CN1276072A - MEMS - Google Patents

Abstract

An integrated electromechanical control device (16) has an interface (14) for communicating with a central computer system (12) or group of computers for distributed and reconfigurable development of a control network. The control unit described herein may include a plurality of microelectronic devices (40), the plurality of microelectronic devices (40) including micromechanical sensors, such as pressure sensors (102) and temperature sensors (90 and 104), formed on a chip that includes a circuit that enables selective setting of individual sensor elements under control of a central computing system.

Description

MEMS

related invention

This application claims priority to USSN 60/054,951 filed August 7, 1998 for microelectromechanical integrated control systems.

field of invention

The present invention relates to control systems, and more particularly to control systems capable of monitoring the working status of a process or system.

Background of the invention

Today, many companies develop and sell control systems for monitoring and controlling complex systems such as chemical plants, assembly lines, and transmission networks. These control systems rely on complex data processing equipment connected to a multitude of sensors and instruments that are coupled into the system being monitored at points that yield useful information about the operating state of the system. Therefore, a typical control system will employ a central data processor to communicate with many different sensors such as pressure sensors, tachometers and temperature sensors. Each sensor is positioned to gather information about the system or process under control, wherein the control causes the data processor to adjust the process and achieve a desired operating condition.

While these control systems can work well, they can be quite complex and expensive. One source of complexity and cost is the interface between the data processing system and the various sensors and instruments connected into the system being monitored. Typically, each type of sensor, such as a thermometer or tachometer, has a dedicated or custom interface that must be connected to the data processor. This interface sometimes includes software device drivers that have been custom written for each sensor and instrument in the control system. Therefore, the control system must be user-adaptable to operate these various sensors. Additionally, each type of sensor or instrument may have a different type of hardware interface, such as a parallel, serial, or bus interface. This requires a custom interface hardware to connect the sensor to the data processing equipment.

Therefore, there is a need for a control system in which a data processor can be easily and efficiently integrated with the sensors and instruments connected to the system being controlled.

In addition, control systems and closed-loop control systems have been developed for large-scale mechanical, electromechanical, or processing systems. With the advent of micromechanics and subsequently "mechatronics", ie the combination of micromechanics and microelectronics, there is a need for scale control systems for these devices.

Summary of the invention

The systems and methods of the present invention include integrated control instruments that can be directly connected to sensors, motors, valves or other devices used in the controlled system. These microelectromechanical integrated control systems (MEMICS) provide an architecture for open-loop or closed-loop control of systems and devices, including microsystems for microelectronics, micromechanics, or microchemical processing. These devices contain components and processes that allow computer or operator (open-loop) control supervision of multiple microsystems and microsensors. Furthermore, each integrated control unit can control or monitor multiple control devices and sensors and provide these multiple devices with a standardized interface to the data processing system. This allows efficient transfer of data and instructions between the data processing system and the control devices and sensors.

More specifically, the invention is understood to include means for controlling a system comprising a data interface for transmitting data packets representing data and command signals over a data network, connected to the data interface for processing the data packets for a communications manager for exchanging data and command signals with the data processor, wherein each data packet organizes the data and command signals according to a predetermined format suitable for transmission over the data network, and a communications manager adapted to process the data and command signals to generate A device manager for control signals that selectively sets the operating characteristics of devices connected to a controlled system. In one embodiment, the device includes a sensor in communicative connection with the device manager. In another embodiment, the device includes an actuator in communicative connection with the device manager. In yet another embodiment, the device is held within a housing containing the sensor, device manager, communication manager and data interface. Each of these elements may remain within the housing such that the actuators and sensors remain within the housing along with the device manager and communication interface. In one embodiment, the device also includes a multi-way interface for allowing the device manager to monitor and control multiple devices connected to the controlled system.

In an optional embodiment, the system includes an encryption processor for encrypting and decrypting data signals and command signals transmitted over the data network. In yet another embodiment, the apparatus includes an interface for connection to a system monitor that allows a user to monitor and adjust the operation of the device, and also includes a system clock for maintaining a measurement of time within the system.

