In the world of cutting-edge technology, a new patent has been filed that aims to efficiently capture crucial sensor data and location information, potentially revolutionizing a broad range of industry applications.
Patent US20230269697A1, a brainchild of VEGA Grieshaber, outlines a sophisticated system that could be compared to a toy car that not just moves but tells about its speed, identifies its own location, and shares this information with others. However, facing the challenges of data capturing and transmission was not an easy task.
Traditionally, the location of stationary sensors had to be manually registered in an inventory system. This task is not only labor-intensive but also prone to error. As a technical solution, sensors could be equipped with position determining units using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS or Galileo. However, these units do not work well in areas of weak signal strength like basements or under metal roofs, require a lot of energy, and add significant costs. The transmission of positional information along with the measurement values also increases our data volume, loading up the transmission path and reducing the life of battery-operated sensors.
VEGA Grieshaber's patent proposes a novel solution to this problem. Their system divides the transmission into two separate paths, optimizing output units for their respective purposes and enabling a resource and energy-saving operation of the sensor, and, in turn, of the entire system. It employs a crowdsourcing network, eliminating the need for GNSS receivers or dedicated position determining units in sensors, saving on costs and energy consumption.
In a post-patent world, one can visualize this system making a significant impact, particularly in industries requiring extensive sensor data. For instance, weather stations could use it to efficiently collect barometric readings from several points. Logistics companies could employ this technology to track their fleet's precise location and conditions, ultimately ensuring a smoother and more efficient supply chain management.
It's worth noting, the “data collection unit” can be configured in various manners. The sensors can be spaced at significant distances- tens or hundreds of meters, even greater to a few kilometers apart. The flexibility of this wireless data transmission ensures easy installation of sensors across vast geographical locations, contributing significantly to global systems.
However, such ground-breaking technology like the US20230269697A1 patent brings with it not just the prospect of change but also uncertainty. While the details outlined in the patent documents paint a futuristic vision of data collection and transmission, it ultimately remains to be seen whether this technology will make it to market, as the journey from patent to product can be unpredictable and fraught with challenges. Nonetheless, the move marks a significant step forward in the technology landscape, offering a glimpse into the future of sensor data handling and transmission.