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Virtual Sensor Data Collector

The Virtual Sensor Data Collector is a powerful tool for simulating real-world IoT sensor data directly within Machinechat JEDI. It's ideal for the following scenarios:

  • Prototyping: Design dashboards, rules, and automation workflows before physical sensors are available.

  • Testing: Experiment with different data patterns and scenarios to validate JEDI's behavior and responses.

  • Demonstrations: Create compelling demos without relying on live hardware.

How It Works

  1. Prepare Your CSV Data: Construct a CSV file containing the sensor data you wish to simulate (see the "CSV Data Format" section below).

  2. Configure the Collector: Set up a Virtual Sensor Data Collector, specifying your CSV file and how often JEDI should send data from it.

  3. Simulate Real Sensors: JEDI reads and sends data from your CSV in a loop , as if it were receiving data from actual devices.

Configuration

JEDI Virtual Sensor Data Collector Configuration
JEDI Virtual Sensor Data Collector Configuration

  1. Navigate to Settings -> Data Collectors in the JEDI web interface.

  2. Click the ADD COLLECTOR button to create a new data collector.

  3. Select Virtual Sensor as the Collector Type.

  4. Configure the Following Fields:

    • Collector Name: A unique name to identify this collector.
    • Virtual Sensor Device ID: A unique ID that will represent your virtual device in JEDI.
    • Send Data Every (seconds): How frequently JEDI should send a row of data from the CSV file.
    • Import CSV File: Browse for your CSV file. Click the Help icon (?) for detailed formatting instructions and an example for download.
CSV Data Format Help
CSV Data Format Help

CSV Data Format

  • Header Row: The first row defines property names and data types.
  • Data Rows: Subsequent rows contain the simulated sensor values.

Format Syntax:

n:<property_name>;ty:<data_type>
  • n:<property_name>: The name of the metric.
  • ty:<data_type>:
    • number
    • bool (values should be "TRUE" or "FALSE")
    • string

Example CSV File

n:temperature;ty:number,n:humidity;ty:bool,n:light_level;ty:string
25.5, TRUE, medium
24.8, FALSE, low
26.1, TRUE, high

Using Your Simulated Data

Once configured, the virtual sensor's data becomes indistinguishable from data collected from physical devices. You can:

  • Visualize: Create charts and dashboards in real-time.

  • Set up Rules & Alerts: Trigger actions based on the simulated values.

  • Test Workflows: Ensure your JEDI automations work as expected under various conditions.

Need help? Contact our support team: support@machinechat.io