Sensor Signal Transmission Timing Shift for Offset Error Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication systems struggle to accurately calculate the difference value of multiple sensor values detected by sensing elements with different output characteristics, leading to incorrect differential calculations due to offset errors and variations in slope.

Innovation Solution

A communication system with a microcomputer that includes a reception circuit, difference calculator, and differential calculator, where the transmission time points of sensor signals from multiple sensing elements are shifted by a predetermined period shorter than the transmission cycle, allowing for correct calculation of difference and differential values despite offset errors and slope variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple sensor signals are transmitted simultaneously through a single signal line, then the data update cycle can be shortened, but offset errors and slope variations in sensing elements cause incorrect difference value calculations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata update cycleVSAvoiddifference value calculation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by transmitting sensor signals from multiple sensing elements at different time points within a transmission cycle. Each sensing element's signal is transmitted at a specific time point that is shifted by a predetermined period, creating a periodic transmission pattern. This allows the microcomputer to acquire multiple sensor values within one transmission cycle while avoiding offset errors and slope variations that would occur with simultaneous transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between shortened data update cycle and accurate difference value calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Device complexity

If sensor values are acquired at the same time point, then calculation is simplified, but multiple sensing elements with different output characteristics produce incorrect differential values

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation complexityVSAvoiddifferential value accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-setting different transmission time points for each sensing element's signal. The transmission circuit is configured to transmit signals at predetermined time points that are shifted by a specific period, so that when the microcomputer receives and processes the signals, it automatically acquires sensor values at different time points. This preliminary arrangement of transmission timing eliminates the need for complex time-stamping and synchronization operations, keeping calculation simple while ensuring accurate differential value calculation by avoiding offset errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If transmission time points are shifted by a period longer than the transmission cycle, then offset errors are avoided, but the data update cycle cannot be shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifference value calculation accuracyVSAvoiddata update cycle
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by organizing the transmission of multiple sensor signals within a single transmission cycle using predetermined time shifts. Each sensing element transmits its signal at a specific time point that is shifted by a period shorter than the transmission cycle, creating a periodic pattern that fits within one cycle. This allows the microcomputer to acquire all sensor values within one transmission cycle, shortening the data update cycle while maintaining accurate difference value calculation by avoiding offset errors through the time shifts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10232879B2Communication system
Publication Date: 2019.03.19 DENSO CORP
  • US10232879B2 patent drawing
  • US10232879B2 patent drawing
  • US10232879B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A communication system includes a sensor apparatus, which includes sensing elements and a transmission circuit, and a microcomputer, which includes a reception circuit, a difference calculator, and a differential calculator. The transmission circuit shifts a transmission time point of one of sensor signals including sensor value detected by one of the sensing elements by a predetermined period with respect to a transmission time point of another one of sensor signals including sensor value detected by another one of the sensing elements. The predetermined period is set shorter than a transmission cycle of the transmission circuit. The difference calculator calculates a difference value so that an offset error among the sensing elements is compensated or a fluctuation caused by a variation in slopes of output characteristics of the sensing elements is reduced.