Virtual-Amplitude Signal Conversion for Distortion-Free Calculations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in performing mathematical operations with two-dimensional continuous time signals, such as pulse-width modulated signals, due to non-linear distortions in the calculated output signals.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus and method transform a two-dimensional continuous time signal with discrete amplitude values into a one-dimensional signal with a virtual amplitude, allowing for distortion-free mathematical operations by using a signal transformation unit with carrier signal generators, comparators, sample-and-hold circuits, and multiplexers to generate a first intermediary signal, which is then processed by a calculation unit and retransformed into an output signal with constant amplitude sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mathematical operations are performed directly on two-dimensional continuous time signals with discrete amplitude values, then the calculation can be performed, but non-linear distortions occur in the output signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of mathematical operationVSAvoidnon-linear distortions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary signal transformation process that converts the two-dimensional continuous time signal into a one-dimensional signal with virtual amplitude. This intermediary representation allows mathematical operations to be performed without generating non-linear distortions, while still preserving the original signal information. The transformation unit acts as a mediator between the input signal and the calculation unit, enabling distortion-free processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation of the signal by transforming from discrete amplitude values in a two-dimensional continuous time signal to a one-dimensional signal with virtual amplitude. This parameter transformation allows the signal to be processed in a domain where mathematical operations do not produce non-linear distortions, while the retransformation unit restores the original parameter structure in the output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the input signal is transformed into a one-dimensional signal with virtual amplitude for distortion-free processing, then non-linear distortions are minimized, but the device complexity increases due to additional transformation units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-linear distortionsVSAvoidstructure of apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The signal transformation unit and retransformation unit are designed to handle multiple signal types and mathematical operations universally. By creating a general-purpose transformation framework that can process various two-dimensional continuous time signals (such as PWM, PPM, PDM) and perform different mathematical operations, the patent reduces the need for specialized circuits for each specific case, thereby managing device complexity more effectively.

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

3Loss of information

If pulse-width modulated signals with multiple discrete amplitude values are used to encode information, then more information can be encoded, but the non-linear distortions during calculation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation encoding capacityVSAvoidnon-linear distortions
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the intermediary signal transformation to preserve all information from the multi-level pulse-width modulated signal without loss. The transformation unit converts the signal with multiple discrete amplitude values into a one-dimensional representation that retains all original information, allows distortion-free mathematical operations, and enables complete reconstruction of the original signal characteristics in the output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP1858159B1Apparatus and method for performing a calculation operation
Publication Date: 2011.09.21 CAMCO PRODN & VERTRIEBS
  • EP1858159B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP1858159B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1858159B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides an apparatus and a method for performing a calculation operation with at least one input signal consisting of signal sections, wherein each signal section of said input signal has a constant amplitude. The apparatus comprises a signal transformation unit for transforming at least one input signal into a first intermediary signal having a virtual amplitude with respect to at least one carrier signal. The calculation unit is provided for performing the calculation operation on said first intermediary signal to generate a second intermediary signal. A signal re-transformation unit re-transforms the second intermediary signal into an output signal consisting of signal sections, wherein each signal section of said output signal has a constant amplitude.