Abstract:
A Universal Serial Bus—Mass Storage Device (USB-MSD) based data logger may store data from sensors onto a Secure Digital (SD) card, these stored files may be analyzed on a personal computer (PC) using standard PC applications, then based on the logged data a new file for tuning may be created and transferred to a microcontroller using a desired standard protocol, e.g., MSD protocol. This file may then be decoded by the microcontroller and appropriate peripherals may be operated based on the file data.

Description:
RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/788,967; filed Apr. 4, 2006; entitled “USB-MSD Based Real Time Data Logger, Tuning and Automation System” by Gurinder Singh, and is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to real time data logging, system automation and tuning thereof, and more particularly, to a USB-MSD based real time data logging, automation and tuning system. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Industrial and commercial data logging, automation control, power management, medical devices, security systems, military ordinance and automotive applications may have complex and proprietary hardware interfaces and software program control. Thus, cost effectively implementing some form of coherent and integrated real time data logging, system automation and tuning thereof has not been practical. 
         [0004]    For example, in industrial production environments, machines such as lathes, compression-molding presses, ultraviolet curing stations, sanding stations, sandblasting stations, electric ovens, painting stations and testing platforms run around-the-clock. The result is often sky-high energy bills and unforeseen power outages that may be due to rolling blackouts and/or overloaded distribution circuits. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Therefore what is desired is a low cost, and simple to program real time data logging, automation and tuning system using standard, readily available components and easily interfaced to a standard personal computer (PC) and/or a personal digital assistant (PDA) over a standard Universal Serial Bus (USB). 
         [0006]    According to teachings of this disclosure, a Universal Serial Bus—Mass Storage Device (USB-MSD) based data logger may store data from sensors onto a Secure Digital (SD) card, these stored files may be analyzed on a personal computer (PC) using standard PC applications, then based on the logged data a new file for tuning may be created and transferred to the microcontroller using a desired standard protocol, e.g., MSD protocol. This file may then be decoded by the microcontroller and appropriate peripherals may be operated based on the file data. 
         [0007]    According to a specific example embodiment of this disclosure, a system for industrial real time data logging, automation and tuning may comprise: a microcontroller having input-output, a file coding and decoding module, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, and a non-volatile memory interface; an industrial device; power control coupled to a first power source and the industrial device, wherein the power control is coupled to the microcontroller input-output and controlled by the microcontroller; sensors coupled to the industrial device and the microcontroller input-output, wherein the sensors supply information about the industrial device to the microcontroller; a non-volatile memory coupled to the SPI Bus of the microcontroller; and a second power source in case of stand alone operation of the microcontroller and non-volatile memory; wherein a real time data logging, automation and tuning program is stored in the non-volatile memory and controls the microcontroller when the microcontroller is monitoring and controlling operation of the industrial device. 
         [0008]    According to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure, a system for medical real time data logging, automation and tuning may comprise: a microcontroller having input-output, a file coding and decoding module, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, and a non-volatile memory interface; a medical device; power control coupled to a first power source and the medical device, wherein the power control is coupled to the microcontroller input-output and controlled by the microcontroller; sensors coupled to the medical device and the microcontroller input-output, wherein the sensors supply information about the medical device to the microcontroller; a non-volatile memory coupled to the non-volatile memory interface of the microcontroller; and a second power source for powering the microcontroller and non-volatile memory; wherein a real time data logging, automation and tuning program is stored in the non-volatile memory and controls the microcontroller when the microcontroller is monitoring and controlling operation of the medical device. 
         [0009]    According to yet another specific example embodiment of this disclosure, a system for security real time data logging, automation and tuning, said system comprising: a microcontroller having input-output, a file coding and decoding module, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, and a non-volatile memory interface; at least one security device coupled to the microcontroller input-output and controlled by the microcontroller; security sensors coupled to the microcontroller input-output, wherein the sensors supply security information to the microcontroller; a non-volatile memory coupled to the non-volatile memory interface of the microcontroller; and a power source for powering the microcontroller and non-volatile memory; wherein a real time data logging, automation and tuning program is stored in the non-volatile memory and controls the microcontroller when the microcontroller is monitoring and controlling operation of the security device. 
         [0010]    According to still another specific example embodiment of this disclosure, a system for missile real time data logging, automation and tuning may comprise: a microcontroller having input-output, a file coding and decoding module, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, and a non-volatile memory interface; missile position control coupled to the microcontroller input-output and controlled by the microcontroller; a global position satellite (GPS) receiver coupled to the microcontroller input-output, wherein the GPS receiver supplies information about a position of the GPS receiver to the microcontroller; a non-volatile memory coupled to the non-volatile memory interface of the microcontroller; and a power source for powering the microcontroller and non-volatile memory; wherein a real time data logging, automation and tuning program is stored in the non-volatile memory and controls the microcontroller when the microcontroller is monitoring and controlling operation of the missile position control. 
