Wave-field Inertial Measurement System Using Fixed-Point Arithmetic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wave measurement systems are power and computationally intensive, making it difficult for small, floating sensors to perform long-term wave measurements without land or vessel-based computer power or electrical supply.
Innovation Solution
A wave measuring device with a controller, inertial measurement unit (IMU), and absolute position sensor that uses fixed-point arithmetic to transform relative IMU orientation into an absolute reference frame, incorporating a power-saving mechanism to operate efficiently in low-power conditions, allowing for remote and extended wave data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional IMU-based wave measurement systems are used, then wave measurement accuracy is improved, but power consumption and computational requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the controller component from small floating wave sensors, retaining only the essential IMU sensor and minimal processing capability. This extraction eliminates the power-hungry computational hardware while preserving the core wave measurement function through simplified algorithms that process data with minimal computational resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, low-power IMU sensors that can operate with minimal energy consumption. These simplified sensors are designed for short-term deployment without requiring expensive, power-intensive processing units, effectively using affordable components that consume minimal power to achieve adequate measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If conventional IMU-based wave measurement systems are used, then wave measurement accuracy is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the controller component from the system architecture, extracting only the essential sensing function. This simplification reduces device complexity while maintaining adequate measurement capability through streamlined data processing that does not require complex computational hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the simplified wave sensor to perform multiple functions with minimal components. The IMU sensor serves both as the primary measurement device and provides sufficient data for wave parameter extraction through simplified algorithms, eliminating the need for separate processing units and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If small floating sensors are used, then deployment flexibility is improved, but computational power and power supply capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computational processing function from the floating sensor itself, removing the need for power-intensive controllers and processors. This allows the sensor to be deployed on small, flexible floating platforms that cannot support significant power consumption while still achieving wave measurement objectives through minimal local processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the system to require minimal external support services. The simplified sensor operates autonomously with minimal power consumption, eliminating the need for land or vessel-based computer power infrastructure. The sensor serves itself by processing data with minimal computational resources onboard.
4Measurement precision
If measurement time is extended to capture statistically significant wave data, then measurement accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement cycles where the simplified sensor collects wave data over extended periods but processes information intermittently. The sensor operates in low-power mode between measurement cycles, extending the effective measurement duration without proportionally increasing energy consumption through continuous high-power operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method of using same having an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a controller, an activator, and an absolute position sensor configured to measure fluid-body waves. The controller calculates its orientation in a relative frame using data obtained from the IMU and fixed-point arithmetic. The controller transforms the relative orientation information into absolute units using data obtained from the absolute sensor and fixed-point arithmetic, producing wave measurements. The controller may then select a subset of wave measurements for transmission via an optional communications mechanism to a remote user.