PROCESSING DEVICE FOR ENRICHED MASTER SIGNALS ACQUIRED BY A SOURCE, AND ASSOCIATED RECORDING SYSTEM
The processing device combines main and auxiliary signals to provide enriched data for precise analysis, eliminating the need for additional measurements and reducing errors in signal recording systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing signal recording systems only capture primary signals without additional information such as distance, relative speed, acceleration, or spatial orientation, necessitating tedious and error-prone auxiliary measurements for precise analysis.
A processing device that generates enriched signals by combining main signals with auxiliary signals of different frequency ranges, allowing precise analysis without additional measurements and reducing error introduction.
Enables precise analysis of objects with reduced human effort and minimized errors by incorporating auxiliary information directly into the main signal, simplifying and enhancing the analysis process.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: PROCESSING DEVICE FOR ENRICHED MAJOR SIGNALS ACQUIRED BY A SOURCE, AND ASSOCIATED RECORDING SYSTEM Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to signal recording systems, and more specifically to the processing of signals acquired by such systems. State of the art
[0002] In certain fields, such as, but not limited to, the analysis of noise or vibration sources, signal recording systems are used to acquire and record primary signals. Such systems typically comprise a primary source configured to acquire a primary signal, and a recording device coupled to this primary source (generally via a cable) and responsible for recording and possibly analyzing the primary signal acquired by the latter. For example, this primary source could be a microphone. Also by way of example, this type of system could be used to record the noise and / or vibrations generated by a vehicle's drive mechanism.
[0003] A major drawback of this type of system is that it only allows the recording of primary signals without any additional (or auxiliary) information, such as the distance between the primary source and the analyzed object, the relative speed of this object with respect to the primary source, the relative acceleration of this object with respect to the primary source, or the relative spatial orientation of this object with respect to the primary source. Consequently, when one wants to perform a precise analysis (such as mapping) of an object, one is forced to also carry out at least one auxiliary measurement at each location where a recording is made, and then establish a correspondence between the recording and each associated measurement, which is tedious and time-consuming and generally requires the intervention of at least two people, and therefore proves costly.Furthermore, such a mode of operation can introduce errors that can distort an analysis, and then require starting all over again (without any guarantee that there will not be new error(s)).
[0004] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0005] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a processing device suitable for being associated with a main source arranged to acquire a main signal, having first frequencies included in a first frequency range.
[0006] This processing device is characterized by the fact that it includes a first processing module capable of generating an enriched signal, intended for a recording device, by associating with the main signal acquired by the main source at least one auxiliary signal representative of information provided by at least one auxiliary source and having second frequencies included in at least one second frequency range totally different from this first frequency range.
[0007] Thus, we automatically have a main signal relating to an object which is associated with at least one auxiliary information also relating to this object (and represented by an auxiliary signal), which makes it possible to carry out a precise analysis of this object, without having to carry out auxiliary measurements at each place where an acquisition of a main signal is carried out and without risk of introducing correspondence errors.
[0008] The treatment device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0009] - its first processing module may include a modulator that is its own to generate the enriched signal by modulating the main signal with the (each) auxiliary signal;
[0010] - in the presence of the first option, the modulator can be arranged to perform amplitude modulation and / or angular modulation;
[0011] - its first processing module can be adapted to receive a main signal acquired by a primary source chosen from a microphone and an accelerometer;
[0012] - it may include at least one auxiliary source;
[0013] - in the presence of the last option, each auxiliary source can be chosen from a position sensor, a speed sensor, a force sensor, a displacement sensor, and an accelerometer.
[0014] - it may include a housing containing the first processing module and comprising a handle allowing it to be gripped and carried;
[0015] - it may include first and second connectors suitable for coupling respectively to the main source and the recording device;
[0016] - in the presence of the last option, the first connector can be suitable for being coupled to a third connector of the main source. In this case, it may also include a cable with a fourth connector specifically designed to be connected to the second connector and coupled to the recording device.
