EP1920631A1 - Stand-alone miniaturised communication module - Google Patents

Abstract

A stand-alone sensor module and method for operation and production thereof are disclosed, the sensor module being a sensor, a transceiver unit, a signal processing unit and a power supply, such that a stand-alone operation of the module is possible. A matching of the form and size of the sensor module may be achieved with a suitable production method such that on integration or application of the module to a selected measured object essentially no disturbance of the function of the object occurs. By means of preparation of several sensor modules within a system a self-organizing network can be established, whereby data can be exchanged between the same and with external units.

Description

 Self-sufficient miniaturized communication module

In many areas, sensors are used to acquire data of a DUT, and the data obtained are then suitably processed and evaluated. For this purpose, the sensor signal is usually subjected to a suitable signal processing in order to determine the desired quantity quantitatively in the required accuracy. In many applications, a direct mechanical connection of a sensor element to an external signal processing device, such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor or an analog processing circuit with amplifier, etc. is not possible or undesirable if it would interfere with the device under test or would require a high installation cost , For example, in the case of moving objects to be measured, a wired removal of sensor signals is often not possible or requires a great deal of effort. Even in stationary applications, cable-based sensor signal detection can result in a high outlay, resulting in reduced flexibility when, for example, the position of one or more sensors is to be changed.

For this reason, sensor systems are often provided with further functionality, for example, to facilitate a connection of the sensors to peripheral evaluation components. Particularly in the case of a wireless connection of sensor elements to corresponding evaluation components, however, high costs are incurred in known systems in order to transfer the sensor data accurately and reliably to the peripheral component, for example by requiring large transmitting / receiving units or DF stations for communication with the sensor element. As a result, the possible use of wirelessly communicating sensor elements is severely limited or the influence on the actual measurement or monitoring task is no longer negligible.

In view of this problem, it is an object of the present invention to enable a more flexible use of sensors taking into account a wider range of conditions of the measurement and / or monitoring situations.

According to one aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a self-sufficient sensor module. The self-sufficient sensor module comprises a sensor element which is designed to output an electrical signal as a function of a specified measured variable, a signal processing unit connected to the sensor element, a transmitting and receiving unit connected to the signal processing unit for the wireless transmission of data and an energy source for at least temporary self-sufficient operation of the sensor module. By virtue of this arrangement, an autonomous device is provided which represents a self-sufficient wireless sensor communication module that enables on-demand acquisition, processing, storage, and transmission and reception of data acquired via at least one integrated sensor. An integrated signal processing takes over the processing of the data, which is transmitted via the transmitting and receiving unit, which serves as a wireless communication interface for example radio transmission to other similar devices or a receiver module, so that a self-sufficient operation of the sensor module is at least sufficient for many applications Ensures long periods of time, so that a reliable measurement of the specified measurement or the execution of a monitoring task without providing a complex infrastructure is made possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the self-sufficient sensor module is designed to occupy at least a first operating state and a second different operating state, the first operating state representing an energy-saving state in which at least one data transmission is deactivated or restricted by the transmitting and receiving unit.

In this way, the autonomous operation can be maintained over long periods of time, since in the energy-saving state, which may be one of several different power saving modes, a significant reduction in energy can be made, whereby the transition to the energy-saving state can be initiated by the module itself and / which can be effected by a signal received from outside. For example, a corresponding control signal can be provided which monitors the operation of the module and the energy status, thereby causing the transition to the energy-saving state, depending on the configuration of the control unit. For this purpose, the control unit may have decision criteria, in which operating state the energy-saving state or, if several energy-saving states are available, which energy-saving state is to be assumed. Alternatively or additionally, this decision can be made on the basis of an external control signal which is received, for example, via the transmitting and receiving unit.

In a further embodiment, the self-sufficient sensor module is configured to transition from the first operating state into the second operating state by initialization by means of a mechanical and / or electrical and / or magnetic and / or electromagnetic and / or optical signal. The second operating state, which can represent the fully operational state of the module, can thus be called by external sources, such as a remote data transmission unit or another sensor module, so that a high degree of controllability from the outside is possible, whereby an increased flexibility in the Application of the module.

In a further embodiment, the control unit is designed to cause the transition to the second operating state by means of a signal output by the sensor element to the signal processing unit.

