Wireless Sensor Identification in Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle engine systems, the use of multiple identical wireless sensors in close proximity creates challenges in differentiating their signals, leading to increased complexity and cost, and existing methods are not simple or cost-effective for sensor identification.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where an electronic control unit detects and identifies sensors based on the type of information provided, proximity to wireless receivers, actively induced changes in the vehicle environment, and passive changes, using a list of expected sensors to assign unique identifiers and establish communication channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple identical wireless sensors are used in close proximity, then sensor coverage and functionality are improved, but signal differentiation and identification become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each sensor unique through local modifications such as adding distinctive markers, changing physical characteristics, or assigning unique identification codes to individual sensors. This allows identical sensors to be differentiated based on their local properties while maintaining their identical sensing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes or visual markers as a simple method to differentiate between identical sensors. By assigning different colors, patterns, or visual identifiers to sensors, the system can easily distinguish between multiple sensors of the same type without adding functional complexity.
2Measurement precision
If unique sensors are used to differentiate sensor sources, then signal identification is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating simplified representations or models of sensor characteristics that can be used for identification without requiring the actual sensors to be physically unique. This allows identical sensors to be differentiated through software-based identification methods rather than hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by using a single identification mechanism that can differentiate all sensors regardless of their type or location. This universal identification approach simplifies the system by using one method to solve the identification problem for all sensors rather than requiring unique solutions for each sensor type.
3Measurement precision
If unique sensors are used to differentiate sensor sources, then signal identification is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive identification methods such as simple visual markers, color codes, or low-cost electronic tags that can be easily added to sensors during manufacturing. These cheap identification elements allow differentiation of sensors without significantly increasing the overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying non-functional characteristics of sensors such as their physical appearance, marking patterns, or identification codes rather than changing their sensing parameters. This allows differentiation while maintaining identical sensing performance and minimizing cost increases.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for identifying sensors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a list of sensors that are differentiated by function and/or location, and detecting a plurality of sensors in a vehicle environment, where at least some of the sensors are identical. The method also includes receiving information from each of the plurality of sensors, and identifying each of a plurality of identical sensors as corresponding to a respective sensor in the list of sensors. The identification may be based on one or more of: a proximity of each sensor relative to at least one wireless receiver; at least one characteristic of information received from the sensors, that is caused by an actively induced change in the vehicle environment; and at least one characteristic of information received from the sensors, that is caused by a passive change in the vehicle environment. According to the method and system disclosed herein, sensors in the vehicle are detected and identified in a simple and cost effective manner.