In yet another embodiment, the invention can be understood as an integrated control device for monitoring the characteristics of a controlled system. The integrated control device may include a housing adapted to be removably and replaceably mounted near or adjacent to the system being controlled. The housing may contain a data interface for transmitting data packets representing data and command signals, a communication manager, and a device manager, wherein the device manager responds to the data and command signals and is capable of controlling and monitoring the working status of a monitored controlled system characteristic sensor.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention may be understood as a semiconductor device for monitoring a controlled system. The semiconductor device may include a substrate having a plurality of circuits formed thereon. The circuits may include a communications manager for processing data packets having data and command signals, wherein each data packet organizes the data and command signals according to a predetermined format suitable for transmission over the data network. These circuits may also include a device manager adapted to process data and command signals to generate control signals for operating devices connected to the controlled system, a sensor capable of monitoring characteristics of the controlled system, and a device capable of regulating the controlled Actuators of the operating parameters of the system, whereby command signals transmitted from the data processor are processed by the device manager to control the sensors and actuators to perform selected operations. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device may include sensors including tilt sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, light detectors, microphones, and any combination of multiple similar sensors, such as multiple pressure transducers. . Likewise, a semiconductor device may include many different types of actuators, including motors, pumps, valves, data ports, and I/O lines, and any combination thereof, including providing multiple actuator elements of the same type, such as multiple different motors. or a combination of pumps.

In yet another embodiment, to provide complex communications between the device monitoring the controlled system and the data processor, the integrated circuit may include a communication manager for generating a message identifying the controlled system associated with the data packet. ID signal or field for storing ID signal. Likewise, the communications manager may include a device ID generator for generating a device ID signal adapted to identify the device that is generating a particular packet carrying the device ID signal. In this way, a single data processor can operate a number of different processes, each listening for data packets associated with a particular controlled system or group of systems. In addition, the data processor, as well as other elements of the system, can identify from the data packet the particular device that is generating information characteristic of the operating state of the controlled system. This is particularly useful in those cases where each device includes an interface to a radio frequency transmission system exchanging data signals via radio frequency signals. This can allow one transceiver to communicate with several different devices in order to know which device is producing which set of information.

In yet another aspect, the present invention may be understood as a control system for monitoring and adjusting the operating state of a controlled system. The control system may include a data processor of the type capable of processing information representative of at least one characteristic of the operating state of the controlled system and capable of generating command signals representative of instructions for setting the operation of the sensor device. The system may also include a data network connected to the data processor, of a type suitable for transmitting information signals, and a plurality of sensor devices, wherein each sensor device is connected to the controlled system for monitoring the characteristics of the operating state of the system , each sensor device consists of a communication manager, a device manager, and a sensor capable of monitoring the characteristics of the controlled system. In these systems, command signals generated by a data processor and transmitted over a data network may be received by multiple sensor devices for setting each sensor device to operate in a particular manner. Thus, it is possible to provide a control system in which a plurality of identical or similar sensor devices are located at different locations on the controlled system and are configured as required by the data processor to provide a characteristic characteristic of the operating state of the controlled system. information.

In yet another aspect, the present invention can be understood as a process for controlling a system having an operating state and having at least one characteristic indicative of the operating state. These processes may include providing a data processor of the type capable of processing information representing at least one characteristic of the operating state of the controlled system and capable of generating command signals representing instructions for setting the operation of the sensor device, providing a data processor connected to the data processor A data network of a type suitable for transmitting information signals and connecting sensor devices to the controlled system for monitoring the characteristics of the operating system, wherein the system has a communications manager, a sensor capable of monitoring the characteristics of the system, and a A device manager adapted to process data and command signals from the data processor controlling operation of the sensor. In a further step, the processes may send command signals from the data processor to set the sensor to operate in the selected manner. In yet another embodiment of these processes, the sensor device may also include an actuator element capable of adjusting or modifying an operating parameter of the controlled system. For these systems, the data processor may also generate command signals capable of operating or setting the actuators to adjust selected parameters of the controlled system.

Therefore, the MEMICS structure makes it possible to integrate the electronic and mechanical components of the control system in a single instrument. Integrated control instrumentation can provide a set of sensors and devices which can be set for a selected application to monitor (micro)electronic, (micro)mechanical or (micro)process machines, e.g. sensors, motors, alarms systems, communication systems, spectrographs, aerospace equipment, and medical equipment. These systems provide configurable control devices that can exist at the scale of controlled devices, including systems at the circuit and component levels.

Brief description of the drawings

The drawings show particular embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting.

Fig. 1 has shown the functional block diagram of a structure according to the equipment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a control system with multiple devices of the type shown in Figure 1 connected to the controlled system;

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an integrated circuit device for the control system;

Figure 4 shows a device with a housing capable of being installed in a controlled system; and

Figure 5 shows a flow chart of a process according to the invention.

