Engine to Machine Bonds Progression - Term Paper Example

MACHINE-TO-MACHINE COMMUNICATION PROJECT Name Professor Institution Course Date Abstract The content of this document contains a report on machine-to-machine communication project. This reports describes the technology that is involved in machine-to-machine communication and a also examines a brief history of machine to machine communication as well as the present developments. The applications of machine-to-machine communications are also highlighted in this projects report with pacific interest being on its application in the health sector. The project offers a description of the development of a device in the health care field that uses the principles and technologies of machine-to-machine communication. It describes looks at the specifications and components of this device and its effective use in a medical situation. The project tries to establish the link that exists between the application of machine-to-machine communication and its technology in the health industry as well as other related industries. It further demonstrates the need effectiveness and efficiency of making advancements in medical services and operations with regard to communication between various devices and machines used in health care provision. It then describes the outcomes of the project through discussion and concludes by making recommendations for further considerations in future development of machine-to-machine communication. Contents Abstract 2 Contents 3 List of abbreviations 4 History of machine-to-machine communication 5 Application of machine-to-machine communication 6 Network used in machine to machine Communication 10 M2M using wireless network 10 M2M using GSM networks 11 M2M using Bluetooth technology 12 Security VS Distance 16 Components of the project 17 General M2M Device Model 17 System Design 17 Operation of the system design 18 System Requirements 21 Specifications of the sensor 21 RF system 21 RF modulation 22 Model of LCD display 23 Discussion 24 Conclusion 25 References 26 List of abbreviations AC-Alternating Current ADC-Analogue to Digital Converter DC-Direct Current M2M-Machine to machine communication IP-Internet Protocol IR- InfraRed LCD-Liquid Crystal Display UART-Universal Asynchronous Receiver and Transmitter USB-Universal Serial Bus M2M- Machine-to-Machine RMS-Root Mean Square SPI-Serial Peripheral Interface GPIO-General Purpose Input Output GSM- Global System for Mobile communication HDMI-High Definition Multimedia Interface History of machine-to-machine communication The history of machine-to-machine communication includes the launching of the module for GSM data in 1995, which would facilitate wireless communication from one machine to the other. The establishment and customization of the technology used in M2M communication took place by 1997. This technology then underwent several other developments to include the introduction of information and feedback system. The communication between several machines is an invaluable resource in offering strong information and feedback on various subjects with computer networks. The computer networks permit communication between devices and this offers real-time feedback with regard to the manner of functionality as well as the surrounding (Roebuck, 2011, p. 219). The invention and development of machine-to-machine communication has taken placed over the years. The various kinds of systems used in communication between machines include SCADA (standing for supervisory control and data acquisition), telemetry, automation and industrial. Machine to machine communication has been in place since the inception of automated and networked personal and business computers. The introduction of M2M technology predates that of cellular communication and mobile technology. The existing networks as well as the previous ones have been operating through landline cables for a sizable frame of time. As time went by, the cellular mode of communication as well as other wireless modes has since become more common. The cellular communication technology that is used in machine-to-machine systems was introduced in 1995, through a department put in place by Siemens Mobile Phone Company (Breese, 2012, p. 172). The development of this module had its basis on some of the mobile phones manufactures by the Siemens Company. The module also allowed communication between machines through wireless data networks. The popularity of M1 module came about due to its usage in tracing and tracking applications as well as other remote monitoring technologies used in vehicles. The early implementation of this technology involved the participation of electronics and motors companies. These companies and corporations saw a potential in embracing this technology (Forster, 2010, p. 165). Other companies also introduced the use of machine-to-machine technology in their communication system and this brought about a father rise in the use of M2M communication technology. The technology used in wireless communication became more prevalent and noticeable by 1997 with the development of advanced M2M technology modules. The launching of these advanced modules was aimed at meeting the needs of various markets such as the telematics used in the automotive industry. M2M data modules have more technological advancements and contain several features used in the gathering and returning of data. These features include soft wares that are used in global positioning as well as flexible surface mounting land grid (Breese, 2012, p. 219). Application of machine-to-machine communication Machine