Configurable Sensor Processing Using Bitstring Module Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sensing systems lack configurable processing options, requiring recertification of hardware and firmware for new applications and not allowing for efficient value-added processing close to the sensing location.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with processing modules and state modules controlled by a coded bitstring, where discrete bits activate or deactivate specific processing modules to determine which modules process the data and in what order, reducing the need for recertification and complex control schemes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sensing systems are used without configurable processing options, then hardware and firmware recertification is required for new applications, but system adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability through a control module that receives a coded bitstring to activate or deactivate predefined sets of state modules. This allows the sensing system to dynamically reconfigure its processing capabilities for different applications without physical hardware changes or recertification, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sensing system platform where a single hardware configuration can serve multiple applications through software-based configuration. The control module interprets coded bitstrings to enable different processing modules, making the system universally applicable across various sensing applications without requiring recertification for each new use case
2Productivity
If processing modules are added to enable value-added processing at sensing location, then processing capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing system into discrete, independently controllable processing modules, each with specific functions. The control module uses coded bitstrings to selectively activate only the needed processing modules for each application, enabling high processing capability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by activating only the specific processing modules needed for each sensing application through coded bitstring configuration. Rather than running all processing modules continuously, the system selectively enables only the necessary subset, improving processing efficiency while avoiding the complexity overhead of managing excessive active components
3Adaptability or versatility
If configurable processing options are implemented, then system flexibility is improved, but control scheme complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses coded bitstrings as simplified representations or copies of complex processing configurations. Instead of requiring complex control logic to manage each processing module individually, the system uses compact bitstring codes that map to predefined sets of state modules, greatly simplifying the control scheme while maintaining high system flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements configurability through parameter changes in the coded bitstring input to the control module. By changing the bitstring parameters, the system dynamically reconfigures which processing modules are active, providing flexible adaptation to different applications without requiring complex structural changes or intricate control schemes
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system can include a sensor configured to output raw sensor data, a plurality of processing modules configured to process the raw sensor data from the sensor to output processed sensor data, a state module for each processing module operative to cause a respective processing module to receive and/or process the sensor data, and a control module configured to receive a coded bitstring and activate or deactivate a predefined set of state modules based on the coded bitstring to control which processing modules process the sensor data and/or an order of processing. The coded bitstring can include a plurality of discrete bits less than the amount of processing modules and/or state modules. A plurality of the state modules and/or processing modules can be associated with at least one discrete bit of the plurality of discrete bits such that each coded bitstring corresponds to a predetermined group of state modules and/or processing modules.