement type.

The data storage unit may include a first storage unit configured to store the first sensing data and the second sensing data in real time; and a second storage unit storing lifespan information including at least one of a manufacturing date of the component sensor and an expected use period according to specifications; can include

In addition, the smart sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention monitors at least one of the first sensing data, the second sensing data, and the gas concentration data in real time to determine a correction time point, and derives the gas concentration data. a correction unit providing correction conditions corresponding to a correction time point to the data processing unit so that the correction conditions are applied; The correction unit includes: a correction condition storage unit in which correction conditions for an output value according to a measurement type of a gas sensor are stored in a database; can include

The logic storage unit may include a measurement logic storage unit in which measurement logics for deriving a gas concentration for each gas measurement type of a gas sensor are stored; and a compensation logic storage unit in which compensation conditions of the first sensing data according to temperature and humidity are stored in a database. The data processing unit determines a compensation condition corresponding to at least one of temperature and humidity included in the second sensing data according to the compensation logic while applying a measurement logic for the gas measurement type of the configuration sensor. Gas concentration data may be derived by applying the first sensing data.

In addition, the smart sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention detects a pattern change of the first sensing data stored in the first storage part and the lifetime information of the component sensor through at least one of life information stored in the second storage part. Life span determination unit for determining whether the expiration date; can include

In addition, the configuration sensor is composed of at least two or more gas sensors detachably mounted to the first sensing unit, and among the gas sensors, a gas sensor that is out of order or whose service life has expired is replaced with a new gas sensor. Other gas sensors except for the gas sensor may continuously operate.

On the other hand, the gas monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the above-described plurality of smart sensors; a gas detector having a communication bus (BUS) for communicating with the plurality of smart sensors; and a monitoring device communicating with at least one of the plurality of smart sensors and gas detectors and receiving gas detection information detected from the plurality of smart sensors. can include

At this time, the plurality of smart sensors are detachably mounted on the gas detector, and when at least one smart sensor among the plurality of smart sensors fails or expires, the corresponding smart sensor is replaced with a new smart sensor. However, the rest of the smart sensors except for the replaced smart sensor can continue to operate.

In addition, as a sensing method for sensing a smart sensor in a gas monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, (a) initializing a gas sensor; (b) checking, by the gas detector, whether calibration conditions for at least one smart sensor among a plurality of smart sensors are updated; (c) When it is confirmed that the calibration conditions of the smart sensor are updated in step (b), the gas detector determines that communication between the gas detector and the corresponding smart sensor is made, and the first detection data and the second detection data are received from the detected smart sensor. receiving at least one measurement data of data and gas concentration data; and (d) outputting measurement data provided in real time from the smart sensor sensed in step (c) to at least one of a gas detector and a monitoring device; can include

At this time, in the step (b), when it is confirmed that the update of the correction conditions of the smart sensor is not performed, it is determined that communication between the gas detector and the smart sensor is not performed, and the correction conditions of the smart sensor are continuously updated. You can check.

In addition, as a sensing method for sensing a smart sensor in a gas monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention, (e) checking whether the gas sensor is replacing at least one smart sensor among the plurality of smart sensors step; (f) checking whether a correction request is input from at least one of a gas detector and a monitoring device when replacement of the smart sensor is confirmed in step (e); And (g) if it is confirmed that the correction request is input in step (f), the gas detector communicates with the replaced smart sensor to receive measurement data to which the correction conditions are applied from the replaced smart sensor, and the correction conditions for the correction request Providing and performing correction for the correction condition provided by the replaced smart sensor; Including, when the calibration of the smart sensor replaced in step (g) is performed, it can be performed sequentially from step (b).

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be derived.

First, regardless of the gas measurement type of the gas sensor for gas detection, the gas sensor can perform gas concentration measurement only by accessing, that is, mounting and communicating with the smart sensor (or gas detector), and communicating with it. The smart sensor (or gas detector) that performs the gas concentration may calculate gas concentration data with measurement data measured from the corresponding gas sensor. That is, it is possible to provide a platform for standardizing gas sensors with various gas measurement methods and interfaces available on the market.

Second, it is possible to automatically recognize the gas measurement type for the component sensor in the smart sensor and match the corresponding measurement logic and compensation logic to calculate gas concentration data with a measurement logic suitable for the gas measurement type of the component sensor. , Highly accurate gas concentration data can be provided regardless of the gas measurement type of the gas sensor.

Third, the present invention can be used in the field where various gas measurement methods and multi-item measurement are required through automatic recognition of component sensors communicating with smart sensors (or gas detectors) and integrated management of the detected smart sensors (or component sensors). The proposed smart sensing technology can be efficiently utilized.

Fourth, a single gas detector is linked with a plurality of smart sensors, so that various types of gas can be detected and monitored, and additional smart sensors are connected even while a gas detector equipped with a plurality of smart sensors is continuously operating. And replacement of any one smart sensor can be made. Accordingly, it is possible to detect gas of additionally required components even without an additional gas detector, and it is possible to continuously provide accurate gas detection values as smart sensors are replaced at an appropriate time.

