Sensor Device FPGA Deterioration Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The deterioration of sensors due to usage and aging leads to inaccurate information collection in IoT systems and camera-based devices, requiring frequent adjustments and repairs, which are time-consuming, costly, and often require external systems or increased system complexity.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device comprising a sensor, an FPGA for processing sensor information, and memory for storing data, which allows for accurate information collection even with sensor deterioration by detecting and correcting issues through a network-connected system, using machine learning to generate and apply setting and circuit data to the FPGA.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If sensors are used continuously in IoT systems and camera devices, then productivity and data collection capability are improved, but sensor deterioration occurs leading to loss of measurement precision and reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidsensor accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting sensor deterioration early through reference measurements and prediction algorithms. The prediction unit forecasts future sensor states before significant degradation occurs, allowing preventive maintenance or calibration to be scheduled in advance, thus maintaining measurement precision while continuing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by comparing reference sensor measurements with actual sensor measurements. The deterioration detection unit monitors changes over time and feeds this information back to the prediction unit, which adjusts predictions and triggers alerts when threshold values are exceeded, enabling continuous maintenance of measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If traditional sensor monitoring and repair systems are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to required external systems and frequent repairs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor performance reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device performs self-diagnosis and self-monitoring by incorporating deterioration detection and prediction functions directly into the sensor unit. The sensor uses its own reference measurements and internal processing to detect deterioration, eliminating the need for complex external monitoring systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the deterioration detection, prediction, and alert generation functions directly into the sensor device itself. By combining these previously separate functions (sensor measurement, deterioration detection, prediction, and communication) into a single integrated unit, the system reduces complexity while improving reliability through continuous self-monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11457143B2Sensor device, electronic device, sensor system and control method

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

A sensor device according to an embodiment obtains accurate information even when there is deterioration in the sensor. The sensor device includes a sensor (11) that obtains sensor information; an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) (12) that performs predetermined processing on the sensor information obtained by the sensor; and a memory (15) that is used to store data, which is to be used in making the FPGA perform the predetermined processing.