Synthetic Sensor Signal Generation for Defective Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inertial sensors in portable devices can experience axis malfunctions due to production errors or external events, leading to unusable sensor outputs, which disrupt sensor fusion and device operations, necessitating a method to generate synthetic signals for defective axes.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to generate synthetic sensor signals by combining data from other axes of the same sensor and additional sensors, such as gyroscopes, to replace defective accelerometer signals, allowing for continued sensor fusion and device functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor fusion techniques are used to leverage data from multiple sensors, then orientation estimation accuracy is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when one sensor fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between full sensor fusion mode and degraded mode with synthetic signals. When a sensor fails, the system modifies its operation to use synthetic accelerometer signals generated from gyroscope integration, maintaining functionality despite the failure condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares backup solutions in advance by implementing synthetic signal generation capabilities before sensor failure occurs. The synthetic accelerometer signals are pre-configured to be generated from gyroscope data, providing a cushion against the harmful effect of sensor failure.
2Reliability
If synthetic signals are generated to replace defective sensor outputs, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates synthetic copies of the defective sensor signals by integrating gyroscope data to generate virtual accelerometer outputs. These synthetic signals replicate the functionality of the failed sensor, allowing the system to maintain normal operation without physical replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The gyroscope serves multiple functions: it provides its primary angular rate measurements and simultaneously serves as a source for generating synthetic accelerometer signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional hardware components to compensate for sensor failure.
3Reliability
If all sensor axes are monitored for defects, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting sensor failures and self-healing by generating synthetic signals to replace defective outputs. This autonomous operation eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring of sensor outputs with feedback mechanisms that detect anomalies and trigger synthetic signal generation. The feedback loop automatically switches between normal and degraded modes based on sensor health status, simplifying operation through automated decision-making.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and devices are disclosed for providing sensor data. First and second sensors integrated with a portable device may have multiple axes of measurement. By combining data from the first sensor and the second sensor, a synthetic signal may be generated for a first axis of the first sensor.