Fifth, it is possible to determine the expiration of the life of the smart sensor (or component sensor) and to detect its own error, and to provide information about this to at least one of the gas detector and monitoring device, so that the smart sensor can be replaced at the right time And, the possibility of error in the gas detection value due to the deterioration of the gas detection function can be minimized.

1 schematically illustrates a smart sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram to explain the driving principle of the smart sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 schematically illustrates a gas monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a diagram to explain a smart sensor sensing method of the gas monitoring system of FIG. 3 .

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but for the sake of brevity, technical parts that have already been well-known will be omitted or compressed.

It should be noted that references herein to “one” or “an” embodiment of the invention are not necessarily to the same embodiment, they mean at least one.

In the following embodiments, terms such as first and second are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component without limiting meaning.

In the following examples, expressions in the singular number include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the following embodiments, terms such as include or have mean that features or elements described in the specification exist, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or elements may be added.

Since each component shown in the drawings is arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the bar shown.

<Description of Smart Sensor>

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a smart sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a diagram to explain the driving principle of the smart sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2, the smart sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit 110, a first sensing unit 120, a second sensing unit 130, and a data storage unit 140. , a logic storage unit 150, a matching unit 160, a data processing unit 170, a control unit 180, and a power supply unit 190.

The communication unit 110 is a component for communicating with at least one of the gas detector 200 and the monitoring device 300 . For example, the communication unit 110 may communicate with at least one of the gas detector 200 and the monitoring device 300 through a wired/wireless communication network. As another example, the communication unit 110 may include a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), an inter integrated circuit (I2C), a controller area network (CAN); At least one of the gas detector 200 and the monitoring device 300 may be communicated through a universal communication protocol such as CAN, Local Interconnect Network (LIN), or the like.

The first sensing unit 120 is composed of at least one gas sensor (hereinafter, referred to as 'component sensor') and generates first detection data for a specific gas detected by the constituent sensors. At this time, the specific gas is carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), oxygen (O ₂ ), nitrogen dioxide (NO ₂ ), hydrogen sulfide (H ₂ S), hydrogen (H ₂ ), ammonia (NH ₃ ), alcohol (alcohol ), formaldehyde, chlorine (Cl), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). That is, the sensor constituting the first sensing unit 120 is provided as a gas sensor that performs a gas measurement type suitable for a specific gas to be sensed by the smart sensor 100 .

For reference, the component sensor consists of a single gas sensor capable of detecting a single species of specific gas, a dual gas sensor capable of detecting two species of specific gas, or a plurality of gases capable of detecting a specific gas of at least two species. Of course, it can be configured with sensors.

At this time, the component sensor measures at least one gas of the electrochemical type, contact chemical type, non-dispersive infrared type, semiconductor type, photoionization type, solid electrolyte type, constant potential electrolysis type, thermoelectric type, heat conduction type, contact combustion type, and optical type. can have a type.

The second sensing unit 130 detects at least one of temperature and humidity while the first sensing unit 120 is operating and generates second sensing data for this. In the case of the above-described first sensing unit 120, accurate measurement may be limited due to low temperature and high temperature, that is, a change in the characteristics of the component sensor due to temperature as well as humidity, so that the temperature and temperature measured by the second sensing unit 130 and Accuracy of the first sensing data acquired by the first sensing unit 120 may be improved by applying at least one of the humidity as compensation. For reference, whether to apply compensation for gas concentration data using the second sensing data or the degree of compensation may be different according to a measurement logic for each gas measurement type, and may be preset in a measurement logic (or compensation logic).

The data storage unit 140 stores first sensing data and second sensing data sensed through the first sensing unit 120 and the second sensing unit 130 . At this time, the data storage unit 140 and the logic storage unit 150 to be described later may be provided as a storage device (eg, EEPROM) for storing data, provided as an internal storage device of the control unit 180 to be described later, or have a capacity For expansion, it may be provided as an externally provided storage device.

Here, the data storage unit 140 may include a first storage unit 141 and a second storage unit 142 . At this time, the first storage unit 141 stores the first sensing data and the second sensing data sensed through the first sensing unit 120 and the second sensing unit 130 in real time. Additionally, input voltages input to component sensors may be stored in the first storage unit 141 in real time. In addition, the second storage part 142 stores life information including at least one of a manufacturing date of the component sensor and an expected use period according to a specification.

At this time, the data storage unit 140 further includes a third storage unit (not shown) in which gas concentration data derived by the data processing unit 170 to be described later using the first detection data and the second detection data is additionally stored. can do. This may be considered in determining a correction time point in the correction unit C, which will be described later.

