Signal Processing Device for Inertial Sensor Axis Sensitivity Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing triaxial acceleration sensors face challenges in reducing the effect of other axis sensitivity while maintaining sensitivity, as extending the dynamic range of the A/D converter circuit leads to a decrease in minimum resolution.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing device with detection and correction circuitry is implemented, where the detection circuitry generates detection signals based on output signals from detection elements in multiple directions, and the correction circuitry corrects these signals using broader detection range correction signals from a second detection unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the dynamic range of the A/D converter circuit is extended to reduce other axis sensitivity effects, then the ability to handle large acceleration values improves, but the minimum resolution decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidminimum resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection system into two separate detection units: a first detection unit with a narrower detection range and higher resolution for precise measurement, and a second detection unit with a broader detection range for capturing large acceleration values. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between dynamic range and minimum resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional detection approach to a two-dimensional detection architecture by introducing multiple detection units with different detection ranges. This dimensional change in the detection system structure enables simultaneous optimization for both high resolution and wide dynamic range by operating in different detection 'dimensions' or ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the detection range is broadened to capture larger acceleration values, then the ability to handle extreme conditions improves, but the sensitivity to small changes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidsensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection function across multiple units with different detection ranges. The first detection unit maintains high sensitivity for small changes within its narrower range, while the second detection unit provides broad coverage for large acceleration values, thus resolving the contradiction between detection range and sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second detection unit acts as an intermediary that handles extreme values and corrects signals from the first detection unit when other axis sensitivity effects occur. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain high sensitivity for normal operations while being able to handle extreme conditions without sacrificing sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If correction signals from a broader detection range are used to reduce other axis sensitivity, then the accuracy of multi-axis detection improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the correction function by dedicating specific detection units to specific axes. Each detection unit is responsible for detecting acceleration in its designated direction and providing correction signals for other axes, which simplifies the overall system architecture while improving detection accuracy through specialized function allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the detection and correction functions into an integrated system where detection units simultaneously perform both detection and signal generation for correction purposes. This merging reduces system complexity by eliminating separate correction hardware while maintaining improved detection accuracy through the coordinated operation of multiple detection units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12203955B2Signal processing device, inertial sensor, signal processing method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.01.21 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US12203955B2 patent drawing
  • US12203955B2 patent drawing
  • US12203955B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A signal processing device includes detection circuitry and correction circuitry. The detection circuitry includes a first detection unit and a second detection unit. The first detection unit generates at least one detection signal based on an associated one of output signals corresponding to each of at least two directions. The second detection unit has a broader detection range than the first detection unit and generates at least one correction signal based on the associated one of the output signals corresponding to each of the at least two directions. The correction circuitry corrects an associated one of the detection signals corresponding to each of the at least two directions with at least an associated one of the correction signals corresponding to at least one direction, other than one direction subjected to correction, out of the at least two directions.