Multi-Device Motherboard for Parallel Sensor Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manufacturing wireless sensors for civil engineering applications face challenges such as large device size, limited battery life, and lengthy programming times, especially when instrumenting structures with multiple sensors requiring different functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a multi-device motherboard with programmable circuit boards and a motherboard processor that allows for efficient programming and configuration of multiple sensors in parallel, using frangible links for detachment and housing, enabling lightweight programming and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are programmed individually with different software, then each sensor can perform its specific function, but the programming time becomes significant and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the programming task by dividing sensors into groups that share common functionality. Each group is programmed simultaneously using a single software image, rather than programming each sensor individually. This segmentation maintains adaptability while dramatically improving programming efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of sensors into functional groups before programming. By pre-organizing sensors based on their intended functionality, the system enables batch programming of homogeneous groups, reducing the overall programming time while still allowing for diverse sensor deployments.
2Ease of operation
If standard device programming interfaces are used, then programming capability is provided, but power consumption increases and device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the heavy programming interface functionality from the individual sensor devices and relocates it to the central processing unit. This extraction allows sensors to use minimal local programming resources while maintaining full programming capability through the centralized system, thereby reducing both power consumption and device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The central processing unit acts as an intermediary that handles complex programming operations. Instead of each sensor requiring its own complete programming interface, the intermediary CPU manages programming for multiple sensors, reducing the programming interface burden on individual devices while maintaining ease of operation.
3Weight of moving object
If miniature low power technology is used, then device size and power consumption are reduced, but programming time becomes a significant practical problem
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple programming operations into a single batch programming process. By combining the programming of multiple miniature sensors into one unified operation, the system maintains the size advantages of miniature technology while eliminating the time penalty associated with individual programming of each small device.
Data Source
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AI summary
We describe a method of manufacturing a plurality of electronic devices, the method comprising: manufacturing a multi-device motherboard, the multi-device motherboard comprising: a plurality of programmable device circuit boards, each of said device circuit boards bearing an electronic device comprising at least a device processor and programmable, non-volatile device memory for storing code for controlling the device processor, and a device programming region, wherein each of the device circuit boards is detachable from the remainder of the mother board except for one of more frangible links, at least one of said frangible links comprising a programming connection to the programmable circuit board; wherein the device programming region and device circuit boards are all part of the same circuit board, and wherein the device programming region bears a motherboard processor and motherboard program memory storing processor control code for controlling the motherboard processor to program the device circuit boards; storing code for at least one application program for said electronic device in said motherboard program memory; providing a user interface for said multi- device motherboard, wherein said user interface comprises a physical interface for an external computer system and a software user interface, wherein said software user interface is arranged to enable a user to configure each of said electronic devices to perform a defined function, wherein configuration of a said electronic device comprises providing software to said device memory of said electronic device, said software comprising code from said at least one application program such that a user-defined application is enabled to run on said electronic device to perform said user-defined function; using said user interface to configure said electronic devices on said motherboard; and detaching said configured electronic devices for use.