Integrated Sensor Data Relay and Display Without a Host Computer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing communication systems that connect sensors and accessory equipment to main equipment via a relay device require a separate host computer, leading to increased equipment costs.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device with at least one processor that executes processes for relaying sensor data and accessory equipment data to main equipment and displaying this information, eliminating the need for a separate host computer by integrating the functions of data relay and display within a single device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate host computer is provided to relay sensor data and accessory equipment data to main equipment, then data relay functionality is achieved, but equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata relay functionalityVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the host computer functions with the main equipment by integrating the processor and display device into the main equipment unit. This allows the main equipment to directly receive and process sensor data and accessory equipment data without requiring a separate host computer, thereby reducing equipment cost while maintaining data relay functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The main equipment is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the primary processing unit and the host computer for data relay. The processor within the main equipment handles data reception from sensors and accessory equipment, performs image recognition processing, and controls the display device, making the main equipment a multi-functional universal device that eliminates the need for additional specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate devices are used for data relay and display, then functional separation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional separationVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the data relay function and display function into a single integrated system within the main equipment. The processor receives data from multiple sources (sensors and accessory equipment), processes the information, and directly controls the display device that is part of the main equipment unit. This integration reduces the number of separate devices while maintaining clear functional separation through software processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If a host computer is added to the system, then data processing capability is improved, but equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main equipment's processor is designed to perform multiple roles including data reception from sensors and accessory equipment, image recognition processing, and display control. This multi-functional processor provides adequate data processing capability for the system's needs without requiring a separate host computer, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing equipment cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4036667A1Information processing device and information processing method
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 SINTOKOGIO LTD
  • EP4036667A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4036667A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4036667A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing device includes at least one processor which executes a first relaying process for obtaining sensor data transmitted from each of sensors included in a sensor group and providing the sensor data thus obtained to main equipment, a second relaying process for obtaining accessory equipment data transmitted from each of pieces of accessory equipment included in an accessory equipment group and providing the accessory equipment data thus obtained to the main equipment, and a displaying process for causing a display device to display at least any of the sensor data obtained in the first relaying process, information obtained from the sensor data, the accessory equipment data obtained in the second relaying process, and information obtained from the accessory equipment data. (Fig. 2)