Detailed description of the embodiment shown

The systems and methods described herein provide an integrated control device that can operate multiple devices, including multiple sensors. For purposes of illustration, the systems and methods described herein are generally shown as sensor systems that allow monitoring and control of a workspace or other similar environment. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the systems and methods described herein are not limited thereto, and other applications of this technology will fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The systems and devices described herein provide an integrated electromechanical control system that provides configurable sensor and actuator devices. Each configurable device may include a set of sensors, such as thermometers, pressure gauges, accelerometers, and other devices, and one or more actuators, such as pumps, valves, motors, adjustable lenses, and other devices. Each of these devices, including sensors and actuators, is controlled by a device manager, which sets the parameters on which the sensors and actuators operate. For example, the device manager can set the temperature range within which a temperature sensor will operate. Likewise, the device manager can set an operating parameter of a motor to limit the rotational speed of the motor. In addition, the device manager can also enable and disable certain sensors and actuators, so that only the thermometer is allowed to work in the device containing the pressure sensor and the thermometer, so that the sensor device only collects temperature information.

In order to set the operation of the sensors and actuators, the device manager can receive commands through a communication manager directly or indirectly connected to a data network that can exchange data packets with a network-connected data processor. The data processor can generate data packets including command signals to be transmitted to the device manager via the communication manager of the integrated control instrument. A device manager responds to command signals for setting up a device, for example by activating certain sensors associated with the device and selecting operating parameters for the device. In this way, the data processor can provide a central workstation from which multiple integrated sensor devices located at different locations in the controlled system can be configured. Each sensor can monitor a specific parameter associated with the working state of the controlled system, and can provide data packets of information to the data processor through the data network, so as to allow the data processor to monitor and in some applications adjust the controlled The working status of the system. Accordingly, it should be understood that the integrated control system described herein provides configurable sensor and actuator systems that may be located at various locations in the system being controlled and dynamically set by the data processing system to Allows the data processing system to implement a control system for monitoring and regulating the operating state of the controlled system.

The systems described herein can be connected to or incorporate a wide range of different sensor types, each of which can operate differently. To facilitate the use of these various devices, a device manager that can be connected to the input/output interface device is provided. Each sensor connected to the system can be connected to an interface, for example, by a circuit connection. The device manager can manipulate input/output devices to enable, disable, monitor and control sensors. The device manager can then package the information collected by the sensors into a common format, and can send the packaged data to a central processing device, which reads the data and effects control changes as appropriate.

Figure 1 shows an example of an integrated electronic and mechanical sensor control device. To this end, the system 10 is shown to include a command and control computer 12 connected to a transceiver 14 which then communicates with a MEMIC device 16 . The MEMIC device 16 can be used as a stand-alone device or operate in a many-to-many configuration where multiple MEMICS can interact with many command and control units. This allows backup and enhanced utilization. FIG. 1 also shows a number of devices 40 , a system monitor 44 , an open loop feedback device 42 , an open loop interrupt device 46 , a system clock 50 , a power manager 52 and a power supply 54 . The MEMICS 16 of Figure 1 is shown in the form of a functional block diagram, including a transceiver 20, a communication manager 22, an encoder/decoder 26, an encryptor/decryptor 28, a device manager 24, a device monitor 30, a DAC /ADC device 32 and device I/O manager 34.

The command and control computer 12 shown in FIG. 1 is a data processing system of the type commonly employed for running computer programs implementing monitoring and control processes, and may be, for example, a stand-alone controller system such as that provided by the Foxboro Company of Foxboro, The type sold by Massachusetts, or may be a conventional computer workstation such as an IBM PC compatible workstation that runs a computer program to operate as a data processor control system.

Command and control computer 12 is operable under the control of a computer program that instructs command and control computer 12 to generate command signals representing signals to activate, enable and configure device 40 shown in FIG. 1 . These command signals may include instructions to enable or disable the interface to device 40 . The command signal also includes instructions for setting operating ranges, such as temperature ranges, pressure ranges, and other parameters for setting device 40 . The computer program running on the command and control computer 12 can be a conventional computer program, such as a C language program or a JAVA language program, and the computer program can download a small program from the command and control computer 12 to the integrated control unit 16 for providing Client control of initialization and operation of device 40 .