[0017] The invention also proposes a recording system comprising:
[0018] - a primary source arranged to acquire a primary signal having first frequencies included within a first frequency range,
[0019] - a processing device of the type described above and coupled to this source main signaling device in order to receive the main acquired signal, and
[0020] - a recording device coupled to the processing device in order to receive the The enriched signal is generated, and includes a second processing module to process the received enriched signal in order to determine the associated main and auxiliary signals. Brief description of the figures
[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawing, on which:
[0022] [Fig.1] illustrates schematically and functionally, an example of an embodiment of a recording system according to the invention comprising a main source, an example of an embodiment of a processing device according to the invention, and a recording device. Detailed description of the invention
[0023] The invention aims in particular to provide a DT processing device intended to process main signals sp acquired by a main source SP before they reach (in the form of enriched signals se) a recording device DE.
[0024] In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the processing device DT, the main source SP and the recording device DE are part of a recording system SE. But the processing device DT could be a piece of equipment (or accessory) that is interfaced between a main source SP and a recording device DE that is part of a recording system.
[0025] Furthermore, in the following, by way of non-limiting example, the recording system SE is considered to be intended for analyzing sounds and / or vibrations generated by an object OA constituting a drive unit of a powertrain (or PMU) of a vehicle (possibly an automobile). For example, this drive unit could be an internal combustion engine. However, the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, a recording system SE is intended to analyze a parameter of an object OA whose value varies over time and can be transformed into a principal signal sp by a principal source SP.
[0026] A schematic example of an embodiment of a recording system SE according to the invention, comprising a main source SP, an example of an embodiment of a processing device DT according to the invention, and an example of an embodiment of a recording device DE, have been schematically illustrated on the single [Fig.1].
[0027] The main source SP is arranged so as to acquire a main signal sp generated by (or related to) an object OA to be analyzed, and having first frequencies fl which are included in a first frequency range ifl.
[0028] For example, and considering the application described here (object OA constituting a drive unit of a power unit), the main source SP could be a microphone recording the sounds and / or vibrations generated during operation by this drive unit OA. However, in an alternative embodiment or in another application, the main source SP could be an accelerometer recording accelerations of the object OA to be analyzed, for example. In yet another embodiment or in another application, the main source SP could be a thermal sensor recording temperatures of the object OA to be analyzed in order to obtain a thermal map of the latter (OA), for example. Consequently, the type of the main signal SP and / or the first frequency range (ifl) to which it belongs (ifl) may vary depending on the main source SP used.
[0029] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], a processing device DT, according to the invention, is suitable for being associated with the main source SP and the recording device DE (associated with this main source SP). Furthermore, this processing device DT comprises a first processing module MT1 which is suitable for generating an enriched signal by combining at least one auxiliary signal saj with the main signal sp (acquired by the main source SP). Each auxiliary signal saj represents information provided by at least one auxiliary source SAj and which has second frequencies f2 within at least one second frequency range if2 that is entirely different from the first frequency range if1. In other words, each second frequency range if2 is disjoint from the first frequency range if1.Furthermore, it will be understood that the enriched signal se (generated by the sp / saj association) is intended for the DE recording device for recording, and possibly for analysis.
[0030] Thanks to this sp / saj association forming an enriched signal se, a main signal sp relative to an object OA is automatically obtained and associated with at least one auxiliary information also relative to that object OA (and represented by an auxiliary signal saj). Therefore, it is now possible to perform a precise analysis (such as mapping) of this object OA without needing to take auxiliary measurements at each location where a main signal sp is acquired. This significantly simplifies the analysis and requires only one person to perform it. Furthermore, it avoids the introduction of matching errors that could distort the analysis and necessitate starting over.
[0031] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the DT processing device may also include a BD housing containing the first MT1 processing module. Furthermore, and preferably, such a BD housing also contains a BA power supply battery responsible for supplying electrical power to the DT processing device (and in particular its first MT1 processing module). This BA power supply battery may, for example, consist of at least one cell, or it may be rechargeable.
[0032] Also, for example, the sp / saj association can be achieved by modulation, but this is not mandatory. In this case, the first processing module MT1 may include a modulator specifically designed to generate the enriched signal se by modulating the main signal sp with each auxiliary signal saj.
