Sensor System Function Scope Adaptation via Plug-in Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems have a fixed function scope that cannot be expanded or modified after initial operation, limiting their universal use and increasing production costs due to the need for multiple function components, which restricts their application in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a microprocessor that provides a closed environment for executing plug-in program modules, allowing for the activation, deactivation, and loading of platform-independent program modules via a communications interface, enabling dynamic adaptation of the function scope and processing of scanned values based on specific use cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If many different function components are provided to enable universal use, then the sensor system can be used in more different environments, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor system architecture where a single base unit can perform multiple functions by loading different plug-in program modules. The microprocessor is designed to execute these modules, allowing the same hardware platform to adapt to various application environments without requiring multiple specialized components, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic configuration capabilities where the function scope can be modified retroactively through loading and activating different program modules via communication interface. This dynamic adaptability allows the sensor system to change its functionality based on specific application requirements rather than being fixed at manufacturing stage, resolving the contradiction between versatility and production cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If only a few function components are provided, then the production costs are reduced, but the sensor system can be used in fewer different environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtualization techniques where virtual function components are created through software (program modules) rather than physical hardware copies. These virtual components can be loaded and activated as needed, providing the appearance of multiple function components without the actual manufacturing cost of producing multiple physical units, thus maintaining low production costs while expanding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its functional parameters dynamically by loading different program modules that modify the microprocessor's behavior. Instead of changing physical hardware parameters through manufacturing different components, the system alters its operational parameters through software configuration, enabling the same hardware to serve multiple functions at minimal cost.
3Device complexity
If the function scope is fixed prior to initial operation, then the system configuration is simplified, but retroactive modification or enlargement of the function scope is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the system in advance by pre-configuring the microprocessor with the capability to execute plug-in program modules and by establishing the basic communication interface framework. This preliminary setup maintains relatively simple initial system configuration while simultaneously enabling future retroactive modification of the function scope through the loading of additional program modules, thus resolving the contradiction between configuration simplicity and modifiability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor unit includes at least one sensor for detecting and converting measured quantities into sensor signals; at least one microprocessor; at least one memory for program modules for processing sensor signals, the program modules being executable on the microprocessor; and at least one communications interface to an external application processor, the program modules being able to be activated and deactivated via this communications interface, and further program modules are able to be loaded into the memory via this communications interface. The microprocessor includes at least one closed environment for executing plug-in program modules.