Real-Time Sensor Trigger Time Calculation for Distributed Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed real-time computer systems, synchronizing sensor data acquisition at periodically recurring observation times is challenging due to differences in sensor-specific intervals and the need for accurate global time access, which can lead to inconsistencies and delays in data processing.
Innovation Solution
Each node computer calculates a sensor-specific trigger time by adjusting the global observation time with a sensor-specific start interval, allowing for synchronous data recording across different sensors, and using known natural law relationships to replace failed measured values, while also considering environment information dynamics for accurate readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors use different sensor-specific intervals for data acquisition, then each sensor can optimize its measurement process, but synchronization of data acquisition across all sensors at global observation times becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and storing trigger times for all sensors in advance, before the actual measurement process. Each sensor's trigger time is pre-determined based on its specific interval requirements while ensuring alignment with global observation times. This allows sensors with different measurement intervals to be synchronized without real-time coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement process by allowing each sensor to operate with its own specific trigger time and interval characteristics, rather than forcing a uniform measurement approach. This segmentation enables each sensor to optimize its measurement process while the overall system maintains synchronization through the coordinated trigger time calculation.
2Reliability
If the system waits for all sensors to complete their measurement processes before proceeding, then data consistency is maintained, but processing delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of trigger times and measurement durations for all sensors before the actual measurement cycle begins. This advance planning allows the central unit to know exactly when each sensor will complete its measurement, enabling timely data collection without unnecessary waiting periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors transmit their measured values and status information back to the central unit. The central unit uses this feedback to track measurement progress and coordinate data collection, allowing it to proceed efficiently without maintaining strict synchronization waiting for all sensors.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses strict synchronization protocols to ensure simultaneous observation, then measurement accuracy improves, but system complexity and communication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves synchronization complexity by pre-calculating all trigger times and measurement parameters before the measurement cycle begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time synchronization protocols, as each sensor already has its predetermined trigger time and duration stored and ready for execution.
4Quantity of substance
If the system collects data from all sensors at every global observation time, then complete data sets are obtained, but data processing load and communication bandwidth consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by allowing sensors to transmit only the measured values they actually captured during their specific trigger window, rather than forcing all sensors to transmit data at every global observation time. This reduces unnecessary communication traffic while maintaining data completeness for the actual measurements taken.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the periodic acquisition of measured values in a real-time computer system, in particular a distributed real-time computer system, which comprises a plurality of sensors, in particular intelligent sensors, node computers, and distribution units. The sensors, the node computers, and the distribution units have access to a global time. Real-time data is transported in the real-time computer system by means of time-controlled real-time messages. In the real-time computer system, periodically recurring global observation times 220 are defined at the beginning of a frame. Each node computer controlling a sensor outputs a trigger signal to the sensor at a sensor-specific trigger time 210 of the sensor controlled by the node computer.The specific trigger time 210 is calculated as the difference between the global observation time 220 and a sensor-specific start interval 215, which is the time interval between the trigger time 210 and the observation time 220. Preferably, the measured values are transmitted in time-controlled status messages. TTEthernet is preferably used as the communication protocol. The time interval between the observation time 220 and the delivery time 230 is referred to as the preprocessing interval 225. The durations of the start interval 215 and the preprocessing interval 225 are determined by the sensor design. In general, different sensors have different start and preprocessing intervals.Due to the sensor-specific duration of the preprocessing interval 225, different delivery times 230 can occur for the different sensors, even though the physical process was observed at the same observation time 220. These different delivery times must be taken into account in the a priori created schedules for the time-controlled messages.