Terminal Device Signal Selection Using Software Timer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Terminal devices with built-in power generators face challenges in varying power levels and time constants, making it difficult to set desired time intervals for activation, leading to limited productivity and complexity in replacing determination circuits.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device configuration that includes a power generator, electric storage, voltage converter, control circuit, and wireless circuit, allowing for the selection of signals without a time constant circuit, using a timer for software-based time measurement and flexible settings, enabling the transmission of signals based on registration data stored in nonvolatile memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a time constant circuit including a resistor and a capacitor is used to determine activation time intervals, then the terminal device can switch between normal mode and registration mode, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing precision becomes difficult to control due to varying power levels and time constants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hardware-based time constant circuit (mechanical/electrical system) with a software-based timer and time interval calculation method. The control circuit uses a timer to measure time intervals between activation events and determines mode switching based on software logic, eliminating the need for physical resistors and capacitors in the determination circuit. This reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from fixed hardware time constants to variable software-defined time intervals. By using a timer to measure actual time intervals and comparing them against threshold values in software, the system can dynamically adjust time parameters based on power levels and operational conditions, improving both adaptability and manufacturing consistency.
2Manufacturing precision
If determination circuits are replaced to achieve desired time intervals, then the time interval accuracy improves, but productivity decreases due to the need to replace hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware determination circuits with a software-based timer and time interval calculation system. This eliminates the need to physically replace resistors and capacitors to adjust time intervals, as all time parameter adjustments are made through software configuration. This significantly improves manufacturing productivity while maintaining or enhancing time interval accuracy through precise timer measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple time interval requirements through a single hardware platform. The timer and software logic can be configured to provide different time intervals for various modes and conditions without requiring hardware changes, making the system universally applicable across different manufacturing batches and reducing production complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the terminal device is repeatedly activated multiple times with short time intervals, then the registration mode can be triggered, but the power consumption increases and the limited power from the power generator is depleted faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic time interval adjustment based on power availability and activation history. The system adapts the time intervals between activations and the thresholds for mode switching according to the current power state and past activation patterns. This dynamic behavior allows the device to trigger registration mode when necessary while optimizing power consumption by avoiding unnecessary frequent activations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from power generator status and activation history to control mode switching and time interval selection. The control circuit monitors power availability and adjusts the activation behavior and mode transition thresholds accordingly, creating a feedback loop that balances registration mode activation needs with power conservation to extend operational life.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for flexible signal selection and transmission without the need for time constant circuits, improving productivity and simplifying manufacturing by enabling various settings through software changes, while maintaining efficient operation with limited power.
Implementation Method 1
a power generator that generates electric charge in response to operation of the activator 10A
Implementation Method 2
an electric storage part that stores the electric charge
Implementation Method 3
a voltage converter that converts a first voltage obtained from the electric storage part into a second voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal device is activated by causing an electric storage part to store power from a power generator, causing a voltage converter to convert a first voltage from the electric storage part into a second voltage, and supplying the second voltage to a control circuit. The terminal device includes a timer. The terminal device determines, according to registration data, which one of a normal mode signal and a pairing mode signal is transmitted by radio. The registration data is determined based on a time measured by the timer.