In this way, the sensor element itself can be used to detect a situation requiring full operational readiness, which can be of great advantage, in particular for monitoring tasks, since in this case the measured values generally do not occur at predictable times. In this case, a more or less continuous recording of measured values can take place, which however are not transmitted and, if appropriate, also subjected to only energy-saving preprocessing, but which allows the recognition of a corresponding situation, for example the overshooting or undershooting of a threshold value. For initialization of the second operating state, the integrated sensor itself as well as possibly further integrated sensors, e.g. by detecting vibration, heat, humidity.

In a further embodiment, the signal processing unit has an analog / digital converter, which may also be integrated in the sensor itself, and a digital signal processing section for processing the signal output by the sensor element. In this way, software-based signal processing processes can be implemented efficiently, so that a large modularity can be achieved, since the circuit configuration of the signal processing unit can be used for a large number of different sensor elements and thus for measuring and / or monitoring and / or control tasks, since the adaptation can be done by software. Optionally, the sensor signal can also be provided digitally in this way.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the sensor module has a miniaturized structure, which is realized by means of microsystem technology and microelectronic technology. By using these modern manufacturing methods, an extremely compact design of the sensor module can be realized, so that attachment to the measurement object is possible for a wide range of applications, wherein no appreciable functional impairment of the measurement object is caused. The through the technical implementation of the sensor module according to the invention achieved miniaturization in the smallest space, in which thus the sensor, the radio interface, the signal processor and passive components are housed, allows the sensor module in almost any objects and objects to install or accommodate, and just brought the design in an appropriate form can be so effectively that a functional impairment can be suppressed. That is, by the manufacturing method, the compact miniaturized module depending on the application and requirement in its design, for example, as a ball, cube, flexible tape, and the like are suitably adapted. Furthermore, the design of the sensor module in modular design, which can be realized particularly advantageous by the above-mentioned techniques, created the possibility to exchange or replace certain functional elements according to the requirements of the application, so that, for example, the sensor element to be replaced by another or that the energy source can be exchanged in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. The methods and technologies of microsystem technology, microelectronics and micromechanics used for the production of the miniaturized module can be combined in many different ways and adapted according to the requirements of the module embodiment or the corresponding available technology. For example, the sensor module can be constructed using the above technologies so that newly developed components, for example, energy systems can be integrated without much effort. For example, micro fuel cells, once available in a cost effective manner, can be used in place of more conventional fuels, such as batteries, accumulators, and the like.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one second sensor element is provided, which is connected to the signal processing unit for outputting an electrical signal as a function of a second specified measured variable. By providing a plurality of sensor elements in the sensor module, a more complex overall function can be fulfilled in combination, so that an alarm can be triggered, for example, in the case of special monitoring tasks in the event of temperature and / or smoke thresholds and / or vibrations occurring.

In further advantageous embodiments, at least some of the electronic components are formed as an integrated circuit. Thus, a high degree of compactness can be achieved in conjunction with a high reliability. In an advantageous embodiment, the signal processing unit and at least part of the transmitting and receiving unit are provided in a common integrated circuit. In this way, the proportion of costs incurred in the assembly of the sensor element works in terms of connection electronic Significantly reduce components and provision of interconnects, while providing high functionality and reliability in tight spaces. In this case, it may be particularly advantageous to carry out the signal processing or signal preprocessing in the sensor module in a substantially software-supported manner, so that a wide range of applications can be covered on the basis of a given circuit configuration, without the need for redesigning the integrated circuit.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the integrated circuit further comprises the sensor element. In this way, the degree of compactness can be further increased, while at the same time the reliability of the sensor module can be increased. For example, microelectronic or micromechanical sensor elements are available for metrologically to be detected metrics, such as pressure, temperature, acceleration, electric fields, optical parameters, and the like, which can thus be included in the circuit concept in an efficient manner, so that a small volume with at the same time high reliability can be achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the self-sufficient sensor module has a carrier for receiving all functional components, wherein the carrier is designed for mechanically stable attachment to or in a measurement object. The provision of a suitably designed support for receiving the individual components of the sensor module increases the flexibility in the application of the sensor module, since the support can be designed according to the application, so as to provide the required degree of mechanical stability and thus integrity of the module during installation and also during the measurement phase. Due to the miniaturization, the sensor module hardly or hardly influences the function of the carrier. In particular, the carrier may be designed for attachment to a moving measurement object. This opens up a wide variety of applications in which the compact design of the sensor module in conjunction with the provision of a suitable carrier enables measurements even on small moving objects without significantly impairing their function. In an advantageous embodiment, the sensor module is designed such that it can be attached to a moving sports device and in particular in or on a ball of a ball game. Thus, suitable data can be efficiently determined and evaluated during the application of the sports equipment, with just a high degree of flexibility and a low cost in terms of peripheral components are required.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the sensor element comprises at least one acceleration sensor. To determine meaningful acceleration values is usually a relatively uninfluenced movement of a Required object, which is due to the self-sufficient sensor module of the present invention, a high degree of authenticity of the obtained measurement data is ensured, with just a little effort in terms of peripheral components is required.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the energy source comprises a generator which converts mechanical energy acting on the sensor module and / or electromagnetic energy into electrical energy for operation of the sensor module. In this way, the operating time of the sensor module and thus its degree of self-sufficiency can be increased efficiently, since energy provided from the outside can be directly converted in the sensor module without possibly requiring an exchange of energy components. In this case, a corresponding generator in the form of a correspondingly miniaturized spring-driven movement or piezoelectric transducer may be provided to store mechanical kinetic energy or convert this energy directly into electrical energy, while in other embodiments means or components are additionally or alternatively provided in the generator transform electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic energy in a suitable manner and then store it in an energy source. For example, an inductive component may be provided in the generator to efficiently convert inductively coupled energy into electrical energy. In other embodiments, a carrier wave used for signal transmission may be utilized to provide a corresponding amount of electrical energy to power the sensor module. A corresponding conversion of mechanical and / or electromagnetic energy may be particularly advantageous if the sensor module is integrated more or less completely in the corresponding measurement object, so that a direct access to the sensor module would be associated with corresponding effort.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the object underlying the invention is achieved by means of a sensor module system having two or more self-sufficient sensor modules, as shown in the preceding embodiments or in the embodiments to be described, wherein each self-sufficient sensor module is further formed to form a self-organizing network with the other sensor modules of the sensor module system.