         [0011]    According to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure, a system for vehicle real time data logging, automation and tuning may comprise: a microcontroller having input-output, a file coding and decoding module, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, and a non-volatile memory interface; vehicle drive controls coupled to the microcontroller input-output and controlled by the microcontroller, the vehicle controls adapted for controlling a vehicle; a global position satellite (GPS) receiver coupled to the microcontroller input-output, wherein the GPS receiver supplies information about a position of the GPS receiver to the microcontroller; vehicle sensors coupled to the microcontroller input-output, wherein the vehicle sensors supply information about operation of the vehicle to the microcontroller; a non-volatile memory coupled to the non-volatile memory interface of the microcontroller; and a power source for powering the microcontroller and non-volatile memory; wherein a real time data logging, automation and tuning program is stored in the non-volatile memory and controls the microcontroller when the microcontroller is monitoring and controlling operation of the vehicle drive controls. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    A more complete understanding of the present disclosure thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic block diagram of a personal computer and microcontroller having input-output and memory storage, and adapted for use as a USB-MSD based real time data logger, automation and tuning system, according to teachings of this disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic block diagram of the personal computer and microcontroller of  FIG. 1  having input-output and memory storage, and adapted for use as a USB-MSD based real time data logger, automation and tuning system for industrial applications, according to a specific example embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic block diagram of the personal computer and microcontroller of  FIG. 1  having input-output and memory storage, and adapted for use as a USB-MSD based real time data logger, automation and tuning system for medical applications, according to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic block diagram of the personal computer and microcontroller of  FIG. 1  having input-output and memory storage, and adapted for use as a USB-MSD based real time data logger, automation and tuning system for security applications, according to yet another specific example embodiment of this disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic block diagram of the personal computer and microcontroller of  FIG. 1  having input-output and memory storage, and adapted for use as a USB-MSD based real time data logger, automation and tuning system for missile position control applications, according to still another specific example embodiment of this disclosure; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic block diagram of the personal computer and microcontroller of  FIG. 1  having input-output and memory storage, and adapted for use as a USB-MSD based real time data logger, automation and tuning system for vehicle control applications, according to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0019]    While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific example embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific example embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed herein, but on the contrary, this disclosure is to cover all modifications and equivalents as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Referring now to the drawings, the details of specific example embodiments are schematically illustrated. Like elements in the drawings will be represented by like numbers, and similar elements will be represented by like numbers with a different lower case letter suffix. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of a personal computer and microcontroller having input-output and memory storage, and adapted for use as a USB-MSD based real time data logger, automation and tuning system, according to teachings of this disclosure. A microcontroller  102  may comprise a file codec (code-decode)  104  having a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, and input-output (I/O)  106 . A personal computer (PC) or personal digital assistant (PDA) (hereinafter PC)  112  may be coupled to the USB port of the microcontroller  102  over a Universal Serial Bus (USB)  114 . The file codec  104  may be adapted for coupling to a Secure Digital (SD) card or Multimedia card (MMC)  110  (shown), or other non-volatile mass storage device. The file codec  104  may act as a stand-alone Mass Storage Device (MSD) and/or as a Secure Digital/Multimedia Card (SD/MMC) reader/writer interface for writing and reading in standard data storage formats e.g., MSD protocol, Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) Bus mode, SD Bus mode, etc. The microcontroller  102  may be powered from a power source  108 , e.g., battery, power supply, solar cells, fuel cell, etc. 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of the personal computer and microcontroller of  FIG. 1  having input-output and memory storage, and adapted for use as a USB-MSD based real time data logger, automation and tuning system for industrial applications, according to a specific example embodiment of this disclosure. The power source  208  may be a battery, power supply, solar cells, fuel cell, etc. A power control  224 , e.g., silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), triacs, power relays, etc., may be used to control power from a power source  226  to be supplied to an industrial device  222 . Operation of the industrial device  222  may be monitored with sensors  220 . The input-output  106  of the microcontroller  102  may be used to control the power control  224  and receive information about industrial device  222  from the sensors  220 . A time of day clock (not shown) may be used in combination with a load shedding schedule that may be stored in the SD card or MMC  110 . Operational profiles for the industrial device  222  may also be stored in the SD card or MMC  110 . Programming of the microcontroller  102  and/or data transfer between the SD card or MMC  110  and the PC may be over the USB  114 . The PC  112  may be disconnected from the microcontroller  102  so that the microcontroller  102  may be used as a stand-alone real time data logger, automation and tuning system for the industrial device  222 . 