FIG. 1 also shows a transceiver 14 connected to the command and control computer 12 . Transceiver 14 may be a network interface that takes command and data signals generated by command and control computer 12 and formats them in a format suitable for transmission over the physical layer of a computer network, such as Ethernet or any IP network Card. Alternatively, the transceiver 14 may be a network interface card connected to the command and control computer 12 via a data network for receiving data packets, such as IP packets, carried over the computer data network on the transceiver 14 A bi-directional data path is provided between the command and control computer 12. Transceiver 14 may receive data packets from a computer network and convert these data packets into signals that may be broadcast to integrated control unit 16 . For example, transceiver 14 may comprise a network interface card connected to a data network for communication with command and control computer 12 . The network interface card of transceiver 14 may be connected to a radio frequency transceiver that broadcasts data and command signals to transceiver 20 of integrated control unit 16 . In this way, the integrated control unit 16 can be physically separated from the computer network without requiring a connection to a network cable. Although the above transceiver 14 has been described with reference to a radio frequency link, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that an infrared link, a twisted pair link, or any other suitable link between the transceiver 14 and the integrated control unit 16 may also be used. communication link.

Transceiver 14 is shown attached to the I/O bus of command and control computer 12 via a communications, parallel, or PC card port. The transceiver unit receives power from the computer. The operator can subtract control of the main program, interrupting the equipment control system. Operators can interact with system monitors, which include keyboards, switches, video displays, and other suitable I/O devices.

The integrated control unit 16 includes a transceiver 20 for exchanging data and command signals with the transceiver 14 . Transceiver 20 may be any conventional transceiver element, including radio frequency or infrared transceiver units, and is selected to be compatible with transceiver 14 that communicates with command and control unit 12 . Thus, each device 16 may have a transceiver through which it communicates with the transceiver of the command and control system. The transceivers shown allow the device to operate by radio frequency, infrared or other wireless means. For this, they are equipped with the necessary electronics and logic for telecommunications, including antennas or optoelectronics or ultrasound or any other means. A transceiver contains the means to perform error detection/correction and all necessary equipment to ensure correct data transmission.

Where the communication signals are properly managed, the transceivers may be replaced by electronic or optical lines. The communications manager responds to the preparation and acceptance of messages for transmission. it consists of two main modules: an encoder/decoder unit that organizes the data in a message, and ensures that the message is exchanged only with authorized command/control computers or only in a format that authorized or selected processors can understand or process The encryptor/decryptor unit for this message.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the transceiver 20 communicates bidirectionally with the communication manager 22 . The communication manager 22 includes an encoder/decoder unit 26 and an encryptor/decryptor unit 28 . As also shown in FIG. 1, both the encoder unit 26 and the encryptor unit 28 are connected in bidirectional communication. Also as shown in FIG. 1 , the communication manager 22 is connected between the transceiver 20 and the device manager 24 . The communications manager can be an electronic circuit or a software program running on a general purpose microprocessor. The communication manager 22 employs an encoder/decoder unit 26 to organize the data in a packet for transmission through the transceiver 20 to the transceiver 14 . The data is organized by encoder 26 into a format that can be understood by a computer program running on command and control computer 12 . Likewise, encoder/decoder 26 may receive packets generated by command and control computer 12 and select from these packets commands to be sent to device manager 24 for initializing and configuring the operation of sensor 40 and data signals. In one embodiment, data transmitted from encoder 26 to transceiver 14 via transceiver 22 may be formatted by a network interface card that is part of transceiver 14 into a format suitable for output on a data network, wherein the data network Data is communicated between transceiver 14 and command and control computer 12 .

Figure 1 also shows an optional element, encryptor/decryptor 28. Encryptor/decryptor 28 may be an electronic circuit, or a software routine running on a conventional microprocessor. The encryptor/decryptor can encrypt and decrypt signals to provide a layer of security for communications between the integrated control unit 16 and the command and control computer 12 . This reduces the possibility of tampering that interferes with proper monitoring of the controlled system.