to machine technology of communication has several applications, which is attributable to increased capabilities in computing, wide coverage of wireless networks as well as better sensors. All this features of this nature of communication technology makes the M2M system appropriate for several sectors. Utilities industries make use of technologies in M2M communication such as in the energy industry where the use of remote sensing technology is important in the detection of certain useful parameters. The system used to carry out sensing function is able to send information through a wireless channel to target computers. The use of computers in this case brings an automatic adjustment of equipment on the site to enhance efficiency. There are several other applications but this study focuses on the application of M2M communication technology in the health sector such as telemedicine (Kraiss, 2006, p. 207). Health care M2M communication channels are regarded as are sub-networks that function with networks in health centres. They are used in the evaluation and analysis of peoples’ health and the manner in which they are responding to treatment, as well as the presence of any abnormal situation or condition that might take place. Collection of data and information within a health care network include body sensors to evaluate several measures of desirable health condition, including cholesterol levels, rate of heart bet, body temperature and blood pressure. A communication connection is made using body sensors to an on-person gateway devices that play an important role in aggregating all the data and information collected. Sensors are involved in sending the collected data and information to a mobile device which in turn sends the information through the wireless communication network to the servers (Glanz and Büsgen, 2013, p.62). The servers are designed to monitor and evaluate the health condition of the patient in question. The paradigm involved in machine-to-machine communication presents a platform that is used in monitoring of the health conditions of an entire population in real time. The dispatching of the necessary assistance and attention can immediately be done to attend to the affected patients in their respective locations. The doctors monitoring the patients can also inform their patients of their medical condition and other information regarding their health almost immediately. The M2M communication in the health care sector is also important when it comes to tracking and keeping a close watch on the progress the patients who are suspected to be infected with certain epidemics. Devices that utilize machine-to-machine communication technology and operating principles are designed take measurements and offer transmission of various signals. In M2M health care system that involves machine-to-machine communication, the sensors obtain oxygen saturation and other waveform data from the body of the patient. This is achieved through calculation of the ration of infrared and red light detected on the hardware surface depending on the nature of absorption of the two types of lights. The sensors used in this case are equipped with analogues signal processing equipment, filters, amplifiers as well as ADCs. Since the signals are raw and regarded as weak at the time that they are received, an initial processing of signals is often a requirement. The signals usually require to be subjected through low-pass filter to help in reducing high frequency noise as well as a band filter to assist in the elimination of DC components and enhancement of the AC component. The signals that have been subjected to the filtration process are put together in a microcontroller a machine-to-machine node using an UART port. The M2M nodes that are linked to sensors are made to be in contact with the body of the patient and their main function is collection and transmission of the sampled signals to the M2M gateway (Kraiss, 2006, p. 221). This can be demonstrated by in a situation where patients are provided with certain special motors to acquire information concerning the functioning of the heart. The information is transmitted to implanted devices that correct errant rhythms by delivering shocks. The health scenario in this particular project involves a device (A) that detects the rate of heart beat for a patient and transmits it through a wireless channel to another device (B). The installation of device A takes place in the patients’ room together with a sensor responsible for heartbeat rhythm detection before relaying the nurse’s room where device B is installed. The features in the device B include a motor vibrator, a buzzer and LCD to indicate the rate of heartbeat. In the case of this project, there are three different cases: Case 1: In this case, the heart beat rate for the patient is normal and therefore the device A acquires and transmits that information to the device B. Device B performs the function of displaying the information that it receives concerning the rate of heart beat in numerical form. The whole of this process repeats itself after every 15 minutes. Case 2: This case addresses a situation where the rate of heartbeat for the patient is below or above normal but far from being fatal. Device A senses and transmits the rate of heartbeat to device B which then displays the rate through LCD screen. This action then triggers the buzzer which causes the sound alarm to be set for X minutes. Case 3: This case involves an emergency call where the rate of heartbeat for the patient is below or above normal. There, device, A which performs the function of