[0033] Also, for example, such a modulator can be arranged to perform amplitude modulation and / or angular modulation. It will be understood that it can perform either amplitude modulation, or angular modulation, or both amplitude modulation and angular modulation.
[0034] It will be noted that the main signal sp is the carrier wave, and that the (each) auxiliary signal saj is used to modulate this carrier wave.
[0035] It should also be noted that angular (or argument) modulation can be frequency modulation or phase modulation.
[0036] It should also be noted that the modulation performed can be analog or digital.
[0037] It should also be noted that the first processing module MT1 is arranged to receive the main signal sp acquired by the main source SP (here a microphone, but it could be an accelerometer (or other), for example).
[0038] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the DT processing device may also include at least one auxiliary source SAj. This is particularly advantageous, but not mandatory. Indeed, at least one auxiliary source SAj may be external to the DT processing device and installed in the vicinity of the object OA to be analyzed or on the object itself (OA). In this case, this (each) external auxiliary source SAj is arranged so as to transmit directly the auxiliary signal saj that it acquires to the DT processing device (to its first processing module MT1). This transmission is preferably carried out wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth (registered trademark), which requires that the DT processing device include a communication module comprising at least one suitable wireless receiver.Alternatively, transmission could be via wired connection, which would then require the DT processing device to include a wired connection interface for each external SAj auxiliary source.
[0039] For example, the (each) auxiliary source SAj can be chosen from:
[0040] - a position sensor, determining the distance separating the main source SP or the DT processing device of the OA object to be analyzed, or the relative spatial orientation of the OA object to be analyzed with respect to the main SP source or the DT processing device,
[0041] - a force sensor, determining the force experienced by the object OA to be analyzed,
[0042] - a displacement sensor, determining the relative displacements of the object OA to analyze with respect to the main source SP or the processing device DT,
[0043] - a speed sensor, determining the relative speed of the object OA to be analyzed by report to the primary SP source or DT treatment device, and
[0044] - an accelerometer determining the relative acceleration along a direction of the space of the object OA to be analyzed in relation to the main source SP or the processing device DT.
[0045] It should be noted that a position or distance sensor may possibly be a laser master, or more generally a device using a laser beam.
[0046] But the list mentioned above is not limiting, just as it is not exhaustive. In fact, any type of auxiliary source SAj can be used as long as it allows the acquisition of auxiliary information relating to an object OA to be analyzed or to a parameter of this object OA to be analyzed in relation to the processing device DT (or to the main source SP which is associated with the latter (DT), possibly on a temporary basis).
[0047] It should be noted that an auxiliary source SAj may optionally be associated with an auxiliary object (passive or active) which is temporarily installed on the object OA to be analyzed, and which is necessary for its acquisition of auxiliary information represented by an auxiliary signal saj. For example, such an auxiliary object may be a reflector or a radio-identification device, for example of the RFID ("Radio Frequency Identification") type, or even a device allowing precise determination of geographic position.
[0048] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the processing device DT (and more specifically its housing BD) comprises two auxiliary sources SA1 (j = 1) and SA2 (j = 2). However, the number of auxiliary sources SAj that the processing device DT can include can take any value greater than or equal to one.
[0049] It should also be noted that the BD case may optionally include a handle for gripping and transporting it (by a person or a robot). This handle may be separate or may be an integral part of the BD case.
[0050] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the DT processing device may also include first CN1 and second CN2 connectors which are suitable for being coupled respectively to the main source SP and the DE recording device. It will be understood that these first CN1 and second CN2 connectors are also coupled to the first MT1 processing module in the BD housing and are housed in defined openings within the latter (BD). For example, at least one of these first CN1 and second CN2 connectors may be of the USB ("Universal Serial Bus") or micro-USB type.
[0051] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in [Fig. 1], the first connector CN1 may be suitable for coupling to a third connector CN3 comprising the main source SP, and the processing device DT may include a cable CL having a fourth connector CN4 which is suitable for connecting to the second connector CN2, and which is coupled to the recording device DE. For example, at least one of the third CN3 and fourth CN4 connectors may be of the USB (“Universal Serial Bus”) or micro-USB type.