FIG. 1 also shows a device manager 24 comprising a device monitor 30 connected to a device I/O multiplexer 34 through a digital-to-analog converter 32 . Device manager 30 communicates data between devices 40 and communications manager 22 . Additionally, device manager 24 , which may be a circuit or a software routine running on a microprocessor, processes and responds to command and data signals provided from the command and control computer for configuring, starting and operating device 40 . More specifically, device manager 30 may include a state machine that selectively enables and disables devices 40 in response to command signals. For example, in one embodiment, command and control computer 12 may transmit a command signal to device manager 24 instructing device manager 24 to activate one of devices 40, where the activated device 40 includes a pressure sensor. Additionally, the control computer 12 may set commands and data signals that instruct the device manager 30 to set the operating parameters of the activated pressure sensors 40 . For example, by selecting the reference voltage applied to the pressure sensor, it is possible to operate a particular pressure sensor within a selected range.

In this embodiment, device manager 30 responds to commands from command and control computer 12 to select the appropriate reference voltage to achieve the desired pressure sensing range. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the device manager 30 can set any required parameters for the device 40, and the design and development of such a device manager are well known to those of ordinary skill in the field of electronic engineering. Device monitor 30 may also receive data from sensors, such as pressure measured by sensor 40 . Device manager 30 may pass these signals through communications manager 22 for packaging and delivery to transceiver 14 . The digital-to-analog converter and analog-to-digital converter 32 shown in FIG. 1 may be any suitable circuitry to perform these functions, and may be separate integrated circuit components or integrated circuit components provided as part of a single integrated circuit. It should be understood, however, that the signal conditioning circuitry employed by the devices described herein may be modified as desired, and such modifications are considered to be within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art of electrical engineering.

In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of devices 40 are connected to device manager 24 by bidirectional paths. To this end, device manager 24 includes a device I/O multiplexer 34 . The device I/O multiplexer can be an electronic circuit or a software routine running on a conventional microprocessor. Operation of such a multiplexer, which switches between the various devices 40, for passing data between the selected device and the device manager 24 is well known in the art, and any suitable multiplexing may be employed. device is used in the present invention.

The integrated control device 16 shown in FIG. 1 includes a bi-directional interface to a system monitor 44 . System monitor 44 may be a video display with a keyboard, such as a computer terminal, allowing an operator to interface with the integrated control instrument, for example, change parameters of sensor device 40, and monitor data generated by sensor device 40. A system monitor 44 is connected to an open loop feedback device 42 . These open loop feedback devices 42 may be, for example, alarms, such as sirens or flashing lights, which are activated by the integrated control unit 16 when specific data from a device 40 indicates an alarm condition. The system monitor 44 is also shown connected to an interrupt device 46 . Interrupt device 46 allows the operator to override command signals implemented by device manager 24 . Thus, the interrupt device is used to disable selected devices 40 , or enable other devices 40 , or allow the user to send information to the command and control computer 12 through the integrated control instrument 16 . In other applications, interrupt device 46 may be used with the system described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 also shows that integrated control unit 16 may be connected to system clock 50 and power management and power supply units 52 and 54 . The system clock may be a conventional electronic clock element that provides a clock signal to device manager 30 . Such a clock signal can be used to time the rate of change of certain parameters, such as pressure and temperature, and to monitor and maintain information about the status of the integrated control unit 16, such as how long the control unit 16 has been running, and data The date and time that was collected for transmission back to the command and control computer 12. The system clock synchronizes all signals processed in the control unit 16 . An optional power management unit responds to the conservation and distribution of energy across the various devices according to needs indicated by the system monitor. Power management and power supply units 52 and 54 may be conventional batteries or A/C power supplies. Although system clock 50 and power management and power systems 52 and 54 are shown in FIG. 1 as separate components of system 10 , those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that these components may be included in integrated control device 16 .

The main program of the closed loop system runs on the computer 12 or group of computers. The program has a user interface that interacts with the operator and performs the main data analysis and command and control functions. The program optionally includes an encryption program. The program can provide real-time operation by providing command signals with priority values that can be understood by the device manager 30 to determine the order in which operations occur. This allows the computer to determine which sensor data to report back first, which actuator to activate first, or in any other order.

As mentioned above, the device manager transmits messages from/to the controlled devices. It contains the device monitor, which responds to the digital processing of the signal, is equipped with the necessary logic and arithmetic functions, and has the necessary memory to ensure the total processing capacity. The device manager shown contains a digital-to-analog converter and an analog-to-digital converter. A device input/output channel multiplexer is also included, allowing the device monitor to switch its attention from one device to another.

