Sensor Sample Synchronization Using Master-Guided Decimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal synchronization methods for devices with multiple sensors are inefficient, relying on costly and power-hungry high-resolution timers, prone to inaccuracies, and result in sample loss, leading to distortion of sensor data.
Innovation Solution
A hardware solution involving a sensor controller system where each sensor has a respective controller that implements a decimation filter, with a master sensor controller generating a sync signal based on a threshold number of input samples, allowing non-master controllers to store or generate output values accordingly, reducing power consumption and sample loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timestamp-based synchronization with high-resolution timers is used, then synchronization precision is improved, but power consumption increases and device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the high-resolution timer component from the synchronization system. Instead of using timestamp-based synchronization that requires precise timing circuits, the invention uses a simplified approach where sensors are enabled/disabled based on mode switching, and synchronization is achieved through the natural sampling cycles of the sensors without requiring expensive timing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex high-resolution timers with simple, low-cost counter circuits that can be implemented using basic digital logic. The synchronization mechanism uses inexpensive enable signals and mode bits rather than precision timing infrastructure, significantly reducing device cost while maintaining adequate synchronization for the application.
2Measurement precision
If timestamp-based synchronization with high-resolution timers is used, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex timing distribution circuits and high-resolution timer infrastructure from the system. The synchronization function is achieved through simple enable signals and mode switching logic that can be implemented with basic digital circuits, eliminating the need for complex timer distribution networks.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor controller independently manages its own synchronization state through simple mode bits and enable signals. The system self-synchronizes through the natural operation of sensor sampling cycles and simple counter logic, without requiring complex centralized timing control infrastructure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional synchronization methods are used, then samples can be aligned, but samples may be lost during the synchronization process leading to distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by enabling sensors and starting sample collection before the actual synchronization point is reached. The mode switching and sensor enablement occur in advance, allowing samples to be collected continuously without interruption or loss during the transition, ensuring no data is dropped during mode changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous sample collection throughout mode transitions. By using smooth enable signal transitions and keeping sensors active during mode changes, the system ensures uninterrupted data flow from all sensors, preventing sample loss and maintaining continuous useful action without gaps in the data stream.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system includes multiple sensors and, for each sensor, a respective sensor controller of multiple sensor controllers. Each sensor controller is configured to implement a respective decimation filter that is configured to generate a single output value from multiple input samples generated by a corresponding sensor of the multiple sensors. The system further includes a master sensor controller of the multiple sensor controllers, which is configured to generate a sync signal upon receiving a threshold number of input samples. Each sensor controller other than the master sensor controller is configured to monitor sync signals generated by the master sensor controller and to provide an output value generated from input samples upon determining that the master sensor controller generated a sync signal.