Probe Protocol Self-Identification via Beacon Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for checking the position and dimensions of mechanical pieces require laborious user intervention for probe configuration, as they need to emulate specific communication protocols to communicate with a base station, which is costly and time-consuming, especially when multiple probes from different manufacturers coexist with the same base station.
Innovation Solution
A touch probe equipped with an optical infrared transceiver, microcontroller, and FPGA device that can autonomously identify and emulate multiple communication protocols by transmitting beacon signals and detecting activation signals, allowing it to communicate with a base station without prior user configuration, using a combination of high and low frequency modulated infrared signals and time division multiplexing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a probe is designed to emulate multiple communication protocols to communicate with different base stations, then the adaptability of the probe is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple protocol configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The probe automatically performs protocol identification and configuration without requiring user intervention. The microcontroller autonomously transmits beacon signals, detects activation signals from the base station, and configures the appropriate communication protocol, thereby eliminating the need for complex manual configuration procedures while maintaining multi-protocol adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The probe pre-transmits beacon signals containing identification information before actual measurement operations. This preliminary action allows the base station to recognize the probe and automatically establish the correct communication protocol in advance, avoiding complex configuration steps during actual use
2Ease of manufacture
If a probe requires manual configuration of communication protocols by a user, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to laborious programming phases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe autonomously configures its communication protocol by detecting beacon signals and receiving activation signals from the base station. This self-configuration capability eliminates the need for users to perform laborious programming phases while keeping the probe structure relatively simple and cost-effective to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the probe transmits beacon signals and the base station responds with activation signals. The probe detects these signals and automatically adjusts its configuration based on the received feedback, thereby simplifying operation without requiring complex manufacturing
3Measurement precision
If a probe uses advanced base station for configuration, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and requires specialized user knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The probe automatically performs protocol identification and configuration without requiring an advanced base station or specialized user knowledge. The microcontroller autonomously detects beacon signals, identifies the correct protocol, and configures communication parameters, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing system complexity and user requirements
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
Enables the probe to automatically recognize and communicate with a base station using the correct protocol, reducing user intervention and manufacturing costs, and allowing for efficient operation without the need for complex initial configuration, thus streamlining the process of checking mechanical piece dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
transceivers means for communicating information related to this electric signal to the base station
Implementation Method 2
high and low frequency modulated infrared signals
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Method for self-recognition, by a probe, of a communication protocol to be used to communicate with a base station (7), the probe (4) being configured to emulate a plurality of communication protocols featuring respective activation procedures. Each activation procedure allows the base station to activate the probe to perform a checking cycle. According to the method, in consequence of a command given by a user by means of hardware interfaces (5,15,16) of the probe, the probe is set in a search state (100-105) where all the activation procedures are attempted and it is identified which of the activation procedures is completed positively. Then, the probe is switched to an operative state (201-205) based on the communication protocol featuring the identified activation procedure. Preferably, the activation procedure is identified after a predetermined number (N) of positive conclusions have occurred.