making an emergency call, transits information to device B while sounding an emergency alarm at the same time. I t then displays a message on the LCD screen indicating the presence of an emergency call. The equipment involved in M2M communication technology in this application has an additional feature, which comprises a push button in device A which is located close to the heart beat sensor ad which may be useful to the patient in case they need help. When the push button is activated by the patient, device A transmits a signal to device B that causes the alarm to sound and the motor to vibrate. All this happens in an effort to show that the patient requires medical attention. Network used in machine to machine Communication M2M using wireless network M2M communication that uses wireless network as considered in this project should be able to revolutionize the operations in various sectors. This is because this nature of connectivity is appropriate since it is able to offer powerful and fast connection among devices that do not have constraints that are associated with wired communication networks. The use of wireless connectivity in M2M communication is desirable due to its features, which include the following (Kraiss, 2006, p. 188): M2M network isolation Speed and deployment convenience Efficient performance Security and privacy Applicable in remote monitoring and servicing M2M using wired networks Wired networks are common in machine-to-machine communication. This involves the use broadband router, which are connected to several machines or devices via Ethernet cables and other wired connections. Examples in this case include configurable devices such as computers and mobile phones, which share data and information amongst themselves. M2M using GSM networks Wireless technology in M2M communication is mostly applicable in mobile devices and networks. The use of machine-to-machine communication in GSM networks is applicable in several industries including security, customer care and banking areas. The design and implementation of remote communication networks between various machines make use of Global System for Mobile communication. The design of machine-to-machine communication technology incorporates the controlled devices or machines, microcontroller as well as the GSM modules. This is the case since GSM module has a wide range of application including projects involving machine-to-machine communication. This project incorporates a detailed description and implementation of the communication network involved in varios machines in the health sector. A good example of device that demonstrates the use of GSM network in M2M communication is mobile phones (Glanz and Büsgen, 2013, p.376). Demonstration of the use of GSM system in M2M communication M2M using Bluetooth technology The use of Bluetooth technology in machine-to-machine communication is capable of handling simultaneous voice and data transmission. This technology is also efficient in the sense that it operates on low power in comparison to other networks that are used in machine-to-machine communication. The specifications of Bluetooth technology play an important role in defining a uniformly and globally acceptable structure in the operation of machines and devices that are Bluetooth enabled. Examples of devices that employ the use of Bluetooth technology in M2M communication include computers, mobile phones, and digital cameras among several other electronic gadgets. Devices using Bluetooth technology in M2M communication Xilinx Platform Xilinx Platform is a very important component in design suites that are embedded. This is because they assist the designer of hardware to efficiently and effectively construct, configure and connect systems that are processor based. This is made possible since the Xilinx Platform simplifies the entire process by eliminating tedious operations. The kind of M2M processors involved in this platform includes a wide range of machines beginning from the simple state machines all the way to include full-blown sophisticated microprocessors (Glanz and Büsgen, 2013, p.106). This platform employs views of graphical designs as well as other sophisticated designs in the transmission of M2M communication signals and data. The sophisticated design wizards in this case offer guidance to developers through the stages that are appropriate in the creation of systems for custom processors within a very short time. In machine-to-machine communication evaluation, the Xilinx Platform offers the ability to integrate and configure IP cores of plug and play (Kraiss, 2006, p. 210). External connections that are both wired and wireless for interface and hardened peripherals made useful here through programmable logic control. This implies that the project involving design if M2M communication network can be accustomed accordingly with the definition of compatible interfaces. Raspberry platform The use of Raspberry Pi in digital communication applications and especially those involving M2M communication models incorporate computer based processors. There is a “B” model of Pi that is standard and operates on both GUI and command line user interface. The wiring connection Raspberry Pi involves the use of cobbler power pins that are linked with the power rail at more than 5.0 V. This platform finds usage in a wide range application in the M2M communication industry as well as in radio digital communication. Some of these communication applications include: Stand-alone gate Stand-alone hotspot RMS servers Digital data transmission Keyboard to keyboard communication Arduino