For reference, data stored in the first storage unit 141 is continuously monitored by at least one of a lifespan determination unit L and a control unit 180, which will be described later, and when an event occurs according to a data pattern change, the control unit 180 It is possible to generate a notification for this by control of ) and provide the corresponding notification to the outside through the communication unit 110 . At this time, in the case of an event that can solve the problem on its own, after the smart sensor 100 solves it on its own, information about it, that is, whether the event and problem are solved, is sent to the outside, that is, at least one of the gas detector 200 and the monitoring device 300. Either one can be provided.

And, in the second storage part 142, in addition to the life information of the smart sensor 100, a response manual according to a specific gas concentration that can be determined through the first detection data, and a response to an event that may occur in the smart sensor 100 A manual or the like may be pre-learned and stored as a corresponding manual. At this time, corresponding manuals may be different depending on the measurement type of the component sensors, and the control unit 180 matches the corresponding manual suitable for the measurement type of the component sensors so that each component of the smart sensor 100 operates according to the corresponding manual when an event occurs. You can control what you can do.

The logic storage unit 150 is a component in which measurement logics for deriving gas concentrations for each gas measurement type of the gas sensor are stored. In this case, the logic storage unit 150 may include a measurement logic storage unit 151 and a compensation logic storage unit 152 .

The measurement logic storage unit 151 stores measurement logic for deriving the gas concentration for each gas measurement type of the gas sensor. For reference, the gas measurement type of the gas sensor stored in the measurement logic storage unit 151 is electrochemical, contact chemical, non-dispersive infrared, semiconductor, photoionization, solid electrolyte, potentiostatic, thermoelectric, and thermal conduction. It may include, but is not limited to, a method, a catalytic combustion method, and an optical method. That is, the measurement logic for various gas measurement types, that is, the data processing method of the first sensing data is previously stored in the measurement logic storage unit 151, regardless of the characteristics of the sensor components of the smart sensor 100, the smart sensor ( 100), gas concentration and the like can be measured.

The compensation logic storage unit 152 is a configuration in which a compensation condition of the first sensing data according to at least one of temperature and humidity is stored in a database. At this time, the compensation logic storage part 152 is a temperature and humidity compensation table suitable for the smart sensor 100 or the first sensing unit 120 provided in the smart sensor 100 when the smart sensor 100 is manufactured or installed and operated. When this is applied, a compensation degree for each temperature, that is, a data processing method such as amplification, maintenance, and attenuation of the first sensed data sensed through the first sensing unit 120 may be stored. At this time, the compensation table for at least one of temperature and humidity may be replaced and applied according to the external environment of the smart sensor 100 and specifications of the component sensor.

For reference, the compensation logic storage unit 152 may additionally store compensation logic for factors that may affect the first sensing data as well as temperature and humidity. In this case, the data processing unit 170 to be described later More accurate gas concentration data may be generated by applying a compensation logic in which compensation conditions stored in the compensation logic storage unit 152, that is, factors that may affect gas detection data are comprehensively reflected.

At this time, compensation logic for each gas measurement type of the gas sensor may be stored in the compensation logic storage unit 152, and the control unit 180 controls each unit of the smart sensor 100 to configure through the matching unit 160. After matching the measurement logic and compensation logic according to the gas measurement type of the sensor, the matching result is reflected in the data processing result of the data processing unit 170, that is, the gas concentration data.

For example, when an electrochemical gas measurement type gas sensor is provided as a component sensor of the smart sensor 100, a compensation logic for compensating for temperature and humidity is applied to the measurement logic for the measurement data of the component sensor. When the gas concentration data is stored and derived through the data processing unit 170, the corrected concentration is calculated by reflecting the temperature/humidity characteristics of the constituent sensors, and the gas concentration data within the effective range using the calculated concentration value and average data is prevented from splashing, and gas concentration data can be derived.

That is, the data processing unit 170 applies the measurement logic (eg, calculation coefficient required to derive gas concentration data, data processing method, etc.) for the gas measurement type of the component sensor, while applying the compensation logic to the second sensed data. Gas concentration data may be derived by applying a compensation condition corresponding to at least one of included temperature and humidity to the first sensing data.

For reference, gas sensors of all types of gas measurement can be applied to the temperature/humidity compensation logic. Information on each compensation formula considering reaction characteristics for each temperature/humidity for each gas measurement type of the gas sensor is pre-stored in the compensation logic. Therefore, different compensation logics are applied for each measurement type.

The matching unit 160 determines the measurement type of the constituent sensors, and matches one of the measurement logics corresponding to the determined measurement type among the measurement logics stored in the logic storage unit 150 . That is, the matching unit 160 automatically recognizes the gas measurement type of the component sensor in the smart sensor 100 and matches an appropriate measurement logic to the gas concentration data regardless of the characteristics of the component sensor.

For reference, the method for determining the gas measurement type of the component sensor may be performed in a digital manner, and output data for each gas sensor is stored in the smart sensor 100 itself, so that it can be determined through the corresponding information. In this case, determination information for determining the gas measurement type of the constituent sensors, that is, output data for each gas sensor may be stored in the matching unit 160 .

