Dynamic Sensor Range Selection for Precision Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors face limitations in measurement precision due to fixed measurement ranges, leading to increased sensor errors and reduced accuracy, especially when dealing with phenomena that require precise detection near threshold values.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sensing element, an analog-to-digital converter, and a processor that dynamically adjusts the measurement range based on the sensed phenomenon, allowing for real-time changes to achieve optimal precision and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor measurement range is set to the widest range to accommodate unknown modes of use, then the adaptability is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to increased sensor error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic range selection where the sensor measurement range is automatically adjusted based on the detected phenomenon magnitude. The system transitions from static range configuration to dynamic adaptation, selecting from multiple available ranges (e.g., ±2g, ±4g, ±8g) based on real-time signal characteristics, thereby maintaining both adaptability and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the detected signal magnitude and using this information to adjust the measurement range. The processor analyzes the phenomenon magnitude and provides feedback to the sensor configuration, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes measurement precision while maintaining adaptability to various operating conditions
2Measurement precision
If the sensor measurement range is set to the narrowest range to maximize measurement precision, then the measurement precision is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the sensor cannot accommodate varying modes of use
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between multiple pre-configured measurement ranges based on the detected signal characteristics. Instead of being locked into a single narrow range, the sensor can transition between ranges (e.g., from ±2g to ±4g to ±8g) as needed, maintaining high precision when possible while adapting to varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple measurement range capabilities within a single device. The processor selectively activates appropriate ranges based on the application requirements, making the system universally applicable to different measurement scenarios while maintaining optimal precision for each scenario
3Measurement precision
If the measurement range is reduced to minimize sensor error, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for dynamic range selection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares multiple pre-configured measurement ranges in advance, with each range optimized for specific signal magnitudes. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex real-time range calculation mechanisms, as the processor simply selects from pre-defined options based on signal characteristics, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances measurement accuracy by adapting the sensor range to the specific conditions, reducing errors and improving the ability to detect phenomena with higher precision, especially when values are near threshold levels.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing element configured to measure the phenomenon using a first measurement range and to provide an analog indication of a value of the phenomenon
Implementation Method 2
an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the sensing element and configured to convert the analog indication to a digital indication
Data Source
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AI summary
A device(10) for sensing a phenomenon using a dynamic measurement range includes: a sensing element(12) configured to measure the phenomenon using a first measurement range and to provide an analog indication of a value of the phenomenon; an analog-to-digital converter, ADC(14) coupled to the sensing element and configured to convert the analog indication to a digital indication; and a processor (16) coupled to the ADC(16) and the sensing element and configured to analyze the digital indication to determine a second measurement range for the sensing element and to cause the sensing element to change from the first measurement range to the second measurement range for measurement of the phenomenon, the first measurement range being different than the second measurement range.