Sensor Device Self-Calibration via Heterodyne Signal Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor devices face difficulties in obtaining a reference phase difference and corresponding reference voltage, which affects measurement accuracy and reliability.

Innovation Solution

The sensor device employs two signal generators to produce signals of different frequencies, allowing for the calculation of a reference phase difference and corresponding voltage within the device itself, using a heterodyne system to process signals and reduce measurement variations due to environmental and element characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor device uses conventional measurement methods, then measurement accuracy is affected by environmental and element characteristics, but the device cannot simply obtain reference phase difference and reference voltage with itself

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the reference signal generation function and measurement function into a single sensor device. The signal generator is integrated within the sensor device to produce both measurement signals and reference signals, eliminating the need for external reference equipment and enabling the device to obtain reference phase difference and reference voltage independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a signal generator as an intermediary component that produces signals of different frequencies. This signal generator acts as a mediator to create measurement signals and reference signals, allowing the sensor device to perform self-calibration and obtain reference values without external equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the sensor device uses signals of the same frequency, then the device structure is simpler, but it cannot obtain reference phase difference and reference voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference phase difference determinationVSAvoidsignal generation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the signals used in measurement and reference. By using signals of different frequencies, the system can distinguish between measurement signals and reference signals, enabling the calculation of reference phase difference and reference voltage through frequency-based signal separation and processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach enables simple and accurate determination of reference voltages, enhancing measurement precision and reliability by minimizing variations caused by environmental and element-specific factors.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor device employs two signal generators to produce signals of different frequencies, allowing for the calculation of a reference phase difference and corresponding voltage within the device itself, using a heterodyne system to process signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeterodyne: Heterodyne

Data Source

PatentEP3187869B1Sensor device and sensing method
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP3187869B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3187869B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3187869B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

There is provided a sensor device capable of simply obtaining a reference phase difference and a reference voltage corresponding thereto with a sensor device itself. A sensor device (10) includes: a first signal generator (SG1) configured to generate at least one of a signal of a first frequency (f1) and a signal of a second frequency (f2); a second signal generator (SG2) configured to generate at least one of the signal of the first frequency (f1) and the signal of the second frequency (f2); and a calculation part (140) connectable to each of the first signal generator (SG1) and the second signal generator (SG2). The calculation part (140) is configured to obtain a reference phase difference based on a first reference signal which is obtained by generating the signal of the first frequency (f1) from the first signal generator (SG1) in such a state that the calculation part (140) is connected to the first signal generator (SG1), and a second reference signal which is obtained by generating the signal of the second frequency (f2) from the second signal generator (SG2) in such a state that the calculation part (140) is connected to the second signal generator (SG2), and is configured to calculate a reference voltage corresponding to the reference phase difference based on the first reference signal and the second reference signal in accordance with a heterodyne system.