Signal Processing Device Noise Artifact Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Debugging and testing of signal processing systems are time-consuming due to intermittent and rare occurrence of noise artifacts, making it difficult to determine the root cause, especially in vehicular environments where monitoring and testing over long durations are required.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with processors and memory that records and compares input and output signals to detect differences, allowing for automated collection of signal samples without real-time monitoring, enabling efficient identification of noise artifacts and their root causes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual monitoring and testing of signals is performed to detect noise artifacts, then detection precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoiddebugging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously recording signals and pre-processing them to identify potential artifacts before formal analysis. The electronic device captures and stores signal data in advance, so when an artifact occurs, the data is already available for immediate analysis without requiring manual monitoring setup or waiting for artifact occurrence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates copies of the original signals for analysis purposes. The electronic device records and stores copies of input and output signals, allowing engineers to analyze artifact occurrences without affecting the original signal flow or requiring continuous manual monitoring. These copied signals can be examined repeatedly to determine root causes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If automated signal recording and comparison is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedebugging efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various signal processing tasks within a single system. It can record signals, compare expected versus actual behavior, detect artifacts, and store data for analysis. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into one device rather than requiring separate systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically comparing recorded signals against expected behavior patterns and identifying artifacts without requiring constant human intervention. The electronic device autonomously executes the comparison process and flags anomalies, freeing engineers from manual monitoring while maintaining systematic analysis capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If signal artifacts are monitored in real-time during vehicle operation, then detection precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveartifact detection accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device serves as an intermediary between the complex signal processing system and the engineer. It automatically performs the tedious tasks of continuous monitoring, recording, and comparison, then presents processed information about detected artifacts to the engineer. This intermediary role maintains high detection precision while significantly improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for engineers to manually monitor signals during vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates and analyzes copies of signals rather than requiring direct real-time manual monitoring. The electronic device records signal copies and performs automated comparison operations, allowing artifact detection to occur without engineer presence during vehicle operation. This approach maintains detection accuracy while making the system much easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4134682B1Systems and methods for a signal processing device
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP4134682B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4134682B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4134682B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

Methods and systems are provided for detecting artifacts in an electronic signal. In an embodiment, a method is provided comprising: connecting a first input of an electronic device to a first signal line of a signal processing device, such as an amplification device; connecting a second input of the electronic device to a second signal line of the signal processing device, the second signal line being downstream from the first signal line; establishing, based on an observed behavior of a first signal on the first signal line, an expected behavior of a second signal on the second signal line; and determining whether a difference exists between the expected behavior of the second signal and an observed behavior of the second signal. If a difference is detected, the expected behavior of a second signal and the observed behavior of the second signal may be recorded for later analysis.