Wireless Measurement Probe Dynamic Frequency Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless transmission systems for measurement probes in coordinate measuring devices face interference issues when multiple systems are used concurrently, requiring frequent pairing procedures for each probe and interface, which is inconvenient and prone to data loss due to external interference.
Innovation Solution
A measurement probe with a wireless communications unit that allows users to set a probe identity code, enabling multiple probes to share the same identity code and eliminating the need for frequent pairing, while preventing interference from other systems through spread spectrum technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed frequency band system is used with each probe-interface pair set to a different frequency, then interference from other systems is reduced, but the system lacks flexibility when alternative probes or interfaces need to be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency assignment where each probe is assigned a unique identifier (ID code) that dynamically determines its operating frequency. The frequency is calculated based on the probe's ID code and a base frequency, allowing the system to automatically adapt to different probes and interfaces without manual frequency configuration. This resolves the contradiction by providing both interference avoidance through unique frequency assignment and flexibility through automatic adaptation to different probe-interface combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter dynamically based on the probe's unique ID code. Instead of using fixed frequency bands, the system calculates a specific frequency for each probe based on its ID code. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain unique frequency assignment for interference avoidance while enabling easy switching between different probes by simply changing the active probe's ID code, thus resolving the adaptability issue.
2Reliability
If a spread spectrum radio link with frequency hopping is used, then reliable communications are established between single probe and interface, but the pairing procedure must be performed by user each time a different probe is used with a given interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service pairing where the system automatically establishes communication between probes and interfaces based on their unique ID codes. When a probe is selected, the system automatically assigns it a frequency based on its ID code and establishes the wireless link without requiring manual user pairing procedures. This self-service mechanism maintains reliable communications through unique ID code-based frequency assignment while eliminating the need for repeated manual pairing operations, thus resolving the ease of operation issue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple measurement probes are used non-concurrently with a single interface, then versatility in measuring different types of features is improved, but interference from other interface and probe systems in the vicinity becomes a problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency spectrum by assigning unique frequency channels to each probe based on its ID code. Each probe operates on a dedicated frequency channel calculated from its unique identifier, effectively segmenting the available spectrum to prevent interference between multiple probes. This segmentation approach enables multiple probes to operate simultaneously or non-concurrently without interfering with each other or other systems, while maintaining the versatility to measure different features with different probes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A measurement probe (12, 110, 250), such as a touch trigger or analogue probe, is described that comprises a deflectable stylus portion (14) and a wireless communications unit (18) for transmitting stylus deflection data to a remote probe interface (20, 104, 254). The wireless communications unit (18) is arranged to transmit digital data packets comprising stylus deflection data and a probe identity code. The wireless communications unit (18) allows said probe identity code to be set by a user. The measurement probe (12, 110, 250) may communicate with an associated probe interface (20, 104, 254) over a radio frequency (RF) spread spectrum link (106).