Universal Clock Synchronization for Multimodal Signal Acquisition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Scientific experiments face challenges in synchronizing and analyzing multimodal signals due to gaps in data, tracking method jumps, and lack of relation between tracking methods, leading to complex data tangles and difficulty in determining relationships.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with a universal clock to synchronize and track inputs and outputs of scientific instruments, using a common clock to timestamp and analyze signals, thereby eliminating the need for XY position-based tracking and reducing the impact of environmental disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tracking methods are used for different signal types, then each signal can be tracked independently, but data correlation becomes difficult and relationships cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a single universal clock that serves all signal types (STEM, EELS, X-ray, optical, acoustic) instead of separate tracking methods. This universal time reference enables consistent timestamping across diverse modalities, resolving the data correlation problem while maintaining adaptability to different signal types.
2Reliability
If XY position-based tracking is used, then signal acquisition can be recorded, but environmental disturbances cause tracking method jumps and data gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a universal clock as an intermediary time reference that decouples signal tracking from physical position tracking. This mediator provides a stable temporal framework that is immune to environmental disturbances affecting XY position, thereby eliminating tracking jumps and data gaps caused by vibrations and drift.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical XY position-based tracking system with a temporal time-stamping system based on a universal clock. This substitution eliminates the susceptibility to mechanical environmental disturbances (vibrations, drift) that affect position-based tracking, providing stable and continuous signal acquisition.
3Productivity
If separate timelines are used for different signal types, then each signal can be acquired independently, but aggregated data resembles a complex tangle that is difficult to analyze
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate signal timelines into a unified temporal framework by timestamping all signals (STEM, EELS, X-ray, optical, acoustic) with references to a single universal clock. This combining of previously separate tracking methods into one common time reference enables straightforward correlation and analysis of multimodal data without the complexity of multiple independent timelines.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a process for multimodal signal acquisition, such as from a charged particle device or other scientific instrument, based on universal clock synchronization of the various multimodal signals. A system can comprise a memory that stores computer executable components; and a processor that executes the computer executable components stored in the memory, wherein the computer executable components comprise an identifying component that identifies a set of inputs and outputs of a scientific instrument, and a parameterizing component that tracks the inputs and outputs of the set based on a universal clock common to the inputs and outputs of the set.