The self-organizing network, which can be set up, for example, on the basis of radio network techniques, thus serves to exchange data between the individual modules and can also be used to establish a communication path to an external component. Due to the self-organizing network offers a high degree Flexibility in the construction of the sensor module system, as a varying number of sensor modules can be used, thereby covering a wide range of applications, for example in the environmental sector, in building management, in quality control in production processes and in the food industry, in machine and plant monitoring, in the medical Monitoring, recreational area and the like. In this case, due to the network structure of the module system, the data transfer from and to individual sensor modules can be accomplished in an efficient manner, without large and expensive peripheral components are required.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a data receiving unit is provided in the sensor module system, which is at least temporarily in communication with at least one of the self-sufficient sensor modules during operation of the system. In this way, desired sensor data can be read out of the network in an efficient manner and used for further data processing.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the transmitting and receiving units of the individual autonomous sensor modules for signal transmission via electromagnetic signal transmission channels are formed, wherein at least two different frequency ranges are provided. By using different frequency ranges within the system, wherein the transmission channels can be used, for example, for initialization of the sensor modules and for data transmission, a needs-based and thus also selectable timing in the sensor data acquisition and transmission is possible, because if necessary just different frequency ranges can be used to ensure reliable data transmission. Furthermore, by providing different frequency ranges, it is also possible to achieve a selection with regard to the energy required for the transmission, so that energy-efficient transmission channels can be selected for the data transmission of the sensor modules. Thus, for example, the transmission of data between individual sensor modules with very low intensity in a suitable frequency range, while, for example, the transmission of an initialization signal can be done from the outside, for example from the data receiving unit in a frequency range that ensures a long range, so that each self-sufficient sensor module can be initialized from outside if necessary.