The data processing unit 170 derives gas concentration data from the first sensing data and the second sensing data stored in the data storage unit 140 by applying the matching measurement logic through the matching unit 160 . More specifically, the first sensing unit 120 detects a specific gas included in the gas with first detection data and generates an electrical signal according to the concentration. According to the measurement logic stored in , signal processing such as amplification, attenuation, and maintenance of the electrical signal is performed.

For reference, the smart sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a correction unit (not shown), a lifespan determination unit (not shown), and an error detection unit (not shown).

The correction unit (not shown) monitors at least one of the first sensing data, the second sensing data, and the gas concentration data in real time to determine a correction time point, and responds to the correction time point so that the correction conditions are applied when the gas concentration data is derived. Correction conditions are provided to the data processor 170.

In this case, the correction unit may include a correction information monitoring unit (not shown), a zero/span correction unit (not shown), and a correction data editing unit (not shown).

The correction information monitoring part is a function that checks the output value of the component sensor, that is, the calculation coefficient information required to derive the gas concentration data from the first sensing data in real time, and not only determines and corrects the error value of the calculation coefficient, but also configures it according to time. It can be used as a criterion for determining the correction point according to sensor deterioration.

The zero/span correction part excludes 100% of the components of the gas to be detected, and stores the output value of the sensor as zero and the output value when a standard gas of a certain concentration is inserted as span. This is a function that calculates the gas concentration value according to the value change as a function parameter such as a quadratic formula or an exponent and applies it to the output value of the component sensor.

The correction data editing part is a function that recalculates the measured value ratio for the component sensor output value by additionally modifying the existing correction data according to various external factors or manufacturer's judgment.

Here, the correction unit includes a correction condition storage unit (not shown) in which correction conditions for at least one of the first sensing data and gas concentration data for each measurement type are stored in a database.

At this time, the correction condition storage unit may be pre-stored to perform a correction function that meets the correction conditions. More specifically, the correction unit according to the correction conditions, the above-described correction information monitoring portion, zero / span correction portion, At least one correction function of the correction data editing part is performed so that a highly accurate output value can be secured from the component sensors.

The correction unit operates by itself under the control of the control unit 180 during operation of the component sensors, or after confirming the correction conditions by a correction request input from at least one of the gas detector 200 and the monitoring device 300, Appropriate correction function will be performed.

The lifespan determination unit (not shown) detects a pattern change of the first sensing data stored in the first storage part 141 and determines whether or not the lifespan of the component sensor has expired through at least one of the lifespan information stored in the second storage part 142. judge At this time, when the lifetime expiration determination unit (L) determines that the component sensor has expired, the control unit 180 determines the lifetime determination unit (L) through the communication unit 110 so that the corresponding gas sensor can be replaced quickly. At least one of the gas detection 200 and the monitoring device 300 may be provided.

For example, the life determination unit may determine whether or not the life of the component sensor (or smart sensor) has expired based on the life information stored in the second storage unit 142 . That is, it is possible to determine that the lifespan expiration period has arrived based on the specifications of the component sensor at the time of manufacture.

Next, the life determination unit monitors the first sensing data stored in the first storage unit 141 in real time when the input voltage of the first sensing unit 120 is out of the normal range, and the first sensing data generated from the component sensors. If the concentration detection pattern of is not at a normal level, that is, it is judged to be abnormal, it can be determined that the lifetime of the component sensor (or smart sensor) has expired.

At this time, if the expiration of the life of the component sensor (or smart sensor) is determined, until it is reset separately, by providing information on the expiration of this life to at least one of the gas detector 200 and the monitoring device 300, the component sensor from the outside (or smart sensor) replacement time can be checked in real time.

In general, the lifespan expiration of a corresponding sensor is expected according to the lifespan expiration period according to the configuration sensor specifications, but the lifespan expiration period may be advanced or delayed depending on the surrounding environmental conditions. Accordingly, the life determination unit determines whether to replace the component sensor (or smart sensor) at an appropriate time by monitoring the first detection data stored in the first storage part 141 in addition to the self-specification of the component sensor to determine whether or not the lifetime has expired. , To provide it to the gas detector 200 and the monitoring device 300. Through this, it is possible to replace at the right time without missing the replacement cycle of the component sensor (or smart sensor) whose lifespan has been reduced by the external environment, thereby minimizing the possibility of error in the first detection data due to the deterioration of the gas detection function. there is.

If the component sensors are provided with at least two or more gas sensors detachably mounted to the first sensing unit 120 of the smart sensor 100, a gas sensor that has a failure or expired life among the gas sensors is a new gas sensor. It is replaced with a sensor, but the remaining gas sensors except for the gas sensor to be replaced can continuously operate.

In this case, the new gas sensor may be a gas sensor of the same measurement type as the existing gas sensor or a gas sensor of a different measurement type. The measurement type of the gas sensor is automatically recognized through the matching unit 160, the measurement logic for this is automatically matched, and gas concentration data can be derived through the data processing unit 170, so the measurement type of the gas sensor to be replaced is important. need not be considered.

