Pulse-Width Sensor Output Encoding for Richer Target Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor technologies are limited in conveying a wide range of information about a target object or sensor environment, primarily using serial communication with pulse streams that can only convey a limited amount of data effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pulse width protocol that varies pulse widths and amplitudes in an output signal pulse train to encode information, allowing for a formatted output signal that conveys more data than traditional methods, including the use of multiple pulse widths to represent device states or data bits, and amplitudes to differentiate pulses, enabling the detection of airgap properties and other characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional serial communication with pulse streams is used, then the communication system is simple, but the amount of data that can be conveyed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying multiple pulse characteristics (width, amplitude, position) to encode different types of information. Instead of using a single parameter, the system modulates pulse width to represent data bits, uses amplitude to differentiate pulse types, and adjusts position to indicate timing information, thereby dramatically increasing the information capacity of each transmitted pulse while maintaining relative system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional data encoding (single pulse stream with limited states) to multi-dimensional encoding by incorporating multiple pulse parameters (width, amplitude, position, timing). This dimensional expansion allows the system to convey device state, data words, and environmental characteristics simultaneously through a single communication channel, resolving the contradiction between data capacity and system complexity
2Loss of information
If pulse width protocol with multiple parameters is used, then the information transmission capability is enhanced, but the complexity of signal processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the transmitted pulse train into distinct portions, each carrying specific types of information (device state, data words, environmental characteristics). The receiver processes each pulse parameter separately - measuring width for data bits, amplitude for pulse identification, and position for timing - which simplifies the overall measurement complexity by breaking down the multi-parameter signal into manageable discrete components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses threshold-based detection as an intermediary mechanism to simplify parameter measurement. By establishing predetermined thresholds for pulse width, amplitude, and position, the system converts continuous analog pulse parameters into discrete digital states, making the detection and measurement processes more straightforward while preserving the rich information content encoded in the multi-parameter pulses
3Measurement precision
If traditional pulse streams are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the precision of environmental characteristic detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single pulse train communication system that simultaneously performs multiple functions: conveying device state information, transmitting data words, and reporting environmental characteristics such as airgap properties. By encoding all this information in the pulse parameters (width, amplitude, position), the system achieves high measurement precision for airgap detection while maintaining ease of operation through a unified, simple communication interface that requires no additional sensors or complex operation procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for providing information about a target based on pulse widths. The information can be provided in a formatted output signal which uses a pulse width protocol to code information by varying amplitudes and widths of successive pulses in an output signal pulse train portion. The method includes detecting a first feature of the target and in response to detecting the first feature, generating an output signal pulse train portion comprising two or more pulses with at least two of the pulses having different amplitudes and each of the two or more pulses having a width corresponding to a logic value. The widths of the two or more pulses in the output signal pulse train portion can be measured in response to the detected first feature reaching a first amplitude threshold, whereby the widths can correspond to different logic values.