Although Figure 1 shows a single control unit 16, multiple (micro) electromechanical devices may also be connected to the MEMICS integrated control instrumentation. These devices can be sensors, motors, processing devices. Integrated control devices are monitored by a system monitor. System Monitor responds to the general functions of the ICI. It exchanges status information with a command and control computer, or with an operator via an open-loop feedback device such as a light-emitting diode. It acts on command signals received from a command and control unit or from an operator through an interrupting device, such as a switch or a button. From this, operators can override the command system, shut down sensors or devices, run individual offline tests, or other similar functions.

FIG. 2 shows a system 10 comprising a plurality of transceiver elements 16a - 16f connected to a network bus 15 connected to a command and control computer 12 . As noted above, the command and control computer 12 executes the processing of the control system and responds to operator input. FIG. 2 also shows a room 30 comprising a transceiver 16d and four integrated control units 18a-18d of the type as described with reference to FIG. 1 . Room 30 may contain assembly lines, chemical plants, work environments, and any system or space that is monitored or controlled. Each of the integrated control units 18a-18d is connected to a sensor or device. For example, unit 18a is connected to a valve 20 having a motorized closure assembly. Likewise, units 18a and 18b are connected to thermostats 22 and 24, respectively. Unit 18d is connected to a generic sensor/device element representing any element suitable for use in a control system.

As noted above, units 18a-18d may receive commands and provide data to transceiver 16d via a data link, such as an IR or radio frequency link. Alternatively, hardwired links may be employed. In the illustrated embodiment, transceiver 16d exchanges data and instructions with command computer 12 over network 15 .

Each unit 18a - 18d may receive a command data signal from the command computer 12 . This data instructs the device manager 24 how to drive or communicate the sensors, actuators or other devices connected to the unit. The device manager 24 can use this information to collect information from sensors, actuators and devices, and can convert this information into a standard format that can be sent to the transceiver 16d. Transceiver 16d may format the data into a standard format suitable for transmission over network 14 . Thus, system 10 provides a control system with standard interfaces to its devices, actuators and sensors.

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the integrated control device is formed as an integrated circuit, whereby the circuits and sensors of the device according to the invention are formed on one substrate. More specifically, FIG. 3 shows an integrated circuit 60 including a microprocessor core 62, static RAM 64, and electrically programmable memory 66 and read-only memory 68. Device 60 also includes gyroscope 70 , temperature sensor 72 , gyroscope 74 and accelerometer 76 . Microprocessor core 62 may be a conventional microprocessor core operating in response to computer programs stored in ROM 68 and EEPROM 66. Microprocessor core 62 may also respond to input signals received from an IO interface (not shown) of the type commonly employed with microcontroller circuits.

Figure 3 shows an integrated control device that may be formed on one substrate, wherein a programmable microprocessor core 62 operates under program control to implement the communication manager and device manager functions of the integrated control device. In one embodiment, microprocessor core 62 is similar to the 68HC05 core developed by Motorola, which can be programmed in a high-level language, such as C, to generate a set of instruction signals that can implement the communications manager and device manager functions. The development of such programs follows principles well known in the fields of electrical engineering and computer science, and any suitable computer program may be used in the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. The integrated system 60 shown in FIG. 3 also includes four sensor elements that can be individually programmed by the microprocessor circuit to collect selected information about the system being controlled. For example, in one embodiment, the micro-integrated control device 60 may be attached to a box that moves on a conveyor belt. In this embodiment, the microprocessor may employ accelerometer 76 and gyroscope 74 to receive orientation and motion information for use by a control program running on command and control computer 12 . In another part of the control system, the device 60 can be placed at a location in the controlled system where temperature measurement is relevant to maintain an optimal operating condition and, in this application, the command and control program can A program is sent to the microcontroller unit 60 executing from the EEPROM 66 to instruct the microprocessor core to enable the temperature sensor 72 and report back the temperature data collected from the sensor. For reporting back data, element 60 may be connected to an infrared transceiver element (not shown) for exchanging data between transceiver 14 and command and control computer 12 connected to a computer data network, wherein the data The network transmits information between transceiver 14 and command and control computer 12 .

Fig. 4 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention in the form of a functional block diagram. More specifically, Figure 4 shows a system 90 comprising a housing 90 tube that may be mounted on a portion of the system to be controlled. System 90 may include microcontroller 94 , transceiver 98 and sensors 102 , 104 and 106 . In the illustrated embodiment, sensors 102, 104, and 106 are pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and accelerometers, respectively. These three sensors can be operated under the control of the microcontroller 94 for measuring certain parameters of the controlled system. In another embodiment, system 90 may include an IO port for making an electrical connection to a sensor or actuator physically separate from housing 90 . In this way, the integrated control system 90 can also communicate with devices that are separate from the unit but connected to the controlled system.