The error detection unit (not shown) is a component for self-error detection, and is provided so that the power of the smart sensor 100 is turned on or self-failure determination and detection is possible by a test command pre-stored therein. Pre-stored test commands may be input during manufacturing or externally if necessary, and may be input to sense events occurring in the smart sensor 100 by operating at regular intervals, for example.

In this case, error information and recovery information for an event that may occur in the smart sensor 100 may be pre-stored in the error detection unit. Accordingly, the error detection unit may detect an error of the smart sensor 100 by referring to a corresponding manual along with pre-stored information, and may self-recover in the case of a recoverable error. Here, the error information detected by the error detection unit may be provided to at least one of the gas detector 200 and the monitoring device 300 through the communication unit 100 .

The control unit 180 controls each unit described above. For example, the control unit 180 may be provided with a general-purpose and low-power microcontroller unit (MCU).

For reference, an identification ID for identification is assigned to the smart sensor 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the measurement value of the smart sensor 100 through the communication unit 110 under the control of the controller 180, that is, , Gas detection information (first detection data, second detection data and gas concentration data), life expiration information of the first sensing unit 120, input voltage of the component sensor, etc. When data is provided to the external device, identification ID may be provided together.

In addition, at least one of the above-described matching unit 160, data processing unit 170, compensation unit (not shown), life determination unit (not shown), and error detection unit (not shown) is included in the control unit 180. It is provided as a sub-component, so that one component of the control unit 180 can be configured to perform the corresponding function.

The power supply unit 190 supplies power for the operation of each unit described above. At this time, the power supply unit 190 maintains a constant potential of the first sensing unit 120 and may be provided as a replaceable or rechargeable battery.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the driving principle of the smart sensor 100 proposed by the present invention will be briefly described.

Referring to FIG. 2 , when the driving of the smart sensor 100 starts, initialization is performed first by control of the controller 180 . Here, the reason for going through the initialization step is that the output data is different according to the measurement logic, so the gas measurement type of the gas sensor to be mounted on the smart sensor 100 is changed or the replacement for the derating of the existing configuration sensor is performed. ) is intended to keep in mind changes due to the purpose for

After the initialization step, the gas measurement type of the sensor configured in the smart sensor 100 is determined through the matching unit 160, and an appropriate measurement logic is matched thereto, and the data processing unit 170 matches the matching unit 160. The gas concentration data can be derived by applying the measured measurement logic. At this time, the generated gas concentration data may be stored in the smart sensor 100 by the control unit 180, or may be utilized for monitoring the component sensor itself, and transmitted to at least one of the gas detector 200 and the monitoring device 300. It can be. Additionally, the transmitted data includes raw data as well as gas concentration data, which can be utilized for component sensor monitoring.

After transmitting the data of the component sensor, the above-described process through the matching unit 160 and the data processing unit 170 may be repeated in the smart sensor 100 or the gas detector 200 . That is, by re-determining the component sensors and applying the corresponding measurement logic, it is possible to continuously derive gas concentration data.

<Description of gas monitoring system>

3 schematically illustrates a gas monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a gas monitoring system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of smart sensors 100, a gas detector 200, and a monitoring device 300,

Since the detailed description of the smart sensor 100 has been described above, redundant description will be omitted. For reference, since a single smart sensor 100 can operate as a gas detector itself, hereinafter, description will be given only when a plurality of smart sensors 100 are provided. In this case, the component sensor of the smart sensor 100 may be a single gas sensor capable of detecting a single type of specific gas or a dual gas sensor capable of detecting two types of specific gas.

Here, the smart sensor 100 is a configuration provided in the gas detector 200 to be described later, and the information generated by the smart sensor 100 is first provided to the gas detector 200, and the gas detector 200 receives the corresponding information. It may be provided and provided to the monitoring device 300 . In some cases, information generated by the smart sensor 100 may be provided to both the gas detector 200 and the monitoring device 300 .

The gas detector 200 has a communication bus (BUS) for communicating with a plurality of smart sensors 100. At this time, a plurality of smart sensors 100 are detachably mounted on the gas detector 200 . More specifically, as the smart sensor 100 is mounted on the communication bus of the gas detector 200, mutual data communication is performed. At this time, communication between the gas detector 200 and the smart sensor 100 is performed using a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), and an inter integrated circuit (I2C). , CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network; LIN), etc. may be performed through universal communication protocols.

Accordingly, the gas detector 200 may receive various kinds of gas detection information and life expiration information of the smart sensor 100 from at least two or more smart sensors 100 . At this time, the classification of the smart sensor 100 may be made through a select signal or an identification ID given to each smart sensor 100. At this time, the maximum number of connections of the smart sensor 100 may be determined according to the number of connections of the smart sensor 100 ID and select signal.

