Universal Transmitter for Multi-Sensor Signal Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and limited versatility of transmitters in monitoring systems, leading to excessive expenses, electricity waste, and short system life due to the need for multiple dedicated transmitters for various sensors, result in inefficient resource allocation and increased production costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for controlling transmitters that utilize a single chip or processor with embedded software to dynamically select and amplify sensor signals, enabling multiplexing, sleeping, and waking up based on input control parameters, allowing a single transmitter to support multiple channels and adapt to different sensors, reducing hardware requirements and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple dedicated transmitters are used for various sensors, then each sensor can be processed accurately, but the cost of the monitoring system increases exponentially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor signal processing accuracyVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal transmitter that can process multiple types of sensor signals through software configuration rather than requiring dedicated hardware for each sensor type. The transmitter uses a single amplification circuit and A/D converter that can be dynamically configured via control parameters to handle different sensor signals, achieving multi-functionality without increasing hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitter employs dynamic switching of amplification factors and signal processing parameters based on the type of sensor connected. The control parameters can be adjusted in real-time to match different sensor characteristics, allowing the same hardware to adapt to various measurement requirements without physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If dedicated transmitters are used for each sensor type, then signal processing is optimized, but the production cost and price of transmitters increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing optimizationVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter is designed as a universal platform that can serve multiple sensor types through software control. By using a single amplification circuit, A/D converter, and processing unit that can be configured via control parameters, the system achieves the functionality of multiple dedicated transmitters while enabling mass production of a standardized device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitter uses adjustable control parameters including amplification factors, sampling rates, and signal processing settings that can be modified to suit different sensor types. This parameter-based configuration allows the same hardware to be optimized for different applications without requiring physical changes or re manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If transmitters operate continuously to process sensor data, then data collection is maintained, but electricity waste occurs and system life shortens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidelectricity consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter implements periodic sampling and processing of sensor signals rather than continuous operation. The system can be configured to activate at specific intervals or trigger events, allowing the amplification and A/D conversion circuits to remain in low-power states between measurements, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining data collection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The transmitter includes preliminary signal conditioning and filtering stages that can operate with minimal power consumption to prepare signals for later processing. This allows the main processing circuits to remain dormant until actually needed, extending system life by reducing wear and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9338017B2Method and device for controlling transmitter
Publication Date: 2016.05.10 DELTA ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • US9338017B2 patent drawing
  • US9338017B2 patent drawing
  • US9338017B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling a transmitter, comprising: awaking and initiating the transmitter by a trigger signal generated by a timer; detecting whether the transmitter receives an input control parameter from outside of the transmitter, and if yes, updating an input control parameter stored in the transmitter by using the received input control parameter; reading the input control parameter currently stored in the transmitter; performing operations based on the read input control parameter so as to control the transmitter to select one sensor signal from a plurality of sensor signals, amplify the selected sensor signal with a gain within a first gain range, and output the amplified sensor signal; and after determining that the transmitter has accomplished a task specified by the read input control parameter, resetting the timer, and entering into a sleeping state until the timer generates the trigger signal.