Synchronized Sensor Units Without Separate Timing Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for acquiring information on a monitored zone are complex and prone to errors due to the need for direct synchronization of multiple sensor units via a separate control signal, making it difficult to add or remove units without modifying the system design.
Innovation Solution
Each sensor unit is equipped with an internal clock, synchronized via a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) server, allowing independent control of actuators based on their own synchronized time, eliminating the need for a separate synchronization line and enabling easy addition or removal of units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate synchronization line is used to control actuators of multiple sensor units, then the actuators can be synchronized, but the system becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the time synchronization function into the existing data communication infrastructure by using NTP/PTP protocols over the same network connection that carries measurement data. This eliminates the need for a separate physical synchronization line while maintaining synchronization reliability across multiple sensor units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time synchronization protocol (NTP or PTP) as an intermediary mechanism that operates over the existing data communication network. This mediator enables precise time synchronization without requiring dedicated synchronization hardware, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor units are connected via a common synchronization line, then synchronization is achieved, but adding or removing units requires system modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the data communication connection universal by enabling it to serve dual purposes: transmitting measurement data and synchronizing time across all sensor units. This multi-functionality allows sensor units to be added or removed without modifying the synchronization architecture, as each unit independently receives time synchronization through the existing network connection.
3Reliability
If a common system time is maintained across all sensor units, then synchronization is achieved, but time discrepancies between actuators and system time must be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs time synchronization as a preliminary action before data evaluation by using NTP or PTP protocols to align the internal clocks of all sensor units with a common reference time. This preliminary time alignment eliminates the need for subsequent compensation of time discrepancies during data evaluation, simplifying the overall operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for acquiring information on a predefined monitored zone. The system comprises at least two sensor units, each having at least one sensor, at least one actuator for varying the orientation and/or position of the at least one sensor, and at least one control unit for controlling the at least one actuator. Each sensor unit comprises an internal clock. The times of the different sensor units are synchronized with one another. The control unit of each sensor unit is configured to perform the control of the associated actuator or actuators based on the synchronized time of the respective internal clock.