Also, while the gas detector 200 is continuously operating, the smart sensor 100 may be installed and removed. For example, when at least one smart sensor (or component sensor) among the plurality of smart sensors 100 fails or expires, the corresponding smart sensor is replaced with a new smart sensor, except for the replaced smart sensor. The remaining smart sensors can operate continuously.

More specifically, if there is a smart sensor whose life has expired among the smart sensors 100 provided in the gas detector 200, a plurality of sensors are provided through an identification ID or Select signal provided from the smart sensor along with life expiration information. It may be possible to distinguish a corresponding smart sensor among smart sensors, replace only the corresponding smart sensor with another smart sensor, and communicate with the replaced smart sensor.

In addition, if an additional smart sensor is to be provided in addition to the smart sensors provided in the gas detector 200, it may be possible to communicate with the additionally mounted smart sensor even when the gas detector 200 is in operation.

In some cases, the gas detector 200 may communicate with the smart sensors 100 having component sensors having different gas measurement types in order to detect multiple types of gases, but among them, the same gas detecting gases of the same component. A plurality of measurement type smart sensors may be included. In this case, the gas detector 200 communicates with the smart sensor 100 so that the smart sensor 100 performs its own error detection function when the gas detection values of the same component are different from the plurality of smart sensors, or appropriate measures are taken. It can communicate with the monitoring device 300 to provide information on the situation.

For reference, the gas detector 200 may include a separate communication unit (not shown) capable of wired/wireless communication with the monitoring unit 300 to be described later. In addition, the gas detector 200 includes an integrated control unit (not shown) that controls overall operations of the gas detector 200, such as communication connection status with the smart sensor 100 and the monitoring unit 300, data transmission and reception, and data analysis. can be configured.

At this time, an appropriate concentration level of gases measurable by each of the plurality of smart sensors 100 may be previously stored in the integrated control unit, and when the gas concentration data derived from the smart sensor 100 is different from the corresponding concentration level, an alarm for this By generating, it is possible to generate an alarm on its own with light or sound, or provide it to the monitoring device 300 so that a quick response to the current situation can be made.

The monitoring device 300 may communicate with at least one of the gas detector 200 and the smart sensor 100 through wired/wireless communication to receive gas detection information and information on the expiration of life of the smart sensor 100. At this time, the gas detection information refers to detection values for specific gases detected by the plurality of smart sensors 100, that is, first detection data for several types of gases and gas concentration data derived therefrom.

Here, the monitoring device may be a desktop, laptop, tablet PC, smart phone, or the like. If the lifespan of the gas detection unit 120 in the smart sensor 100 is over, an alarm for this is directly provided to the monitoring device, so that the target receiving the alarm through the monitoring device can immediately take action.

In addition, the monitoring device may be provided in the form of a server or an application. In this case, at least one of the smart sensor 100 and the gas detector 200 is provided through a user terminal capable of accessing the corresponding server or executing the corresponding application. Monitoring and control signal input for one can be made.

For reference, in another embodiment of the gas monitoring system 10 proposed by the present invention, the smart sensor 100 may include, in some cases, the logic storage unit 150 and the matching unit ( 160), the configuration of the data processing unit 170 may be omitted, and the corresponding configuration may be provided in the form provided in the gas detector 200. In this case, the smart sensor 100 is provided as a gas sensor specialized for gas detection, and regardless of the measurement type of the smart sensor 100, the gas detector 200 determines the measurement type and performs measurement logic matching to the corresponding smart sensor. From (100), it is possible to derive gas concentration data for the sensed gas.

<Smart sensor detection method of sensor monitoring system>

4 is a diagram to explain a smart sensor sensing method (hereinafter, referred to as a 'smart sensor sensing method') of the gas monitoring system of FIG. 3 .

Referring to Figures 4 to 5, the smart sensor detection method is as follows.

1. (a) Step <S100>

(a) Step S100 is a step of initializing the gas detector 200 . For reference, the reason for performing the initialization step is to initialize communication and data for the smart sensor 100, and to allow the smart sensor 100 to enter a normal concentration measurement mode. More specifically, in a state in which the power of the gas detector 200 or the smart sensor 100 is turned on, there may be a smart sensor (or component sensor) in standby mode according to the gas measurement type of the smart sensor 100. It is to forcibly enter the concentration measurement mode.

At the same time, an initialization operation for communication with the monitoring device 300 for control may also be performed.

2. (b) Step <S200>

(b) Step (S200) is a step in which the gas detector 200 checks whether a correction condition (or compensation condition) for at least one smart sensor among a plurality of smart sensors 100 is updated.

If it is confirmed that the calibration conditions of the smart sensor have not been updated, it is determined that communication between the gas detector and the smart sensor is not performed, and the calibration conditions of the smart sensor are continuously checked, and when the calibration conditions are updated, Only the next step, that is, step (c) (S400) can be performed.