platform The arduino platform involves a microcontroller that uses a single board in its controlling operations. It comprises a hardware that is equipped with an open source board. The design of the board is done using an AVR microcontroller of 8-bit Atmel. Some of the features that are present in this platform include digital input and output pins, analogue input pins with the ability to accommodate a wide variety of extension boards as well as USB interfaces. This project selected the use of arduino platform due to the presence of its complimentary components and features. These components were considered useful and appropriate in facilitating design and incorporation of M2M communication circuits. Another significant aspect of arduino that also influenced its selection for this particular project is that it consists of standard connectors that are compatible with various interchangeable modules. An Arduino's microcontroller possesses a loader, which is pre-programmed. This makes it easier to upload programs in comparison with other devices that usually require external programs to function. The Arduino board displays several microcontrollers’ input and output pins that can be utilized by other circuits. These pins are located on the upper part of the board, through female headers having specifications of (2.5 mm) 0.10-inch. There is a variety of Arduino-derived and Arduino-compatible boards. Some of which are equivalent to an Arduino with regard to their functionality as well as interchangeability. Security VS Distance Both security and distance are important considerations when it comes to machine-to-machine communication. This is because the nature of technologies used in this mode of communication at well as the devices involves have linkages with the internet. In most case the operation and management of the machines and devices is efficiently done through the internes. While the issues that may be regarded as constraints with regard to distance in M2M communication are largely eliminated, the security of data and information transmitted remains a major concern. It is for this reason that this particular projects examines the benefits and challenges associated with both of this two aspects. Machines and devices that are connected to the internet or managed through the internet are usually exposed to hackers and malicious software that might completely paralyse the functionality of the system. For this reason, the device in these projects tries as much as possible to avoid any linkages with risky networks and only adopts the use of internet when there are no other secure alternative networks available (Breese, 2012, p. 119). Machine to machine communication in health care industry considers the issues of distance with a lot of care. This is because the reason for introduction of machines and devices that use this technology is to shorten or eliminate the distance constrains in its operation. Covering long distances while attending to patients in a medical environment makes the services, operations less efficient, and wastes a lot of time. The heart beat sensor in this projects largely eliminates the need to covers several distances in transmitting information and data between the patient and a health practitioner (Bouyssounouse, 2005, p.197). Components of the project General M2M Device Model The design and construction of models used in M2M communication framework as applicable to this project could be grouped into three different categories. These include the system of communication layer, device layer and business layer. These categories are a representation of a system that performs the sensing functions, the system of transmission as well as the system of application in an autonomous manner. M2M device layer represents the central hardware in the entire framework and it is mainly concerned with finding data and information regarding a given question and securing the gathering process in senor networks. There are three basic components or sections in M2M devices, which include the platform module, the module for data extraction and business operation module. The module for data extraction is equipped with different kinds of sensors and makes use of the sensors to access useful information and data (Forster, 2010, p. 157). At this point, the handling and transmission of data to the M2M platform module takes place. The M2M platform module is on that is very useful and efficient is acquiring information. This particular module breaks down information and prepares capacity. In addition to this, the communication system has a variety of business interfaces such that it is able to be beneficial to arrangements that send information and data to a particular destination. The M2M platform module operates on a principle that involves the examination of information and using it in other useful ventures. System Design The implementation of the system in this project took place using a PI processor which involved a successful establishment of both wired and wireless communication between a PI processor a server PC (a laptop computer in this case). This makes use of the wireless network that available in the laboratory. The data and information detected through the sensor is initially presented to the PI processor through GPIO pins. This is followed by the establishment of a connection which takes place between the processor and the server via wireless network. Block diagram for the system design Operation of the system design The communication that takes place between the body of the patient and the heart beat sensor is initially