Wireless Sensor Association via Marker Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of wireless sensor systems in aircraft poses challenges in identifying and associating wireless sensors with specific objects due to the absence of physical wires, leading to difficulties in meeting regulatory requirements and increasing the complexity and cost of maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize markers associated with objects to transmit identification information wirelessly to a computer system, which selects the correct identification based on signal strength, enabling the association of wireless sensors with objects without physical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wired sensor systems are replaced with wireless sensor systems, then device complexity and weight are reduced, but the ability to identify and associate sensors with objects becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces markers as intermediary objects that carry identification information. These markers are placed on or near the objects being monitored and serve as mediators between wireless sensors and the central system. The markers contain visual or RFID-based identification data that allows the system to associate sensor readings with specific objects without physical wire connections, thus resolving the information loss problem while maintaining wireless simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/wired identification system (physical wire connections to ports) with optical or electromagnetic fields. Visual markers use light reflection patterns that can be read by cameras, while RFID markers use electromagnetic fields for wireless identification. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connections while preserving the ability to identify and associate sensors with objects
2Ease of manufacture
If wireless sensors are used without physical wires, then installation flexibility is improved, but maintenance and identification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-placing markers on objects during manufacturing or before sensor installation. These markers are positioned in advance and remain fixed on the objects, so that when wireless sensors are installed later, the identification infrastructure is already in place. This preliminary placement of markers simplifies both installation and maintenance, as the identification system is prepared beforehand rather than requiring complex setup during sensor replacement
3Area of stationary object
If multiple markers are present in the field of view, then coverage is improved, but selecting the correct marker becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each marker have unique, distinguishable characteristics. Different markers have different visual patterns, colors, shapes, or RFID codes that are locally specific to each marker's identity. This allows the sensor system to differentiate between multiple markers in the field of view by recognizing their unique local qualities, thus maintaining measurement precision even when multiple markers are present
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the sensor system reads marker information and the system responds by confirming or correcting the identification. The marker information is transmitted to a central system that processes the data and provides feedback to verify correct identification. This feedback loop ensures that even when multiple markers are detected, the system can accurately identify the correct one through verification processes
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for identifying sensor units. Identification information is received from a marker in a wireless signal generated by the marker at a wireless device. The marker is associated with an object. The identification information is sent from the wireless device to a computer system. The computer system associates the wireless.