For reference, the criterion for determining whether the smart sensor 100 has been replaced is when the communication between the gas detector 200 and the smart sensor 100 fails for a certain period of time, the smart sensor 100 or the sensor inside the smart sensor 100 is recognized as being detached and continuously checks whether the correction information has been updated.

3. (c) Step <S300>

(c) step (S300), when the update of the calibration condition of the smart sensor 100 is confirmed in (b) step (S200), the gas detector 200 communicates between the gas detector 200 and the smart sensor 100 This is a step of determining that it is, and receiving at least one of the first sensing data, the second sensing data, and the gas concentration data from the sensed smart sensor 100 .

More specifically, when the update of the calibration conditions of the smart sensor 100 is confirmed, the gas detector 200 determines that the smart sensor 100 or component sensors have not been replaced or that the replacement has been completed, and the gas detector 200 determines that the detected smart sensor 100 The detected measurement data (first detection data, second detection data, gas concentration data, input voltage data for the component sensor, etc.) is requested, and the smart sensor 100 that has received the request transmits the corresponding measurement data in real time to the gas detector. (200).

4. (d) Step <S400>

Step (d) (S400) is a step of outputting the measurement data received in real time from the smart sensor 100 detected in step (c) (S300) to at least one of the gas detector 200 and the monitoring device 300. . That is, the gas sensor 200 detects the smart sensor 100 through which communication is made by checking whether the correction condition (or compensation condition) is updated, and the measured data measured from the detected smart sensor 100 can be visible to the outside. The measured data is processed and exposed on a display of at least one of the gas detector 200 and the monitoring device 300.

5. (e) Step <S500>

Step (e) (S500) is a step in which the gas detector 200 checks whether at least one smart sensor among a plurality of smart sensors has been replaced.

6. (f) Step <S600>

(f) Step (S600) is a step of checking whether a correction request is input from at least one of the gas detector 200 and the monitoring device 300 when replacement of the smart sensor is confirmed in step (e) (S500). am.

If it is confirmed that the input of the correction request is not made, the gas detector 200 is a smart sensor by sequentially performing the above-described step (b) (S200) without going through step (g) (S700) to be described later. The measurement data is received from (100).

At this time, the input of the correction request means that the user inputs a control signal for the correction request by manipulating the gas detector 200 at a time when correction is required, or inputting a control signal for the correction request through the monitoring device 300 do.

7. (g) Step <S700>

In step (g) (S700), when it is confirmed that the correction request is input in (f) step (S600), the gas detector 200 is replaced with a smart sensor ( 100), providing correction conditions for the correction request, and performing correction for the correction conditions provided by the replaced smart sensor 100.

At this time, when the calibration of the smart sensor 100 replaced in step (g) (S700) is performed, the gas detector 200 is measured from the smart sensor 100 by sequentially performing the above-described step (b) (S200). Data is received in real time.

For reference, when confirming that the correction request is input, the gas detector 200 stops the concentration measurement of the smart sensor 100 and controls to enter the calibration mode, and the control unit 180 of the smart sensor 100 corrects the It is possible to control the correction condition so that the correction condition for the correction request is applied. For example, upon entering the correction mode for the correction request, the smart sensor 100 can obtain the updated measurement data again after performing the zero/span correction through the zero/span correction part. After the calibration is completed, the smart sensor 100 may enter a concentration measurement mode and provide measurement data for concentration measurement to the gas detector 200 in real time.

As described above, the detailed description of the present invention has been made by the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, but since the above-described embodiments have only been described as preferred examples of the present invention, the present invention is limited to the above embodiments. It should not be understood as being, and the scope of the present invention should be understood as the following claims and equivalent concepts thereof.

10: gas monitoring system
100: smart sensor
110: Communication Department
120: first sensing unit
130: second sensing unit
140: data storage unit
141: first storage part
142: second storage part
150: logic storage unit
151: measurement logic storage part
152: compensation logic storage part
160: matching unit
170: data processing unit
180: control unit
190: power supply
200: gas detector
300: monitoring device

Claims (12)

