Sensor Unit Configuration via Identifier Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor unit systems face challenges in immediately connecting and operating new sensor units without requiring extensive reconfiguration or firmware updates of the main processing unit, especially when no matching data set is stored.
Innovation Solution
A method where the processing unit receives identifiers from the sensor unit, checks for stored settings, and if none are found, uses settings from related sensor unit types with similar hardware or functionality to enable immediate operation, while providing user notifications on compatibility levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the main unit stores data sets for multiple sensor unit types, then sensor units can start working immediately upon connection, but the firmware size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier is segmented into two parts: a first identifier indicating the specific sensor unit type, and a second identifier indicating a group of related sensor unit types. This segmentation allows the system to organize settings in a hierarchical manner, reducing the overall complexity by grouping similar sensor types together.
Solution Approach 2:
The second identifier serves multiple purposes: it identifies a group of related sensor types and provides a fallback mechanism when specific settings are unavailable. This universal approach allows the same data structure to handle both specific and general configuration needs, reducing firmware complexity.
2Productivity
If the main unit uses settings from related sensor unit types, then immediate operation is enabled without firmware updates, but functionality and data quality may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary matching by checking if settings for the specific sensor type exist before attempting to use fallback settings from related types. This preliminary action ensures that the best available settings are used while maintaining a fallback mechanism for immediate operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second identifier acts as an intermediary between the specific sensor type and the group of related types. It provides a bridge that allows the system to find appropriate settings even when exact matches are unavailable, enabling immediate operation while managing the trade-off in data quality.
3Measurement precision
If the system checks for settings associated with the first identifier before the second identifier, then specific sensor types get optimal settings, but the checking process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The checking process is segmented into two distinct steps: first checking for settings associated with the first identifier (specific type), then checking for settings associated with the second identifier (group type). This segmentation makes the complex checking process more manageable and systematic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the check for the first identifier before the second identifier, establishing a priority order. This preliminary checking approach ensures that specific settings are found first, maintaining high matching accuracy while providing a clear, systematic process flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed in a processing unit for finding settings to be used in relation to a sensor unit connected to the processing unit is disclosed. The method comprises inter alia receiving, from the sensor unit, a first identifier identifying a type of the sensor unit, and a second identifier identifying a group of at least one related type of sensor unit. If no settings associated with the first identifier are stored in the processing unit, but settings associated with the second identifier are stored in the processing unit, the processing unit uses the settings associated with the second identifier in relation to the sensor unit.