Bitmask-Configurable Sensor Processing for Recertification-Free Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sensing systems lack configurability, requiring recertification of hardware and firmware for new applications and not allowing for value-added processing close to the sensing location, which limits data processing efficiency and increases data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with processing modules, state modules, and a control module that uses a bitmask to selectively enable or disable processing operations, allowing for customizable processing without modifying software or firmware, using discrete bits to control which processing modules process data and in what order.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sensing systems are used without configurable processing options, then hardware and firmware must be recertified for new applications, but this increases system complexity and time-to-market for new applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic configurability through bitmask parameters that allow processing modules to be enabled or disabled at runtime without hardware changes. This dynamic configuration capability enables the same hardware to adapt to different applications while maintaining certification, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes system configuration through software parameters (bitmask values) rather than hardware modifications. By using parameter-based configuration, the system can be reconfigured for different applications without triggering recertification requirements, thus improving adaptability while avoiding the complexity of the recertification process.
2Productivity
If value-added processing is performed at the sensing location, then data processing efficiency improves and data transmission volume decreases, but traditional systems lack the configurable processing options needed
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is segmented into multiple independent processing modules, each capable of being individually configured through bitmask parameters. This segmentation allows selective activation of processing functions at the sensing location, improving data processing efficiency while maintaining configuration flexibility through the bitmask interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system is designed with universal processing modules that can handle multiple types of data processing tasks. The bitmask configuration enables a single multi-functional processing unit to adapt to different processing needs, thereby improving productivity while preserving configurability without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each processing function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If processing modules are selectively enabled or disabled using bitmask control, then system configurability improves without recertification, but additional control logic is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bitmask parameters as an intermediary between the control system and processing modules. This intermediary simplifies the control logic by providing a standardized interface where a single bitmask value can control multiple processing modules simultaneously, reducing the complexity of individual state module control while improving overall system configurability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple processing module control functions are merged into a single bitmask parameter structure. Instead of requiring separate control logic for each processing module, the system combines all control functions into one unified bitmask interface, thereby improving adaptability while minimizing the addition of control logic complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A sensor system can include a sensor configured to output raw sensor data, a plurality of processing modules (103a-p) configured to process the raw sensor data from the sensor to output processed sensor data, a state module (105a-p) for each processing module operative to cause a respective processing module to receive and/or process the sensor data, and a control module (107) configured to receive a bitmask and to operate each state module based on the bitmask to control which processing modules process the sensor data and/or an order of processing. The bitmask can include a plurality of discrete bits. Each state module and/or processing module can be associated with at least one discrete bit.