a communication unit communicating with at least one of a gas detector and a monitoring device;
a first sensing unit in which at least one gas sensor (hereinafter, referred to as 'component sensor') is detachably mounted and generates an output value for a specific gas detected by the constituent sensor as first detection data;
a second sensing unit that senses temperature and humidity while the first sensing unit is operating and generates second sensing data therefor;
a data storage unit configured to store the first sensing data and the second sensing data;
A measurement logic storage section in which measurement logics for deriving the gas concentration for each gas measurement type of the gas sensor are stored, and a compensation logic storage section in which the compensation conditions of the first sensing data according to temperature and humidity are stored in a database A logic storage unit including a;
The measurement type of the component sensor is determined, and any one of the measurement logics corresponding to the determined measurement type among the measurement logics stored in the measurement logic storage unit, the determined measurement type among the compensation logics stored in the compensation logic storage unit, and a matching unit for matching any one corresponding compensation logic;
A measurement logic and a compensation logic matched through the matching unit are applied, and gas concentration data is derived by reflecting a compensation condition corresponding to the temperature and humidity included in the second sensing data according to the compensation logic to the first sensing data. a data processing unit;
a control unit for controlling each of the above units; and
a power supply unit supplying power for the operation of each of the above units; Including,
The compensation logic stored in the compensation logic storage part is correction formula information considering the response characteristics of the gas sensor to temperature and humidity for each gas measurement type,
The control unit transmits the gas concentration data generated through the data processing unit to at least one of a gas detector and a monitoring device, and after the gas concentration data is transmitted, the gas measurement type of the component sensor is re-determined and the re-determined gas is detected. Each unit is controlled so that the gas concentration data to which the measurement logic and compensation logic corresponding to the measurement type are applied is derived, but information on the detected data is initialized before re-determining the gas measurement type of the component sensor. Characterized in that
smart sensor.
According to claim 1,
The component sensor measures gas of at least one of an electrochemical type, a contact chemical type, a non-dispersive infrared type, a semiconductor type, a photoionization type, a solid electrolyte type, a potentiostatic type, a thermoelectric type, a heat conduction type, a catalytic combustion type, and an optical type. characterized by having a type
smart sensor.
According to claim 2,
The data storage unit,
a first storage unit for storing the first sensing data and the second sensing data in real time; and
a second storage unit storing life information including at least one of a manufacturing date of the component sensor and an expected use period according to specifications; characterized in that it includes
smart sensor.
According to claim 3,
At least one of the first sensing data, the second sensing data, and the gas concentration data is monitored in real time to determine a correction time point, and the correction condition corresponding to the correction time point is determined so that the correction condition is applied when the gas concentration data is derived. a correction unit provided to the data processing unit; Including,
The correction unit may include: a correction condition storage unit in which correction conditions for an output value according to a measurement type of a gas sensor are stored in a database; characterized in that it includes
smart sensor.
delete According to claim 4,
a lifespan determining unit configured to determine whether or not a lifespan of the component sensor has expired through at least one of detecting a pattern change of the first sensing data stored in the first storage unit and lifespan information stored in the second storage unit; characterized in that it includes
smart sensor.
According to claim 6,
The configuration sensor is composed of at least two or more gas sensors detachably attached to the first sensing unit, and among the gas sensors, a gas sensor that is out of order or whose service life has expired is replaced with a new gas sensor. Characterized in that the remaining gas sensors operate continuously except for
smart sensor.
A plurality of smart sensors according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6;
a gas detector having a communication bus (BUS) for communicating with the plurality of smart sensors; and
a monitoring device communicating with at least one of the plurality of smart sensors and gas detectors and receiving gas detection information detected from the plurality of smart sensors; containing
gas monitoring system.
According to claim 8,
The plurality of smart sensors are detachably mounted to the gas detector,
When at least one smart sensor among the plurality of smart sensors fails or expires, the smart sensor is replaced with a new smart sensor, but the remaining smart sensors except for the replaced smart sensor are continuously operated. doing
gas monitoring system.
A sensing method for sensing a smart sensor in the gas monitoring system according to claim 8,
(a) Initializing the gas detector so that the plurality of smart sensors enter the normal concentration measurement mode while initializing the measurement data provided from the plurality of smart sensors and communication for the plurality of smart sensors detachably attached to the gas detector doing;
(b) checking, by the gas detector, whether calibration conditions for at least one smart sensor among the plurality of smart sensors are updated;
(c) When it is confirmed that the calibration conditions of the smart sensor are updated in step (b), the gas detector determines that communication between the gas detector and the corresponding smart sensor is made, and the first detection data and the second detection data are received from the detected smart sensor. receiving at least one measurement data of data and gas concentration data; and
(d) outputting measurement data provided in real time from the smart sensor sensed in step (c) to at least one of a gas detector and a monitoring device; characterized in that it includes
A smart sensor detection method in a gas monitoring system.
According to claim 10,
In the step (b), when it is confirmed that the update of the correction conditions of the smart sensor is not performed, it is determined that communication between the gas detector and the smart sensor is not performed and continuously checking the update of the correction conditions of the smart sensor. characterized by
A smart sensor detection method in a gas monitoring system.
According to claim 11,
(e) checking, by the gas detector, whether at least one smart sensor among the plurality of smart sensors is replaced;
(f) checking whether a correction request is input from at least one of a gas detector and a monitoring device when replacement of the smart sensor is confirmed in step (e); and
(g) If it is confirmed that the correction request is input in step (f), the gas detector communicates with the replaced smart sensor to receive measurement data with correction conditions applied from the replaced smart sensor and sets the correction conditions for the correction request. providing, and performing correction for the correction condition provided by the replaced smart sensor; Including,
When the calibration of the smart sensor replaced in step (g) is performed, characterized in that it is performed sequentially from step (b)
A smart sensor detection method in a gas monitoring system.

Images