         [0023]    For example, “tuning” power data may be written to the SD card or MMC  110  of the microcontroller  102 , the microcontroller may function as a data logger by decoding the tuning power data stored in the SD card or MMC  110  and instruct the power control  224 , e.g., silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), triacs, power relays, etc., to control the power coupled to the industrial device  222  for optimum utilization. Power, therefore, may be used only when needed, and may be used to its fullest capabilities. This results in optimized production and a reduction in both power outages and energy bills. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of the personal computer and microcontroller of  FIG. 1  having input-output and memory storage, and adapted for use as a USB-MSD based real time data logger, automation and tuning system for medical applications, according to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure. The power source  308  may be a battery, power supply, solar cells, fuel cell, etc. A power control  324 , e.g., silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), triacs, power relays, etc., may be used to control power from a power source  326  to be supplied to a medical device  322 . Operation of the medical device  322  may be monitored with sensors  320 . The input-output  106  of the microcontroller  102  may be used to control the power control  324  and receive information about medical device  322  from the sensors  320 . A time of day clock (not shown) may be used in combination with a load shedding schedule that may be stored in the SD card or MMC  110 . Operational profiles for the medical device  322  may also be stored in the SD card or MMC  110 . Programming of the microcontroller  102  and/or data transfer between the SD card or MMC  110  and the PC may be over the USB  114 . The PC  112  may be disconnected from the microcontroller  102  so that the microcontroller  102  may be used as a stand-alone real time data logger, automation and tuning system for the medical device  322 . The medical device  322 , e.g., medical centrifuge, may be controlled and monitored by the microcontroller  102 . For example, in a medical laboratory, a centrifuge may be started when power rates are lowest and run for a specified time without lab technician oversight. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of the personal computer and microcontroller of  FIG. 1  having input-output and memory storage, and adapted for use as a USB-MSD based real time data logger, automation and tuning system for security applications, according to yet another specific example embodiment of this disclosure. The power source  408  may be a battery, power supply, solar cells, fuel cell, etc. Security device(s)  424 , e.g., gates, doors, etc., may be controlled by the microcontroller  102  via the input-output  106 . Security sensors  420  may send security information to the input-output  106  of the microcontroller  102 . Security access and control profiles, e.g., pass codes, finger printers, etc., may be programmed from the PC  112  to the microcontroller  102  and stored in the SD card or MMC  110 . The microcontroller  102  may also send information from the security sensors  420  and status of the security devices  424  to the PC  112  for local monitoring and supervisory override control. The PC  112  may also send security information to other remote monitoring locations via Ethernet and the Internet (not shown). 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of the personal computer and microcontroller of  FIG. 1  having input-output and memory storage, and adapted for use as a USB-MSD based real time data logger, automation and tuning system for missile position control applications, according to still another specific example embodiment of this disclosure. The power source  508  may be a battery, solar cells, fuel cell, etc., associated with the missile. A missile (not shown) in flight may be guided by a missile position control  524  that may be coupled to and controlled by the microcontroller  102 . Missile flight position may be supplied by a Global Position Satellite (GPS) receiver  520 . The missile position control  524  and GPS receiver  520  may be coupled to the input-output  106  of the microcontroller  102 . A flight plan may be programmed from the PC or PDA  112  to the microcontroller  102  and stored in the SD card or MMC  110  for use by the microcontroller  102  in guiding the missile (not shown) during flight thereof. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , depicted is a schematic block diagram of the personal computer and microcontroller of  FIG. 1  having input-output and memory storage, and adapted for use as a USB-MSD based real time data logger, automation and tuning system for vehicle control applications, according to another specific example embodiment of this disclosure. The power source  608  may be a car battery, solar cells, fuel cell, etc., associated with a vehicle. The vehicle (not shown) may be guided by vehicle drive controls  626  that may be coupled to and controlled by the microcontroller  102 . Vehicle position may be supplied by a Global Position Satellite (GPS) receiver  624 . Other pertinent vehicle information, e.g., distance from another vehicle, speed, wheel rotation, engine speed and gear selection, visual information of road condition, etc., may be supplied to the microcontroller  102  from the vehicle sensors  622 . 
         [0028]    The vehicle drive controls  626  and GPS receiver  622  may be coupled to the input-output  106  of the microcontroller  102 . A vehicle driving plan may be programmed from the PC or PDA  112  to the microcontroller  102  and stored in the SD card or MMC  110  for use by the microcontroller  102  in guiding the vehicle (not shown) during travel thereof. 
         [0029]    While embodiments of this disclosure have been depicted, described, and are defined by reference to example embodiments of the disclosure, such references do not imply a limitation on the disclosure, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modification, alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those ordinarily skilled in the pertinent art and having the benefit of this disclosure. The depicted and described embodiments of this disclosure are examples only, and are not exhaustive of the scope of the disclosure.