In a further advantageous embodiment, an algorithm for determining a communication path in the system according to a predetermined criterion is set up in the self-sufficient sensor modules. Due to the implemented algorithm, it is thus possible to find a suitable communication path in which data is transmitted from one module to the next and finally to an external source, for example be transmitted to an external data receiving unit. In this way, a reliable data transmission can be realized without great expense of peripheral components, since, for example, the reliable connection of only one sensor module in the system to the peripheral component, for example, a data receiving unit is required. Thus, the communication with the external source can be made under specially chosen aspects, for example with regard to an energy-saving and secure data transmission.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the predetermined criterion indicates a shortest or an energy-optimized communication path.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a data acquisition system includes one or more standalone sensor modules as described in the preceding embodiments or as described in the following embodiments, wherein the data acquisition system further comprises a data receiving unit configured to receive one or more of the data wirelessly receive data from several self-sufficient sensor modules that are linked to the specified measurand. As previously stated, the miniaturized modular design allows the one or more self-sufficient sensor modules to be integrated with other objects and objects that perform a specific function without significantly affecting their original function. As a result, the objects and objects are given an enhanced function and their use characteristics are increased, since the data acquisition system efficiently detects corresponding data and thus makes them available for further processing outside of the objects and objects by means of the data receiving unit. This is especially true when moving objects, such as golf balls, ping-pong balls, tennis balls or other balls are considered, since the state of the moving objects can be monitored with respect to one or more specified measures, the corresponding measurement data having a high degree of authenticity in function have the objects.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a data transmission device or a data transmission and reception device is furthermore provided, which is designed to transmit data wirelessly to at least one of the one or more sensor modules. In this way, for example, the control of the sensor module and, if appropriate, thereby also influencing the object, can take place in an efficient manner, resulting in a high degree of flexibility in the operation of the data acquisition system. For example, initialization signals for initializing an operating state and / or for initializing an energy-saving state can be transmitted by means of the data transmission device, so that the data acquisition system in highly controllable from the outside. In other embodiments, if necessary, the configuration and thus the functional behavior of the self-sufficient sensor module can be controlled from the outside, for example, by transmitting corresponding configuration or control data, which then result in a corresponding operation of the sensor module. Possibly. It is also possible to carry out a software update or, in general, a change of the software via the data transmission unit, so that a corresponding updating of the operating behavior of the sensor modules can take place without direct external access.

In an advantageous embodiment, the data transmission device is designed for data transmission for another wireless transmission channel such as the data reception unit. In this way, for example, the data transmission to the individual sensor modules can be made in terms of a reliable data transmission for all sensor modules takes place simultaneously, while the data transfer from the sensor modules to the data receiving unit, the criterion of the most efficient and thus energy-efficient data transmission can be applied.

In a further embodiment, a data processing unit is provided, which communicates with the data receiving unit in order to process data received in the data receiving unit. In this way, measurement data obtained in the sensor modules, which have been subjected to signal processing, but which can be pre-processing with regard to the actual use of the measurement data, can be transmitted to the data processing unit in an energy-saving yet efficient manner, which then corresponds to its computational resources can perform a corresponding preparation or presentation of the acquired measurement data. For example, portable or stationary computing devices and the like may be used. Preferably, the data processing unit is connected to the data receiving unit via a wireless transmission channel. Thus, a high degree of flexibility and also compatibility with existing network technologies can be established, for example by using the wireless transmission channel between the data processing unit and the data receiving unit existing standards, such as the "Bluetooth standard".

In a further advantageous embodiment, the data reception unit is designed to feed energy into the one or more sensor modules. In this way, the independence of the sensor modules or their compactness can be improved because the energy source present in the individual sensor modules can be selected correspondingly small. For example, the transmitting and receiving unit can be designed so that at least part of the data transmission required energy is drawn from the energy supplied. This can be done, for example, by converting the carrier wave energy during data transmission or by the inductive coupling of energy or by providing an optical beam, which can also simultaneously serve for energy supply.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of data acquisition is provided. The method comprises fixing a measuring module to a measuring object, the measuring module being adapted to the measuring object and causing substantially no functional restriction of the measuring object. Furthermore, measurement data associated with the measurement object are obtained in the measurement module, and the acquired measurement data is processed in the measurement module and then transmitted wirelessly.

As already explained above, the provision of the measurement module in a special measurement object without substantial restriction of its function by the local acquisition, processing and wireless transmission of the corresponding measurement data results in a high degree of flexibility in data acquisition, in particular in the case of moving objects.

In advantageous embodiments, the acquisition of measurement data includes the determination of measured values for one or more specified measurement variables by means of one or more sensor elements. Thus, with data acquisition by selecting one or more suitable sensor elements, a corresponding task can be accomplished, i. H. For example, an alarm triggering or a corresponding display in the event of non-compliance with one or more specified value ranges for one or more specified measured variables.

In further embodiments, the processing of the acquired measurement data may include data storage over a longer period of time and / or data filtering and / or threshold determination and / or computational evaluation. In this way, high flexibility in the preparation of the measured data obtained already locally possible, so that possibly the amount of data in the transmission greatly reduced and thus can be designed very energy efficient, as needed only corresponding results of data processing, for example, as the corresponding results are stored, must be transferred. For example, in typical applications in a monitoring situation, in which one or more quantities to be measured are to be monitored for exceeding or falling below corresponding threshold values, a corresponding signal transmission will take place only when a corresponding event actually occurs, so that in the Usually more energy-efficient process of data processing is maintained while data transmission only takes place when needed. Furthermore, the transmission can be carried out using energy-saving measures, since possibly little or no redundancy is to be added to the data or larger amounts of data are to be transmitted, since possibly the required evaluation may have already taken place completely in the sensor module.