established. The heart beat sensor then functions in accordance with its working procedure. The pulses transmitted by the heartbeat of the patient presents a square wave which harbours a characteristic pulse with regard to the heart beat of the patient. Since the project was particularly concerned with M2M communication in the health care system, it was important to incorporate the procedural steps to make use of signals obtained from the patient’s body. The transmission of signal to distant locations through this communication system takes place since the project was aimed at detecting the condition of the patient through technologies in M2M communications (Breese, 2012, p. 286). The use of this nature of machine-to-machine communication in the health sector is one of the effective ways that can prevent life threatening accident. This is because the incorporation of this technology in the devices used in the medical sector are allows for the provision of efficient medical attention. The medical conditions in this case involve emergencies resulting from cardio vascular diseases and heart attacks. In this case, a wireless mode of communication was established through RF Tran-receiver (Roebuck, 2011, p. 113). Since the transmission-taking place through RF modes of communication has information and data regarding the rate of heart beat in the body of the patient, it is important to maintain track of the signal. This keeping track of the signal is what necessitates the use of a microcontroller in this case. The microcontroller is involved in counting the pulses as they are being received via the RF mode. After a given interval of time, which is defined by the user, the values obtained through counting are compared with threshold values. The threshold values in this case are defined as minimum or maximum rates of heart beat in the body of a patient. The defined threshold values should be those that can be sustained by the body of the patient without resulting in any considerable health hazard. If the value obtained through the counting process grater in comparison to that of the threshold, then a message is sent to alert the use on this situation. The displaying of the message sent in this case takes place on an LCD display, which continues to display the message in accordance with the programing done (Bouyssounouse, 2005, p.242). Heart beat sensor The working principle of the heart beat sensor The design of this device is in such a manner that it detects and converts the heat beats into digital waveforms when the patient places his/her finger between the receiver and the infrared transmitter. When the heat beat detector is operational, there is an LED flashing that is observed in unison and every time there is a heat beat detected or felt. The connection of the digital output can also be made using a microcontroller to assist in the computation of the rate of Beat per Minute (BPM). When the heart undergoes compression, there is the pumping of blood, which takes place in the direction of the end of finger. This causes an increase in the blood density, consequently the receiving of the light intensity takes place through the IR receiver, and therefore the signal obtained is a correspondingly low one. The signal obtained here is analogue and it passes through an OP-AMP, which performs the function of a comparator. The reference voltage is properly adjusted in relation to the OP-AMP and this leads to the generation of a square pulse as indicated in the figure below (Breese, 2012, p. 204). Circuit diagram for heart beat sensor System Requirements Specifications of the sensor Operational current: 150 mA Operational voltage (DC voltage): 5V and above Output data: 5V TTL Heart beat detection: Indication from LED Light source: 660 nm super LED RF system The M2M communication is case also makes use of RF (Radio Frequency) system. The RF system has a module that operates on an electronic principle. It is consists of an electronic component that is used in the transmission and reception radio signals between different devices. In systems that are embedded, there is usually the necessity of communication through alternative gadgets that are remotely situated. This nature of wireless communication may take place through the communication platform of Radio Frequency (RF) or the optical communication platform. There are other provisions where the choice of communication platform has to be RF because they do not require any line of sight. The signal that is expected to be subjected to transmission is entered through Data pin and it is transferred to the required destination using a wireless medium at a carrier frequency of 430 MHz. The signal that is obtained at the phase of reception is then subjected to further processing for operation in accordance with this project (Forster, 2010, p. 205). RF modulation The signal from the RF system has to be subjected to modulation for it to be appropriate in both reception and further transmission. There are several signal modulations used in this case which include: Amplitude shift keying This kind of amplitude modulation involves the representation of digital data in the form of amplitude for carrier wave. In this modulation system, there is the representation of a binary symbol through the transmission of a signal carrier with fixed amplitude and fixed frequency in duration of T seconds. When there is a signal value of “1”, the carrier signal is transmitted and if the value is “0”, then the transmission of the carrier does not take place (Roebuck, 2011, p. 233). Frequency shift keying In this type of modulation, the