Measurement Device Virtual Detector Automatic Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of measurement devices face challenges in setting optimal parameters for signal processing components, as they are unaware of the influencing factors, leading to suboptimal measurement results, especially for inexperienced users.

Innovation Solution

A measurement device with automatic optimization capabilities, featuring a physical detector and a virtual detector component that uses a model of the signal processing chain to determine optimal settings based on the measurement type, allowing for automatic adaptation and reconfiguration to ensure well-conditioned signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the operator manually configures the measurement device with multiple influencing parameters, then measurement precision can be optimized, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complexity of identifying and setting optimal values for each parameter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement result qualityVSAvoidoperator configuration effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device automatically performs self-configuration by selecting optimal values for influencing parameters based on the measurement type. The control unit autonomously adjusts settings without requiring manual intervention from the operator, enabling the device to serve itself in optimizing measurement conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically changes multiple parameters simultaneously based on the selected measurement type. The control unit retrieves and applies pre-determined optimal values for each influencing parameter from stored measurement data, dynamically adjusting the device configuration to match the intended measurement scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the measurement device includes multiple signal processing components with different distortion characteristics, then measurement precision can be improved for specific measurement types, but the device complexity increases due to the need for manual setting of each component

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal measurement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of signal processing components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions by automatically managing all signal processing components based on a single measurement type selection. Instead of requiring separate manual configuration for each component (mixer, amplifier, filter), the control unit universally applies appropriate settings to all components simultaneously, making the system easier to operate despite having multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the operator needs to be an expert of the specific measurement device to identify influencing parameters and configure optimal settings, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates requiring specialized knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimal measurement resultsVSAvoidoperator expertise requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement device performs self-configuration by automatically selecting optimal parameter values based on the measurement type. The control unit autonomously determines and applies the correct settings without requiring the operator to possess expert knowledge about the device's internal parameters or configuration requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The optimal measurement settings for different measurement types are pre-determined and stored in the control unit. When a measurement type is selected, the device retrieves and applies these pre-configured optimal values, eliminating the need for operators to perform complex configuration tasks or possess specialized knowledge during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3757520B1Measurement device and method of setting a measurement device
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 ROHDE & SCHWARZ GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3757520B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A measurement device with automatic optimization capabilities comprises at least one signal processing component (18) with a physical detector (19) and a virtual detector component (20) comprising at least one virtual detector (22) for a signal processing component (18) without physical detector. Said physical detector (19) is configured to physically measure a measurement value assigned to said signal processing component (18). Said virtual detector component (20) is configured to use a model of a signal processing chain (17) from said physical detector (19) to the location of said virtual detector (22). Said model comprises at least one model parameter for said signal processing chain (17). Said measurement device (14) is configured to adapt said virtual detector component (20) with respect to a measurement type for said signal to be measured. Said virtual detector component (20) is configured to use said model and said at least one measurement value. Said virtual detector component (20) is configured to determine a virtually determined value based on said model and said at least one measurement value. Said measurement device (14) is configured to use said virtually determined value to determine a setting for said measurement device (14). In addition, a method of setting a measurement device (14) is described.