Multi-Sensor Signal Combination for Higher SNR Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal processing systems face challenges in efficiently processing multiple analog signals due to time-sharing methods, leading to discarded signals and deterioration of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), particularly when dealing with various types and numbers of sensors.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing device that combines multiple element signals from physical quantity sensors using a combination unit, followed by a measuring unit and a computing unit for sequential processing, allowing for linear combination and inversion of signals to enhance SNR, and includes a signal inverting unit for amplification and inversion of signals based on sensor types and SNR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If time-sharing process is used to process multiple analog signals sequentially, then device complexity is reduced, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to discarded signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple element signals from different sensors into a single composite signal through linear combination. This merging approach allows the system to process multiple physical quantities simultaneously using a single signal processing chain, maintaining low device complexity while improving signal-to-noise ratio by utilizing all sensor outputs rather than discarding signals during time-sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing device is designed to handle multiple types and numbers of sensors universally through a single combination unit. This multi-functional approach allows the same device structure to process various sensor configurations (different types and quantities) without requiring dedicated processing paths for each sensor, thus maintaining simplicity while improving signal utilization.
2Measurement precision
If more analog signals are processed simultaneously, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of processing each analog signal through separate processing paths, the patent merges all element signals into a single composite signal through linear combination. This approach improves signal-to-noise ratio by utilizing all sensor outputs simultaneously while avoiding the need for multiple parallel processing channels, thus preventing device complexity from increasing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single signal processing path that is effectively 'copied' or reused for processing multiple sensor inputs through the combination unit. Rather than creating separate processing chains for each sensor, the same processing infrastructure is used to handle the combined signal, maintaining low device complexity while processing multiple signals simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If signal combination is performed to improve SN ratio, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but adaptability to different sensor types and numbers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The combination unit is designed with universal input interfaces that can accept element signals from any type and number of sensors. The linear combination approach is type-agnostic, allowing the system to adapt to different sensor configurations without requiring specialized processing paths, thus maintaining both high signal-to-noise ratio and sensor adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal combination coefficients are made adjustable and configurable, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different sensor types and numbers. This dynamic configuration capability enables the same hardware structure to optimize signal combination for various sensor arrangements while maintaining improved signal-to-noise ratio through flexible parameter adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a signal processing device comprising a combination unit (3) configured to combine plural element signals based on plural physical quantity signals including signal components in accordance with desired physical quantities, respectively, by the number of times equal to or greater than a number of the plural physical quantity signals, and to output combined signals different from each other; a measuring unit (4) configured to sequentially receive the combined signals output from the combination unit (3); and a computing unit (5) configured to compute signal components based on the desired physical quantities from signals that are generated based on the combined signals sequentially output from the measuring unit.