transmission of the digital signal takes place via frequency variations that are discreet with regard to the carrier signal. A simple form of Frequency shift keying modulation is the binary one. In this case, it makes use of pairs of discreet frequencies in the transmission of binary data and information. This modulation involves the representation of value “1” as a frequency mark and value “0” as a representation for space frequency. Model of LCD display The LCD model utilized in this project adopts a feature that modulates the light of fluid crystals this is because the emission of light can be specifically carried out through fluid crystal. The operating principle of LCD is reliant on two different polarizing components having fluid crystals between them. When the transmission of an electric current takes place through the fluid, it results in the adjustment of crystals, which inhibits the passing of light. Every crystal plays a role in the obstruction as well as allowing of light to pass through. This model of LCD works effectively in the range of temperatures that are within -10 to 60 degrees Celsius with an operational life span of more than 50000 hours (Breese, 2012, p. 277). Block diagram for the LCD model Discussion The technology that is adapted for use in M2M communication enables data exchange to take place from one machine to several others. The technology also offers connection and transfer of data between devices that are remotely situated such as teller and sensors among several other machines. In this case, the project designed the heart beat sensor to operate in such a manner that the finger of the patient using this communication device is placed between the receiver and the IR transmitter. An output signal is then received from the sensor, which is transmitted towards the OP amplifier that acts as a comparator. At this instance, there is the presentation of a digital square wave pulse, which obtained in accordance with the rate at which the heart of the patient beats. The signal obtained from this process is transmitted further to the data pin in the RF transmission component (Roebuck, 2011, p. 243). This is made possible with the help of antenna terminal, which is equipped with a long wire meant for transmission through RF. In this case, there are three different types of signals subjected to the transmission process and they include the output of the heart beat sensor, wave pulse of variable frequency and a constant high voltage. The signal whose transmission is made through the RF transmitter is obtained at the RF receiving phase. This involves the transmission of three different signals, which are all meant for testing. The reception and processing of the signal take place in an effective manner to allow for efficient and smooth further operation processes involving the signals. The reception of the signals in this case make use of ASK type of modulation whereby the amplitude of the carrier signal is subjected to changes in accordance with the logics in the digital signals. The frequency and amplitude are received, measured and transmitted (Forster, 2010, p. 321). Conclusion This project involved the successful establishment of both wired and wireless channels used in M2M communication. The project further demonstrated the establishment of the nature and features of the devices used in M2M communication in a medical situation. This allowed for a successful implementation of machine-to-machine communication between several interconnected devices for simplifying medical operations and making them efficient. The project indicates that there is sensing and transmission of meaningful data and information from the body of the patient to the display devices for further consideration. The performance of this project in general points out the manner in which M2M communication considerably reduces human effort and brings about an optimization in the performance of machines and equipment especially in the health sector. Following the performance of this project, it is hoped that future consideration in medical machines and facilities will consider the mobility of the patients, which is current restricted largely. This is because as it stands, the machine-to-machine communication involved in the heart beat sensor used in the health sector has to be in contact with the patient for it to function. This can be avoided in future through the establishment of heart beat sensor devices that apply the use of machine-to-machine communication in a more sophisticated manner. This would even allow for the use of Bluetooth system in the transmission of data and information from the body of the patient for further processing and consideration. References Boswarthick, D. & Hersent, O. (2012). M2M communications: A systems approach. Chichester, West Sussex, U.K: Wiley. Breese, F. (2012). Serial communication over rtp/cdp. S.l.: Books On Demand Gmbh. Bouyssounouse, B. (2005). Embedded systems design: The ARTIST roadmap for research and development. Berlin [u.a.: Springer Forster, E. M. (2010). The Machine Stops. Boston, MobileReference.com. http://public.eblib.com/EBLPublic/PublicView.do?ptiID=543098. Glanz, A., & Büsgen, M. (2013). Machine to Machine Communication. Frankfurt am Main, Campus. Kraiss, K.-F. (2006). Advanced man machine interaction: Fundamentals and implementation ; [with CD-ROM]. Berlin: Springer. Roebuck, K. (2011). Machine-to-machine communication services: High-impact technology –what you need to know. S.l.: Emereo Pty Limited. Theoleyre, F. (2013). Internet of Things and M2M Communications. Aalborg: River Publishers. Read More