Advantageously, the processing of the measured data obtained by an analog-to-digital conversion, which may also be integrated in the sensor, with a subsequent digital signal processing, which is deposited in advantageous embodiments in the form of software in a computer device. In this way, there is a high degree of flexibility, since similar hardware structures can be used for very different data acquisition tasks.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of making a self-sufficient sensor module is provided. The method comprises determining a size and a design of the sensor module for a selected measurement object, wherein the size and the design essentially do not cause a functional restriction of the measurement object after the sensor module has been attached. Furthermore, using microsystem technology and microstructure fabrication, one or more sensor modules are fabricated, each sensor module comprising a plurality of components including a sensor element, a signal processing unit connected to the sensor element, and a wireless transmitting and receiving unit connected to the signal processing unit of data and a power source for at least temporary self-contained operation of the sensors.

By this method, a self-sufficient sensor device can be produced in a targeted manner, so that authentic measurement data can be obtained from the measurement object. These measurement data can thus be further utilized for monitoring and / or for controlling and / or for extending the function of the corresponding measurement object.

The technologies used to fabricate the one or more sensor modules advantageously include the integration of two or more of the components on or in a common circuit carrier so that a high degree of complexity and compactness can be achieved with reduced manufacturing costs. Thus, any measurement objects can be provided in a cost-effective manner with correspondingly tailored sensor modules, the expense of peripheral devices remaining low due to the compact, modular and self-sufficient design or type of function. Advantageously, flexible circuit carriers are also used for the production of the sensor modules. In this way, the shape and the mechanical integrity can be improved during the application of the sensor module and further reduce the size. With this, sizes for the entire module of less than 5mm x 5mm x 2.5mm (without power source) can be realized.

Advantageously, passive circuit components and / or, if necessary, optical components and / or micromechanical components are integrated into a single circuit substrate for the production of the sensor modules. This type of production ensures a cost-effective manufacturing process at the same time great compactness and noise immunity.

Further advantageous embodiments are defined in the appended claims and will become apparent from the following detailed description of further specific embodiments. Reference is made to the following drawings, in which:

Fig. 1a schematically shows a modular construction of a sensor module according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 1b shows the modular construction of the sensor module in printed circuit board technology (PCB) of the embodiment of Fig. 1a;

Fig. 1c schematically illustrates the mechanical structure of a particular sensor module for integration into a measurement object, which in this example is a golf ball;

Fig. 1 d schematically shows a block diagram of a sensor module with acceleration sensor and

FIG. 1 e schematically illustrates a data acquisition system having one or more sensor modules with corresponding peripheral components in an illustrative embodiment.

Fig. 1a schematically shows a sensor module 100, which in the exemplary embodiment is provided as a three-dimensional circuit board stack 101, which in turn is divided into different planes. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit board stack 101 in a first plane 102, which is also generically referred to as a signal processing unit, a corresponding analog and / or digital circuitry, such as an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital processor and the like, wherein the components of the first level 102 or Signal processing unit are connected to a corresponding sensor element 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor element is designed as an acceleration sensor, which is connected via a corresponding connection cable 104. In other embodiments, the sensor element may be mounted on the board of the unit 102 or may also be integrated directly into the circuit board of the unit 102. Furthermore, the board of the unit 102 may comprise a suitable antenna for a transmitting and receiving unit 105, which in the embodiment shown is arranged in the second plane. In a further level 106 further components, such as quartz or other passive or active component may be provided. Furthermore, an energy source (not shown) may also be provided in this plane 106, or it may be arranged in a separate plane.

1 b shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the module 100, in which a more compact arrangement is achieved by arranging substantially all the electronic components including antenna devices of the transmitting and receiving unit 105 on corresponding individual boards, wherein the contacting of the individual Board via corresponding pads occurs. It should be noted that the number, shape and arrangement of the boards is adapted to the intended use so that the module 100 can be attached to a selected object of measurement.

