Sensor System Spectral Analysis Noise Immunity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor systems face challenges in maintaining high noise immunity due to interference from sources like fluorescent tubes and the sun, particularly when the interfering radiation is unknown or sporadic, and current frequency hopping methods are insufficient for all applications.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system that emits electromagnetic radiation in multiple predetermined wavelength ranges, allowing for controlled intensity and switching between these ranges to perform two-dimensional spectral analysis, effectively separating the signal from interfering radiation through pulse code modulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If frequency hopping is used to avoid interfering radiation, then the sensor system can operate in noisy environments, but the method is insufficient for unknown or sporadic interferers and only partially suitable for some applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise immunityVSAvoidsuitability for all applications
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional frequency hopping (single frequency at a time) to two-dimensional spectral analysis by simultaneously transmitting and analyzing multiple wavelength sub-ranges. This dimensional expansion allows the system to distinguish interfering radiation from the transmission signal through spectral differentiation, providing robust noise immunity that adapts to unknown and sporadic interferers across all application scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a single wavelength is used for transmission, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot distinguish the transmission signal from interfering radiation with the same wavelength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal distinction capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission spectrum is segmented into multiple wavelength sub-ranges, with at least one serving as a reference and another as a measurement wavelength. This segmentation enables the receiver to distinguish between transmission signal and interfering radiation by comparing their spectral characteristics across different sub-ranges, achieving reliable signal distinction without excessive system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the wavelength parameter by transmitting at multiple discrete wavelength sub-ranges instead of a single wavelength. This parameter variation allows the receiver to identify the transmission signal through its characteristic spectral distribution across the multiple wavelengths, while interfering radiation appears only at specific wavelengths, enabling effective signal distinction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If broadband optical carrier wave is used for modulation, then the system can transmit information, but the carrier frequency is undefined and vulnerable to narrow-band interferers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to narrow-band interferersVSAvoidsignal definition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The broadband optical carrier is segmented into multiple discrete wavelength sub-ranges, each transmitting information independently. This segmentation makes the system resistant to narrow-band interferers because the interference affecting one wavelength sub-range does not affect the others, and the reference wavelength sub-range provides a stable reference for distinguishing the measurement signal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enhances noise immunity by allowing the sensor system to distinguish and separate the transmission signal from interfering radiation, providing reliable measurements even in noisy environments.

Implementation Method 1

The transmitter emits at least part of a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation in at least two predetermined wavelength sub-ranges

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation emission:

Implementation Method 2

The receiver is so sensitive that it can receive the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation in at least the at least two wavelength sub-ranges of interest

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2679982B1Method and sensor system for measuring the transmission properties of a transmission path of a measuring system between transmitter and recipient
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 ELMOS SEMICON AG
  • EP2679982B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2679982B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2679982B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The sensor system comprises a transmitter (200) for transmitting a portion of the spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation into two predetermined wavelength portions. The transmission intensity of the two wavelength portions is controlled with the aid of a signal, particularly in opposite directions, such that the radiation of the two wavelength portions is emitted in a predetermined the control ratio. The receiver (204) is sensitive, such that it receives the intensity of electromagnetic radiation in the two interested wavelength portions. An independent claim is included for a method for measuring the transmission properties of a transmission path of a measuring system between a transmitter and a recipient.