Universal Sensor Interface IC with Remote Server Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embedded integrated circuits for controlling sensors are costly to prepare and upgrade, as they require extensive planning and programming for specific functions, limiting their versatility and making it complicated to adapt to changes in sensors or software errors.
Innovation Solution
An integrated circuit with wireless communication and an I/O interface that connects to sensors, allowing it to communicate with a remote server for control commands, enabling generic software that can control any sensor connected without the need for specific programming, supporting various communication protocols and including a GNSS receiver for location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embedded integrated circuits are programmed with specific sensor control software, then they can control specific sensors effectively, but they become expensive to prepare and difficult to upgrade
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is designed with a universal interface that can control multiple types of sensors through a single generic software program. The circuit includes configurable I/O interfaces and protocol handlers that can be programmed once to work with various sensor types, eliminating the need for separate embedded software for each sensor type while maintaining effective control.
Solution Approach 2:
A software layer is introduced as an intermediary between the integrated circuit hardware and the sensors. This software acts as a universal translator and controller that can adapt to different sensor types through configuration rather than requiring hardware changes or extensive reprogramming, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining control effectiveness.
2Reliability
If embedded integrated circuits are customized for specific sensor functions, then they can perform dedicated tasks reliably, but software upgrades become complicated requiring reprogramming or memory replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit incorporates dynamically reconfigurable software that can be updated remotely without physical intervention. The system allows software to be modified, upgraded, or corrected by transmitting new code through existing communication interfaces, enabling easy maintenance and improvements while maintaining reliable sensor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical software update mechanisms (such as memory replacement or complex reprogramming procedures) with electronic software transmission and loading. Software can be updated by simply transmitting data through communication interfaces, eliminating the need for physical hardware manipulation while maintaining dedicated task performance.
3Measurement precision
If separate embedded programs are used for each sensor type, then each sensor can be controlled precisely, but the system lacks versatility and requires extensive planning
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit employs a universal control architecture that can precisely control multiple sensor types through a single software instance. The system includes configurable interfaces and protocol handlers that maintain precision for each sensor type while enabling versatility across different sensor categories, eliminating the need for separate embedded programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precision for different sensor types by dynamically changing software parameters and configuration settings rather than requiring different programs. The universal software can be configured through parameter adjustment to match the specific requirements of each sensor type, maintaining measurement precision while enhancing system versatility.
4Productivity
If embedded integrated circuits are designed for specific processes, then they can optimize that process, but any change in sensors requires reprogramming
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit uses dynamically configurable software that can be adapted to different sensors through parameter settings rather than reprogramming. The system maintains process optimization by adjusting software parameters to match the characteristics of different sensors, enabling flexibility in sensor selection without sacrificing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal software platform that can optimize multiple sensor types and processes through a single system. The integrated circuit includes adaptable control algorithms and configuration options that maintain process optimization across different sensor types, eliminating the need to reprogram when changing sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit for interfacing with one or more sensors including a wireless interface configured to connect to a network, an I/O interface configured to connect to sensors; and a microprocessor and memory that are programmed to: connect to a server via the network, wherein the server executes an application for controlling the sensors; transmit identification information and/or location information of the integrated circuit to the application executed by the server; receive commands for the sensors from the application executed by the server; and transfer the commands to the I/O interface for relaying to the sensors; and wherein the integrated circuit is configured to control any sensor that can connect electronically to the I/O interface without changing the programming of the microprocessor and memory.