Electronic Register Raw Sensor Data Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic registers face challenges in accommodating a wide range of applications with varying sensor types, requiring complex preprogramming and configuration for data handling, which complicates production, distribution, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The electronic register logs raw sensor data without conversion, storing conversion data associated with each sensor interface circuit and providing it to an external device, allowing the external device to convert the data into physical-domain measurements, thus simplifying the process and accommodating different sensor types without firmware modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electronic register preprograms data handling parameters (resolution, scaling, etc.) for different sensor types, then it can process sensor data accurately for specific applications, but production complexity and inventory management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data handling parameters (resolution, scaling, etc.) from the electronic register's firmware and stores them externally in association with sensor interface circuits. This allows the register to remain a generic platform while still supporting specific sensor types through external configuration data, thereby reducing production complexity without sacrificing measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic register is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple sensor types without requiring different firmware versions. By storing conversion parameters externally and allowing dynamic configuration, a single register design serves multiple applications, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining accurate data processing for various sensor types
2Reliability
If the electronic register is customized for specific sensor types and applications, then it provides fine-tuned performance for particular installations, but production costs and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration data from the hardware platform. The electronic register maintains a generic hardware design that can be produced efficiently, while application-specific parameters are stored separately in association with sensor interface circuits. This segmentation allows mass production of standardized units while still providing customized performance through external configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration of sensor interface circuits through external parameters rather than requiring fixed firmware for each sensor type. This dynamic approach enables the same hardware to be adapted to different applications in the field, reducing production costs while maintaining application-specific reliability
3Ease of operation
If the electronic register converts raw sensor data into physical-domain measurements internally, then it provides processed data directly, but it requires preconfiguration for each sensor type which complicates deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary configuration by storing conversion parameters in association with sensor interface circuits before operation. However, this configuration is done externally and dynamically rather than through firmware preprogramming, allowing rapid deployment without lengthy configuration processes. The system is pre-prepared to accept various sensor types without requiring advance firmware customization
Data Source
AI summary
According to a method and apparatus disclosed herein, an electronic register advantageously logs raw sensor data without converting the raw sensor data into physical-domain measurements, and without need for being configured to understand or process such data, or account or compensate for any sensor installation particulars. Instead, the electronic register advantageously stores conversion data in association with each sensor interface circuit being used to collect raw sensor data from a corresponding external sensor, and it provides the conversion data to an external device, in association with read-out of the raw sensor data logged by the electronic unit. The conversion data provides the mathematical expression, along with any compensation or adjustment values needed, to convert the raw sensor data into corresponding physical-domain measurements.