Communication between components of a machine
US5864781A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/24021
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for monitoring and/or controlling operation of a machine is particularly designed for agricultural machines such as seeders or planters. The system includes a central monitor unit and a plurality of sensors all connected in series on a communication bus. Each sensor is manufactured with a unique ID code. The central monitor unit on installation of the system polls each sensor as it is installed in a particular order of installation determined by the central monitor so that central monitor knows the location, function of each sensor in conjunction with its ID code. The central monitor then controls polling of the sensors by commands addressed to the individual sensors. Each sensor has a processor, transducer and a memory for storing data arising from the transducer. The memory can comprise a rollover memory of a simple nature which counts pulses or clock pulses and transmits the stored data when polled by the central monitor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.