Communication Module Using DC Power for Sensor Data and Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems for personal performance monitoring, such as those using EMG sensors in sports and health applications, face challenges in minimizing wiring between sensors and monitoring devices, identifying individual sensors, and synchronizing signals from multiple sources, leading to impractical solutions with complex circuits and limited analysis capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A communication module and sensor unit system that uses a DC power signal to transmit both power and sensor data, with a time slot-based protocol for identifying sensors and processing signals, allowing for minimal wiring and efficient data transmission, enabling better analysis of muscle movements and performance data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated transmitter modules are used for each sensor, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transmitter module that can serve multiple sensor types (EMG, ECG, temperature, humidity) through a single device. The module uses a standardized wireless interface and power delivery mechanism that works with different sensor units, eliminating the need for dedicated transmitter modules for each sensor type while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines power delivery and data transmission functions into a single wireless communication channel. The transmitter module simultaneously provides power to remote sensor units and receives measurement signals from them, reducing the number of separate wiring requirements and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple separate wiring channels are used for power and sensor signals, then reliable power delivery and signal transmission are achieved, but wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and data communication into a single wireless channel. The transmitter module uses wireless power transmission technology to deliver power to remote sensor units while simultaneously receiving measurement signals through the same wireless interface, eliminating the need for separate wired power and signal channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. Instead of using physical wires for both power delivery and signal transmission, the system uses wireless electromagnetic fields to transmit both power and data, significantly reducing wiring complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Loss of information
If sensor identification protocols are implemented, then individual sensor tracking is enabled, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements sensor identification by incorporating unique identifiers into the initial wireless communication handshake between the transmitter module and sensor units. This preliminary identification step establishes sensor uniqueness without requiring continuous identification data transmission during operation, minimizing communication overhead while enabling individual sensor tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement, a communication module, a sensor unit and a method for monitoring physical performance includes at least one communication module having means for providing an output DC power by wire, and means for receiving at least one sensor signal representative of measured physiologic activity from at least one sensor unit. Said at least one sensor unit adapted to measure physiologic activity and to generate analog measurement signals in response thereof and is connected to said DC power wire and having means for processing and sending a sensor signal representative of measured physiologic activity by a wire to said communication module. A processing unit is adapted to form from said analog measurement signals data messages in predetermined transmission time slots. A wireless communication unit is used for transmitting the data messages at successive time slots using a wireless communication protocol to a wireless receiver device.