Optical Input Device Recalibration via Light Signal Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel and battery level indicators in motorized vehicles often display inaccurate readings due to variations in float mechanisms and transmission units, leading to discrepancies between actual and measured system parameters, necessitating a practical solution for recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an input circuit, optical sense circuit, and control circuit that correlates input signals from fuel and battery level sensors with light-sensing programming signals to adjust LED displays, allowing users to recalibrate the system by generating specific programming signals through optical sensor manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional switches and input devices are added for calibration, then recalibration capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is designed to serve dual purposes: normal operation (detecting light levels for display calibration) and calibration mode (receiving programming signals from the optical input device). This multi-functionality allows recalibration capability without adding dedicated calibration hardware, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor acts as an intermediary between the optical input device and the control circuit. During calibration, the optical sensor receives programming signals from the optical input device and translates them into control signals, enabling recalibration capability while keeping the overall system architecture simple and avoiding direct connection of additional calibration hardware
2Device complexity
If optical sensor is used for both normal operation and programming, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by entering calibration mode only during specific time windows when programming signals are detected. During normal operation, the optical sensor performs its standard light-level detection function. This temporal separation ensures that the dual-use optical sensor maintains measurement precision for both purposes without continuous interference
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit monitors the optical sensor output to detect programming signals and provides feedback by switching between normal operation mode and calibration mode. This feedback mechanism ensures that the optical sensor's measurements remain precise by appropriately responding to different signal types and maintaining the correct operational state
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures accurate correlation between actual and displayed system parameters, enabling precise fuel and battery level indications, and allows for recalibration to correct inaccuracies, enhancing user confidence in the displayed information.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sense circuit (26) configured to receive sense signals indicative of a sensed level of light
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect is a device for displaying an indication of a system parameter. The device includes an input circuit, an optical sense circuit, a control circuit, and an output circuit. The input circuit is configured to receive input signals that are indicative of a measured system parameter. The optical sense circuit is configured to receive sense signals indicative of a sensed level of light and to receive programming signals related to a system parameter. The control circuit is configured to correlate the input and programming signals and to produce control signals dependant thereon. The output circuit is configured to display an indication of a system parameter that is based upon the control signals.