FIG. 1 c schematically shows the sensor module 100 for integration in a measurement object 150, which in the present application example is a golf ball. As shown, the sensor module 100 comprises the printed circuit board stack 101 on which the acceleration sensor 103 is mounted, wherein under the stack 101 there is provided a power source 107, in the form of, for example, standard batteries or accumulators in button cell form. Further shown is a carrier 108 in which the individual components, i. H. the sensor element 103, the printed circuit board stack 101 and the power source 107 are mounted so that they can be mechanically fixed together with the carrier 108 in the golf ball 150. On the right side of Figure 1c, the fully assembled sensor module 100 is shown, wherein for mechanical fixation of the module 100 in the golf ball 150 on the carrier 108 in this case, a corresponding screw thread is provided as a counterpart to a corresponding thread in the golf ball 150.

The assembly of the electronic component for the sensor module 100 takes place by means of established methods of SMD mounting and chip on board (COB) technology (chip and wire bonding), thereby achieving a compact and lightweight design a plastic housing or is made of a plastic made of other suitable material. The assembly of the individual components, depending on the design by known methods of microsystem technology done so that an even more compact design can be achieved. For example, in the manufacture of individual circuit boards, a flexible circuit carrier (foil) can be provided, or the integration of passive components can take place in or on the corresponding substrate material for the production of integrated circuits or on the substrate material of the circuit board.

1 d schematically shows a block diagram of the sensor module 100, wherein the transmitting and receiving unit 105 is connected to a data processing unit 102, which in the embodiment shown is made up of an analog section 102a and a digital section 102b. Further, the acceleration sensor 103 is connected to the signal processing unit 102 and the power source 107 is used to power all components of the module 100. The illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and may be modified in accordance with the principles set forth above. For example, in particular, the energy source 107 may include a corresponding energy conversion generator (not shown) having the characteristics set forth above.

During operation of the module 100, the signal processing unit 102a, 102b may process corresponding signals of the sensor 103 and supply them to the transmitting and receiving unit 105 for wireless transmission to other sensor elements or to a corresponding data receiving unit. In the embodiment shown, the digital signal processing section 101b is provided, which enables software-supported processing, so that a high degree of flexibility can be achieved with the same hardware configuration. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the digital unit 102b may be implemented with a corresponding control unit that can control the operation of the module 100. For example, in the module 100, at least one further operating state can be set up in addition to the fully functional operating state in which the energy source 107 is charged significantly less, for example by at least a part of the transmitting and receiving unit 105 being deactivated, which is responsible for transmitting data is. Furthermore, as already explained above, a plurality of different energy-saving modes can also be set up, so that a corresponding operating state can be set depending on the control configurations, which can also be set by external signals, for example.

FIG. 1 e schematically illustrates a data acquisition system 160 in which one or more sensor modules 100 are provided. Further, in the embodiment shown, the data acquisition system 160 includes a data receiving unit 161 that is at least temporary communicates with at least one of the modules 100. Furthermore, a data processing unit 162 is provided in the data acquisition system 160, which in the embodiment shown is designated as a receiver / transmitter module for medium distances and can serve for example for displaying the measurement data and for initializing the modules 100.

In operation of the system 160, for example, one of the modules 100, e.g. B. caused by the tee of the golf ball measurement data, i. Acceleration values are detected and transmitted to the data receiving unit 161 by means of electromagnetic transmission channels. In this case, a suitable frequency range can be used for the corresponding transmission channel, so that a reliable, yet energy-saving signal transmission is possible. For example, the data receiving unit 161 may be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the module during the transmission of the measured data, for example in the corresponding racket or at the location of the tee, so that a reliable data transmission is made possible despite the very low transmitting power of the module 100. On the other hand, the data receiving unit 161 may send data to the processing unit 162 via another transmission channel which may be different in frequency range from the transmission channel used between the module 100 and the data receiving unit 161 so that the corresponding data is reliably transmitted and stored in the Data processing unit 162 can be evaluated accordingly. For example, standard transmission channels, eg. B. the Bluetooth standard can be used, which are commonly available in commercially available devices, such as PDAs, mobile phones, mobile computers, etc. Furthermore, an initialization of the individual modules 100 by emitting a corresponding signal can also take place via the external data processing unit 162. For example, an initialization can take place immediately before the tee of the golf ball, so that the module 100 is transferred from a power-saving state to a corresponding ready state for data taking and data transmission.

