Signal Superposition Interface for Fewer Wires and Device Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal processing systems face challenges in reducing the number of wires required for communication, particularly for three-line electric apparatuses that are not compatible with superposed signals, leading to increased recognition time and complex circuit configurations.
Innovation Solution
A signal processing device that generates a superposed signal by combining a data signal with an operation signal, allowing for communication between electric apparatuses and control devices, and includes storage and transmission components to facilitate the use of incompatible devices in systems using superposed signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication data is transmitted separately from operation signals, then communication reliability is improved, but the number of wires increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines operation signals and communication data into a single wire by superimposing communication data onto the operation signal waveform. The communication data is embedded in the operation signal by modulating the signal level during periods when no operation is detected, allowing both control and communication functions to share the same physical medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation signal wire is given multiple functions: it serves both as a control signal transmission path and as a communication channel for data exchange. The system dynamically switches between operation mode and communication mode on the same wire, making the wire universal for both purposes.
2Quantity of substance
If communication data is superimposed on operation signals, then the number of wires is reduced, but compatibility with non-compatible devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A gateway device is introduced as an intermediary between superposed signal-compatible devices and non-compatible devices. The gateway receives superposed signals, extracts communication data, and converts it into separate communication signals that non-compatible devices can process. This mediator enables compatibility without requiring non-compatible devices to understand superposed signal protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes signal parameters dynamically: when communicating with non-compatible devices, the gateway converts the superposed signal format into a standard separate signal format. The signal structure, timing, and transmission method are adjusted based on the compatibility requirements of the connected device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors perform conversion processing of detection signals, then communication functionality is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication conversion function from the sensor and relocates it to a gateway device. The sensor only needs to output raw detection signals, while the gateway performs the complex conversion processing of embedding communication data into operation signals. This separation simplifies the sensor circuit while maintaining full communication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as an intermediary that handles all complex signal conversion and communication protocol processing. Sensors connect to the gateway through simple operation signal lines, and the gateway manages the complexity of superposed signal generation, data extraction, and protocol conversion, shielding sensors from communication complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If external apparatus performs recognition processing, then communication capability is improved, but recognition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of operation states and prepares communication data in advance. When an operation state is detected, the system pre-processes the corresponding communication data and embeds it into the operation signal immediately, reducing the time required for external apparatus to recognize and process the information.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal processing device includes: a superposing circuit for generating a superposed signal obtained by superposing a data signal indicative of prescribed information on an operation signal relating to an operation element of an electric apparatus; an information storage part for storing the prescribed information; a signal transmission terminal for inputting/outputting the operation signal or the superposed signal to/from the electric apparatus or apparatus control devices; and an information transmission terminal for inputting/outputting information to/from an information transfer device which executes reading of information stored in the information storage part and/or writing of information in the information storage part. The signal processing device is connected to an external device via a connector member. Each of the terminals is provided in an area that is inside the connector member in a state where the signal processing device is connected to the external device via the connector member.