[0052] However, the CL cable could be part of a recording system initially comprising only the main source SP and the recording device DE. In this case, the CL cable is connected (possibly permanently) to the recording device DE, and its fourth connector CN4 is designed to be connected to the third connector CN3 of the main source SP. Thus, when an analysis of an object OA is to be performed with the processing device DT, the CL cable is disconnected from the third connector CN3 of the main source SP, and then the first connector CN1 of the processing device DT is connected to this third connector CN3, and the second connector CN2 of the processing device DT is connected to the fourth connector CN4 of the CL cable.
[0053] It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment, the main source SP and the recording device DE could be initially arranged to communicate wirelessly (and therefore without the need for a cable CL). In this case, the processing device DT is arranged to communicate wirelessly with the main source SP and the recording device DE, and therefore does not require first CN1 and second CN2 connectors but rather a communication module comprising a suitable wireless transmitter / receiver. It can then communicate wirelessly with the main source SP and the recording device DE after pairing. These exchanges are carried out, for example, using Bluetooth (registered trademark).
[0054] When the recording system SE includes the main source SP, the processing device DT and the recording device DE, the latter (DE) is coupled to the processing device DT in order to receive the enriched signal se which it generates, and may also include a second processing module MT2 which is suitable for processing this received enriched signal se in order to determine the main signal sp and each auxiliary signal saj which it includes in association.
[0055] It will be understood that when the sp / saj association is achieved by modulation, the second processing module MT2 includes a demodulator arranged to demodulate the enriched signal se in order to recover the main signal sp and each auxiliary signal saj. It will be understood that this demodulator performs a processing of the enriched signal se that is the inverse of that performed by the modulator of the first processing module MT1 to generate this enriched signal se. Then, the recovered main signal sp is stored, corresponding to each recovered auxiliary signal saj, in a memory MS of the recording device DE, for example, for subsequent analysis.
[0056] But the recording device DE could be devoid of a second processing module MT2, and in that case it only stores in a memory MS the enriched signal se which it receives from the processing device DT, with a view to further processing and then further analysis of the main signal sp and each auxiliary signal saj which it represents.
Claims
Demands
1. Processing device (PD) suitable for being associated with a main source (MS) arranged to acquire a main signal, having first frequencies within a first frequency range, characterized in that it comprises a first processing module (MT1) suitable for generating an enriched signal, intended for a recording device (RD), by associating said acquired main signal with at least one auxiliary signal representative of information provided by at least one auxiliary source (AS) and having second frequencies within at least one second frequency range totally different from said first frequency range.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first processing module (MT1) comprises a modulator suitable for generating said enriched signal by modulating said main signal with said auxiliary signal.
3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said modulator is arranged to perform amplitude modulation and / or angular modulation.
4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first processing module (MT1) is adapted to receive a main signal acquired by a main source (SP) selected from a microphone and an accelerometer.
5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one auxiliary source (SAj).
6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that each auxiliary source (SAj) is selected from a position sensor, a force sensor, a displacement sensor, a speed sensor, and an accelerometer.
7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a housing (BD) housing said first processing module (MT1) and having a handle enabling its gripping and transport.
8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises first (CN1) and second (CN2) connectors adapted to be coupled respectively to said main source (SP) and said recording device (DE).
9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said first connector (CN1) is suitable for being coupled to a third connector (CN3) of said main source (SP), and in that it comprises a cable (CL) having a fourth connector (CN4) suitable for being connected to said second connector (CN2) and coupled to said recording device (DE).
10. Recording system (RS), characterized in that it comprises i) a main source (MS) arranged to acquire a main signal having first frequencies within a first frequency range, ii) a processing device (PD) according to any one of the preceding claims, coupled to said main source (MS) in order to receive said main signal, and iii) a recording device (RD) coupled to said processing device (PD) in order to receive said generated enriched signal, and comprising a second processing module (MT2) suitable for processing said received enriched signal in order to determine said associated main and auxiliary signal(s).