The transceiver 98 shown in FIG. 4 may be used to transmit signals to a transceiver that communicates with the data network and transmits data to the central computer system. In one embodiment, multiple devices, such as device 90 , may communicate with a single transceiver 14 . In this embodiment, the communication manager may generate a device ID that identifies a unique device 90 with which the transceiver 14 is in communication. This enables the transceiver 14 to determine which device is speaking to the transceiver 14, and thus provide the transceiver 14 with information for transmitting data over the computer data network.

Fig. 5 shows the process for controlling and monitoring a system according to the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 5 shows a process 120, which includes the steps of: generating initialization and data commands 122, broadcasting data and commands 124, confirming initialization 126 of the integrated control unit, monitoring data 128, determining whether the monitoring system needs to be reset Set 130, and generate the necessary reset commands and data signals 132.

More specifically, the process 120 shown in FIG. 5 may be used by the command and control computer 12 to initialize and reset the sensor units used to monitor the controlled system. In a first step 122, the command and control computer may initialize the settings of the controlled system. In this step, the command and control computer 12 generates a set of setting information for setting various unconfigured sensor devices. Thus, the command and control unit may determine which sensor devices are to measure temperature, which are to measure pressure, which are to actuate valves and take air samples, or any other function provided by the individual sensor devices. Once the setup data and commands are generated, process 120 proceeds to step 124 where these data and command signals are broadcast over the data network. In this step, the data and commands are sent over the network to a transceiver, such as the transceiver 14 shown in FIG. 1 , which is used to broadcast the information to the various transceiver units 20 of the different integrated control devices 16 .

After step 124, process 120 proceeds to step 126, which is an optional step in which the command and control computer may ask for confirmation of the settings. In this step, the command and control unit may determine that each integrated control device receives command data sent to that device and is set appropriately to operate the sensors and actuators that have been selected by the command and control computer 12 . If the initialization test fails, the command and control unit may optionally abort the initialization process and require user intervention, or take any other suitable steps.

In step 128, the command and control unit monitors the data collected by the various devices and sent back to the command and control computer 12 over the data network. Command and control computer 12 can use this information for general process control and monitoring.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, process 120 optionally proceeds to step 130, where the data returned from sensor devices and actuators are monitored by step 120 to determine whether the process needs to be reset to monitor Other characteristics of the controlled system. If the system is not to be reset, process 120 proceeds from step 130 to step 132 generating and broadcasting new command and data signals to be employed by command and control unit 12 to reset the sensor devices and actuator devices. Alternatively, if no settings are required, step 130 may return to step 128 to start monitoring data.

It should be understood that the above-described embodiments of the invention are illustrative of some applications and principles of the invention. Various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the systems and devices described herein may be used in a variety of applications, including monitoring product moving along an assembly line, monitoring vessel activity, and any other suitable application.

Claims (22)

1. device that is used to control a system comprises:

A data interface is used for representing a data transmission over networks packet of data and command signal,

A contact manager, link to each other with described data-interface, be used for the processing said data bag so that exchange described data and command signal with a data processor, wherein, each described packet is organized described data and command signal according to the predetermined format that is suitable for transmitting on described data network, and

An equipment manager is suitable for processing said data and command signal, is used for setting selectively the control signal of the operating characteristic of the equipment that links to each other with controlled system with generation.

2. device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described equipment comprises that one communicates the sensor that is connected with described equipment manager.

3. device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described equipment comprises that one communicates the driver that is connected with described equipment manager.

4. device as claimed in claim 2 also comprises a shell that comprises described sensor, described equipment manager, described contact manager and described data-interface.

5. device as claimed in claim 3 also comprises a shell that comprises described driver, described equipment manager, described contact manager and described data-interface.

6. device as claimed in claim 1 also comprises a multichannel interface, is used to a plurality of equipment that allow described equipment manager supervision and control to link to each other with controlled system.

7. device as claimed in claim 1 also comprises an encryption processor, is used for described data and the command signal of encryption and decryption by the data network transmission.

8. device as claimed in claim 1 comprises that also one is used to be connected to a System Monitor, monitors and adjust the interface operable of described equipment to allow the user.