The data acquisition system 160 may include a plurality of sensor modules 100 that are then configured to form a self-organizing network. For example, a plurality of golf balls can be used, which store the corresponding measurement data after knocking off, for example, and then enable a corresponding data transmission, whereby golf balls, which are in the mutual influence of their transmitting and receiving units, create a corresponding network structure in order to ensure efficient data transmission , In this way, even with only a short range of the data receiving unit 161, it is possible to obtain a plurality of measurement data of different ones Golf balls, for example, since the data of a distant golf ball can be transmitted via a corresponding communication path to the data receiving unit 161.

Claims

Claims: 1. Self-sufficient sensor module with a sensor element which is designed to output an electrical signal as a function of a specified measured variable, a signal processing unit connected to the sensor element, - One connected to the signal processing unit transmitting and receiving unit for the wireless transmission of data and - An energy source for at least temporary self-sufficient operation of the sensor module. 2. Self-contained sensor module according to claim 1, which is configured to occupy at least a first operating state and a second different operating state, wherein the first operating state represents a power saving state in which at least one data transmission is deactivated by the transmitting and receiving unit. 3. Self-contained sensor module according to claim 2, which is configured to transition from the first operating state to the second operating state by initialization by means of a mechanical and / or electrical and / or magnetic and / or electromagnetic and / or optical signal. 4. Self-contained sensor module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a control unit is provided, which is designed to cause a transition from the first operating state to the second operating state. 5. Self-sufficient sensor module according to 4, wherein the control unit is designed to cause the transition by means of a signal output from the sensor element to the signal processing unit. 6. Self-contained sensor module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal processing unit comprises an analog / digital converter and a digital signal processing section for processing the output from the sensor element signal. The self-contained sensor module of claim 6, wherein the signal processing comprises a portion for at least partially software-based signal processing of digital data output from the analog-to-digital converter. 8. Self-contained sensor module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor module has a miniaturized structure and is manufactured by means of microsystem technology and microelectronic technology. 9. Self-contained sensor module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one second sensor element is provided, which is connected to the signal processing unit for outputting an electrical signal in response to a second specified measured variable. 10. Self-contained sensor module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the signal processing unit or the sensor is provided as an integrated circuit. 1 1. A self-contained sensor module according to claim 10, wherein the integrated circuit further includes at least a portion of the transmitting and receiving unit. 12. The self-contained sensor module of claim 10, wherein the integrated circuit further comprises the sensor element. 13. Self-contained sensor module according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a carrier for receiving all functional components, wherein the carrier is designed for mechanically stable attachment to a measuring object. 14. A self-contained sensor module according to claim 13, wherein the carrier is designed for attachment to or in a movable measurement object. 15. Self-contained sensor module according to claim 14, wherein the sensor module can be attached to the measurement object substantially without functional impairment. 16. Self-contained sensor module according to claim 15, wherein the measurement object represents a moving sports device, in particular a ball of a ball game. 17. Self-contained sensor module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor element comprises at least one acceleration sensor. 18. Self-contained sensor module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy source comprises a generator which provides electrical energy to maintain the function of the sensor module from mechanical energy acting on the sensor module and / or electromagnetic energy. 19. Self-contained sensor module cm ^3, preferably ³ and particularly 0.5cm 0.2cm ³ does not exceed any one of the preceding claims, the dimensions of which first 20. Sensor module system with - Two or more self-contained sensor modules according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each self-sufficient sensor module is further configured to form a self-organizing network with the other sensor modules of the sensor module system. 21. The sensor module system according to claim 20, further comprising a data receiving unit which is at least temporarily in communication with at least one of the self-sufficient sensor modules when the system is in operation. 22. Sensor module system according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the transmitting and receiving units of the individual autarkic sensor modules are designed for signal transmission via electromagnetic signal transmission channels, and at least two different frequency ranges are provided. 23. Sensor module system according to claim 22, wherein a frequency range for external initialization of the sensor modules is provided. 24. Sensor module system according to one of claims 20 to 23, wherein in the self-sufficient sensor modules, an algorithm for determining a communication path in the system according to a predetermined criterion is established. 25. The sensor module system according to claim 24, wherein the predetermined criterion indicates a shortest or an energy-optimized communication path. 26. Data acquisition system with - One or more self-sufficient sensor modules according to one of claims 1 to 19 and a data receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive, from the one or more stand-alone sensor modules, data associated with the specified measurand. 27. The data acquisition system of claim 26, further comprising a data transmitting device configured to wirelessly transmit data to at least one of the one or more sensor modules. 