Time Synchronization for Moving Non-Contact Measurement on Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time synchronization between automatic displacement means and non-contact detection means in measurement systems is challenging due to independent control modules and differing transmission frequencies, leading to imprecise measurements, especially on curved surfaces like glass sheets, where the correspondence between spatial coordinates and measured values is difficult without a time marker.
Innovation Solution
A method for time synchronization involves recording reference spatial positions and characteristic signals by both systems, translating their time scales to coincide, and optionally using a correlation function for efficient resynchronization, which can include the use of markers or specific signals to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the transmission frequency of spatial coordinates is increased, then the measurement precision is improved, but the sampling rate becomes too low to determine the spatial coordinate corresponding to each measured parameter
Solution Approach 1:
A timestamp field is introduced as an intermediary element that records the emission time of each spatial coordinate. This timestamp serves as a common reference that links the transport means' position data with the detection means' measurement data, enabling precise correlation without requiring matching transmission frequencies. The timestamp acts as a mediator that resolves the frequency mismatch between the two independent control modules.
2Productivity
If the transmission frequency of spatial coordinates is decreased, then the sampling rate is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates because it becomes difficult to determine the actual value of the parameter corresponding to a spatial coordinate
Solution Approach 1:
The timestamp field serves as a mediator that preserves the temporal information of each spatial coordinate emission. Even when spatial coordinates are transmitted at lower frequencies, the timestamp allows the system to accurately identify which measurement corresponds to which position by comparing timestamps, thus maintaining measurement precision regardless of transmission frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The timestamp of each spatial coordinate is recorded in advance at the moment of emission by the transport means' control module. This preliminary recording of temporal information ensures that when measurements are taken later, the corresponding spatial position can be accurately identified without requiring simultaneous high-frequency transmission of position data.
3Ease of operation
If independent control modules are used for the automatic means of transport and the non-contact detection means, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but time synchronization becomes difficult leading to imprecise measurements
Solution Approach 1:
A common reference frame based on timestamps is introduced as an intermediary mechanism that enables synchronization between independent control modules. Each module independently records timestamps for its events (spatial coordinate emissions and measurements), and these timestamps are used to correlate the data streams without requiring the modules to be tightly coupled or synchronized through complex communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The timestamp information is copied and stored in both the transport means' data stream and the detection means' data stream. This copying of temporal reference information allows the independent modules to be correlated later by matching timestamps, preserving measurement precision while maintaining operational independence and simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for time synchronization between an automatic moving means and a contactless detection means arranged on said automatic moving means in order to measure a physical parameter along at least one same trajectory defined along the surfaces of a plurality of materials to be evaluated.