9. device as claimed in claim 1 also comprises a system clock.

10. an integrated-control apparatus that is used to monitor the characteristic of controlled system comprises,

One is suitable for removable and is installed in shell on the controlled system replaceably, and described shell comprises:

A data interface is used for by a data network packet of representative data and command signal being sent to a data processor,

A contact manager, link to each other with described data-interface, be used for the processing said data bag so that exchange described data and command signal, wherein with described data processor, each described packet is organized described data and command signal according to the predetermined format that is suitable for transmitting on described data network

An equipment manager responds described data and command signal, can control and monitor an equipment, and

A sensor that is used to monitor the described characteristic of described controlled system.

11. a semiconductor equipment that is used to monitor a controlled system comprises:

Substrate with formation a plurality of circuit thereon, described circuit comprises:

A contact manager is used to handle the packet with data and command signal, and wherein, each described packet is organized described data and command signal according to the predetermined format that is adapted to pass through the data network transmission,

An equipment manager is suitable for processing said data and command signal, the control signal that is used to operate the equipment that links to each other with controlled system with generation,

The sensor that can monitor the characteristic of controlled system, and

The driver that can regulate the running parameter of controlled system, thereby, handle the command signal that transmits from a data processor by described equipment manager, be used to control described sensor and described driver is carried out selected operation.

12. device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described sensor comprises temperature sensor, pressure transducer, accelerometer, gyroscope, photo-detector, microphone and any combination thereof.

13. device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described driver comprises motor, pump, valve, FPDP and any combination thereof.

14. device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described contact manager comprises an ID generator, is used to produce have a packet that is used to store the field of controlled system id signal, and described controlled system id signal is used to discern the controlled system that interrelates with described packet.

15. device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described contact manager comprises one, and to be used for packet is sent to type be the interface that is suitable on the physical layer equipment that transmits data on the data network.

16. device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described contact manager comprises an interface on the radio-frequency apparatus that is used to be sent to a radiofrequency signal that is used to launch expression data and command signal.

17. device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, described contact manager comprises a device id generator, is used to produce a device id signal that is used to discern the equipment that produces packet.

18. a control system that is used to monitor and adjust the duty of a controlled system comprises

A data processor, type is for the information of at least one characteristic of the duty that can handle the expression controlled system and can produce the command signal of instruction that expression is used for the operation of setting sensor equipment, and

A data network that links to each other with described data processor, type be for being suitable for transmitting information signal, and

A plurality of sensor devices, each sensor device links to each other with controlled system, is used to monitor the characteristic of the duty of described system, and each sensor device has

A contact manager, be used for handle packet in case with a remote data processor swap data and command signal, wherein, each described packet is organized described data and command signal according to a predetermined format,

An equipment manager is suitable for the control signal that processing said data and command signal are used to operate an equipment that links to each other with controlled system with generation, and

The sensor that can monitor the characteristic of controlled system, thereby, handle the command signal that transmits from described data processor by described equipment manager, be used to control described sensor and carry out selected operation.

19. control system as claimed in claim 18, wherein, described sensor device also comprises the driver equipment that links to each other, can regulate the duty of controlled system with described equipment manager.

20. control system as claimed in claim 19, wherein, described data processor comprise one be used for producing at least one that will be transferred to described a plurality of driver equipment, be used to set the mechanism of described driver equipment with the command signal of selected mode operation.

21. a process that is used to control a system, wherein said system have a duty and have the characteristic of at least one expression duty, described process comprises

Provide type be can handle the expression controlled system duty at least one characteristic information and can produce the data processor of command signal of instruction that expression is used for the operation of setting sensor equipment,

Provide link to each other with described data processor, type is the data network that is suitable for transmitting information signal, and

Sensor device is connected to controlled system, is used to monitor the characteristic of the duty of described system, wherein, sensor has

A contact manager, be used for handle packet in case with described data processor swap data and command signal, wherein, each described packet is organized described data and command signal according to a predetermined format,

The sensor that can monitor the characteristic of controlled system,

An equipment manager is suitable for processing said data and command signal and controls the operation of described sensor, and

Be used to set the command signal that described sensor is operated in selected mode from described data processor transmission.

22. process as claimed in claim 21 also comprises:

The also driver of the duty of regulating system that can link to each other with controlled system is provided, and

Send the command signal of the operation that is used to indicate described driver from described data processor.

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