28. Data acquisition system according to claim 27, wherein the data transmission device is designed to transmit control data which serve to configure the at least one sensor module. 29. A data acquisition system according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the data transmitting device is adapted for a different wireless transmission channel as the data receiving unit. A data acquisition system according to any of claims 26 to 29, further comprising a data processing unit in communication with the data receiving unit for processing data received in the data receiving unit. The data acquisition system of claim 30, wherein the data processing unit communicates with the data receiving unit via a wireless transmission channel. 32. The data acquisition system of claim 31, wherein the data processing unit is configured to send at least one initialization signal to the one or more sensor modules. 33. The data acquisition system according to claim 26, wherein the transmitting and receiving unit of the one or more sensor modules and the data receiving unit are designed for energy-saving data transmission. 34. The data acquisition system of claim 33, wherein the data receiving unit is configured to inject energy into the one or more sensor modules. 35. The data acquisition system according to claim 34, wherein the transmitting and receiving unit is designed to obtain at least part of the energy required for data transmission from the injected energy. 36. Data collection procedure with Fixing a measuring module on or in a measuring object, wherein the measuring module is adapted to the measuring object and essentially does not cause a functional restriction of the measuring object, Obtaining measurement data associated with the measurement object in the measurement module, Processing the obtained measurement data in the measurement module and - wireless transmission of the processed measurement data from the measurement module. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein obtaining measurement data comprises determining measured values for one or more specified measurement variables by means of one or more sensor elements. 38. The method according to claim 36, wherein the processing of the acquired measurement data comprises a data storage over a longer period of time and / or a data filtering and / or a threshold value determination and / or a computational evaluation. 39. The method of claim 36, wherein the processing of the acquired measurement data comprises analog-to-digital conversion and digital signal processing. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the signal processing is performed by software in a computing device. 41. Method according to one of claims 36, to 40, wherein in the meantime an energy-saving state is assumed in which at least the transmission of the processed measurement data is interrupted. 42. The method according to claim 41, wherein at least the acquisition of measurement data is interrupted during the energy-saving state. 43. The method of claim 41 or 42, wherein the energy-saving state is left by an externally supplied initialization signal. 44. The method of claim 41 or 43, wherein the energy-saving state is left due to acquired measurement data. 45. The method of claim 36, further comprising the non-contact supply of energy to provide at least a portion of the energy required to operate the measurement module. 46. The method of claim 45, wherein the non-contact supply of energy during the transmission of data takes place. 47. Method according to claim 36, wherein energy for operating the measuring module is obtained from mechanical effects on the measuring object. 48. The method of claim 36, further comprising: receiving data in the measurement module, the received data including control data and / or measurement data. 49. The method according to claim 48, wherein at least one further measuring module is provided, which is fixed to at least one further measuring object and adapted thereto, without substantially causing a functional restriction of the at least one further measuring object, acquires measured data, processes the measured data obtained and the processed measured data transmitted wirelessly, wherein the measuring module and the at least one further measuring module temporarily exchange data. 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the measurement module and the at least one further measurement module are operated as a self-organizing network. 51. The method of claim 50, further comprising: transmitting processed measurement data of the measurement module and / or the at least one further measurement module to a data reception unit. 52. The method of claim 51, further comprising: forming a communication path with the measurement module and one of the at least one further measurement module to transmit data to the data reception unit. 53. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 52, wherein in the transmission of the processed measurement data transmission channels with different frequency ranges are available. 54. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 53, wherein the measurement object is at least temporarily moved during use. 55. The method of claim 54, wherein the measurement object is a mobile sports device. 56. A method of making a self-contained sensor module, the method comprising: Determining a size and a design of the sensor module for a selected measurement object, wherein the size and design substantially do not cause a functional restriction of the measurement object after the sensor module has been attached, - Applying technologies of microsystems technology and the production of microstructures for producing one or more sensor modules, each sensor module comprises a plurality of components comprising a sensor element, a signal processing unit connected to the sensor element, a connected to the signal processing unit transmitting and receiving unit for the wireless transmission of data and an energy source for at least temporary self-sufficient operation of the sensor module. 57. The method of claim 56, wherein two or more of the components are fabricated in a common integrated circuit. 58. The method of claim 56 or 57, wherein flexible circuit carriers are used to fabricate the one or more sensor modules. 59. The method according to any one of claims 56 to 58, wherein passive circuit components and / or optical components and / or micromechanical components are integrated into a circuit substrate for the production of the one or more sensor modules.