Refrigerator Dispenser Control Using DMA for Timing Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispenser systems for refrigerators face challenges with timing inconsistencies and high processor resource requirements due to software-based control methods, leading to decreased detection accuracy and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser system utilizing ultrasonic sensors to detect container presence and liquid level, with an analog-to-digital converter and direct memory access controller to sample signals and store data independently of the central processing unit, allowing for efficient control of dispensing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software techniques are used to control dispenser timing and operation, then the system can implement complex control logic, but timing inconsistencies occur due to software latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based control with hardware-based Direct Memory Access (DMA) controller to manage sensor signal acquisition and timing. The DMA controller operates independently from the main processor, using hardware circuits to capture sensor data at precise intervals, thereby eliminating software latency while maintaining complex control capabilities through the hardware timing mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software techniques are used to control dispenser operation, then flexible control is achieved, but processor resources are significantly consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time-critical signal acquisition and preprocessing functions from the main processor and assigns them to a dedicated DMA controller. This separation allows the main processor to focus on higher-level control logic while the DMA controller handles low-level sensor data capture, reducing overall processor resource consumption while maintaining control flexibility.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional sensor sampling methods are used, then the system can detect container presence and liquid level, but detection accuracy decreases due to timing inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based sensor sampling with hardware-based DMA-controlled sampling. The DMA controller uses dedicated hardware circuits to capture sensor signals at precisely timed intervals, eliminating the timing jitter and inconsistencies inherent in software-based sampling. This ensures accurate detection of container presence and liquid level while maintaining the system's detection capabilities.
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
The system provides improved performance with reduced processor resource usage, enhancing detection accuracy and operational efficiency while minimizing latency.
Implementation Method 1
A dispenser system utilizing ultrasonic sensors to detect container presence and liquid level
Implementation Method 2
The one or more sensors are configured to emit one or more pulses during one or more time periods and to receive one or more return signals
Implementation Method 3
an analog-to-digital converter configured to sample the one or more return signals at a predetermined sampling frequency to determine a plurality of discrete signals
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling the operation of a dispenser system are provided. In particular, one or more sensors associated with the dispenser system may be configured to detect one or more signals indicative of a container proximate the dispenser system and/or a level of water or ice within the container. The dispenser system may include an analog-to-digital converter configured to sample the detected signals at a predetermined sample frequency. The dispenser system may further include a direct memory access controller configured to store the sampled signals in memory without having to rout the sampled signals through a central processing unit associated with dispenser system. The operation of the dispenser system can then be controlled based at least in part on the sampled signals.