FHSS Measurement Interface with Variable Frame-Time Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) communication systems in measurement devices struggle to adapt to varying amounts of measurement data due to a fixed frame time, making it difficult to maintain synchronization and efficient data transmission across different modes of operation.
Innovation Solution
A frequency hopping radio communications module that operates in multiple modes with adjustable frame times, allowing synchronization to be maintained by associating each frame with a specific frequency channel, enabling flexible data transmission based on the amount of measurement data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed frame time is used in frequency hopping communication, then synchronization between transmitter and receiver is maintained, but the system cannot adapt to different measurement data volumes and operation modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frame time adjustment by introducing multiple frame time configurations (first frame time, second frame time, third frame time) that can be selected based on measurement data volume and operation mode. The system transitions from a static fixed frame time to a dynamic adaptable frame time structure, allowing the communication system to optimize performance for different measurement scenarios while maintaining synchronization through coordinated updates at both transmitter and receiver ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frame time parameter from a fixed value to a variable parameter with multiple discrete options. By defining different frame time values (first frame time for basic operations, second frame time for medium data volumes, third frame time for large data volumes), the system can adapt to varying measurement data requirements. This parameter change is implemented through configuration data that both transmitter and receiver use to maintain synchronization.
2Speed
If a shorter frame time is used, then time critical data is relayed more quickly, but less data can be transmitted per frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic frame time selection by providing multiple frame time configurations that can be chosen based on the specific measurement task and data volume requirements. The system can switch between first frame time (shorter, faster transmission), second frame time (moderate balance), and third frame time (longer, higher capacity) to optimize the trade-off between transmission speed and data capacity for different operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the frame time to vary between three discrete values depending on the measurement mode and data volume. This enables the system to adjust the frame time parameter to match the specific requirements of each measurement task, achieving optimal balance between transmission speed and data capacity without requiring a single fixed compromise value.
3Quantity of substance
If a longer frame time is used, then more data can be transmitted per frame, but time critical data relay is slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frame time adjustment by providing multiple frame time configurations that can be selected based on measurement data volume and operational requirements. The system can dynamically choose between first frame time (faster, less capacity), second frame time (moderate balance), and third frame time (slower, higher capacity) to optimize the trade-off between data capacity and transmission speed for different measurement scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frame time parameter from a single fixed value to multiple discrete values that can be selected based on data volume requirements. By allowing the frame time parameter to vary between first frame time, second frame time, and third frame time, the system can optimize data capacity when needed while maintaining the ability to use shorter frame times when speed is critical.
4Ease of manufacture
If the frame time is fixed during manufacture, then the communication protocol is simple to implement, but it cannot be optimized for different measurement devices and operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by introducing multiple frame time configurations that can be selected based on the specific measurement device and operational requirements. The communication module is designed to support first frame time, second frame time, and third frame time configurations, allowing it to adapt to different measurement devices and operations while maintaining a relatively simple implementation through structured configuration data and coordinated synchronization between transmitter and receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing a communication module that can operate with multiple frame time configurations to serve different measurement devices and operational modes. The universal design incorporates first frame time for basic operations, second frame time for medium complexity tasks, and third frame time for high data volume operations, allowing a single communication module design to handle diverse measurement applications.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A frequency hopping radio communications module (18, 26) used in a measurement system, such as a measurement probe (10) and measurement interface (20), is described. The module (18, 26) comprises a clock for defining a series of base time intervals and a memory for storing a hopping pattern describing a sequence of frequency channels. The communications module (18, 26) is switchable between at least a first mode, a second mode and a third mode. The first mode transmits and/or receives data using a series of frames having a first frame time and the second mode transmits and/or receives data using a series of frames having a second frame time. The first frame time is equal to, or an integer multiple of, the base time interval and the second frame time is an integer multiple of the first frame time. Operation in the third mode comprises transmitting and/or receiving data using a series of frames having a third frame time, the third frame time being an integer multiple of the second frame time. Each successive base time interval is associated with a successive frequency channel of the hopping pattern sequence and each frame uses the frequency channel associated with the base time interval that occurs at the start of that frame. In this manner, frequency hopping synchronisation is maintained even if different frame times are used.