Automatic Door Sensor Wiring Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing door sensors with multiple detection units require complex wiring due to the need for separate lines for each detection unit, making installation and communication with external control units cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The sensor system introduces a configuration means to switch between 'single-bit-message' and 'multi-bit-message' transmission modes, allowing combined information from multiple detection units to be sent via a single output port, enabling serial communication and simplifying wiring by using a single physical line, with an optional calibration signal to account for distortion effects in optoelectronic switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate lines are used for each detection unit, then each detection unit can communicate independently with the control unit, but the wiring becomes complex and installation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection unit signals into a single communication line by implementing a master-slave configuration where one detection unit acts as master and others as slaves. The slave units transmit their detection signals through the master unit's communication interface, eliminating the need for separate wiring for each detection unit while maintaining independent communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication interface is designed to handle multiple functions: it can transmit signals from any detection unit, support both single-bit and multi-bit message modes, and accommodate different transmission protocols. This universal interface replaces multiple dedicated communication lines with a single multi-functional port.
2Device complexity
If a single output port is used for combined information, then wiring is simplified, but the transmission mode must be configurable to accommodate different communication needs
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface incorporates dynamic configuration capabilities that allow it to switch between different transmission modes (single-bit message mode and multi-bit message mode) based on the application requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the same hardware interface to serve multiple communication protocols and data formats without requiring physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as message format, data rate, and protocol type to accommodate different communication needs. By adjusting these parameters, the single output port can effectively communicate with various types of control units and support different detection scenarios without hardware modifications.
3Productivity
If multi-bit messages are transmitted, then more detection information can be sent efficiently, but distortion effects in optoelectronic switches must be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the receiving end monitors the quality of received multi-bit messages and requests retransmission or correction when distortion is detected. The transmitting end adjusts its signal characteristics based on feedback information to optimize signal integrity and compensate for optoelectronic switch distortion effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration and characterization of the optoelectronic switch distortion properties before actual communication. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-compensate for known distortion effects and establish correction algorithms that improve signal accuracy during multi-bit message transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a Sensor (10, 30) for an automatic door monitoring a detection area comprising a first detection unit (12, 34 a,b,c,d) and a second detection unit (14, 36 a,b,c,d) for detecting an object within the detection area, an internal control unit (24, 44), to which the first detection unit (12, 34 a,b,c,d )and the second detection unit (14, 36 a,b,c,d) are connected to, the sensor furthermore comprises a first output port (18, 38 a,b,c,d) dedicated to output the signal related to the first detection unit (12, 34 a,b,c,d) that is connected to the internal control unit (24, 44a), and a second output port (20, 39 a,c,d) dedicated to output the signal related to the second detection unit (14, 36 a,b,c,d) that is connected to the internal control unit (24, 44a), and an input port (16, 40 a,b) that is connected to the internal control unit (24); the sensor furthermore comprises a configuration means (22, 32 a,b,c,d) which allows configuration of at least two alternative transmission modes, where according to a first transmission mode a first output mode is set, where a signal based on the source signal provided by the first detection unit (12, 34 a,b,c,d) is output on the first output port (18, 38 a,b,c,d) and / or a signal based on the source signal provided by the second detection unit (14, 36 a,b,c,d), is output on the second output port (20, 39 a,c,d), and in a second transmission mode a second output mode is set, where a combined output signal is created based on the source signal provided by the first detection unit (12, 34 a,b,c,d) and the source signal provided by the second detection unit (14, 36 a,b,c,d) is output on the first output port (18, 38 a,b,c,d) and / or the second output port (20, 39 a,c,d).