18474217. SENSOR MODULE simplified abstract (SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION)
Contents
SENSOR MODULE
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Kenta Sato of Shiojiri-shi (JP)
Masayoshi Todorokihara of Suwa-shi (JP)
SENSOR MODULE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18474217 titled 'SENSOR MODULE
Simplified Explanation
The sensor module described in the abstract is designed to generate combined output values based on the phase difference between a measurement target signal and a reference periodic signal. The module includes a count unit, a time digital value generation unit, and a combined output value generation unit. The quantization error of the combined output values is fed back to improve accuracy, especially when the frequency of the physical quantity changes is high.
- The count unit generates count values of the time event of the measurement target signal and the reference periodic signal.
- The time digital value generation unit calculates time digital values based on the phase difference between the signals.
- The combined output value generation unit produces combined output values using the time digital values and count values, with feedback to reduce quantization error.
Potential Applications
This technology could be applied in various fields such as industrial automation, robotics, and environmental monitoring where precise synchronization and measurement of physical quantities are required.
Problems Solved
This technology addresses the challenge of accurately measuring and synchronizing time events of physical quantity signals, especially in high-frequency environments where quantization errors can affect the reliability of the data.
Benefits
The sensor module offers improved accuracy and reliability in measuring physical quantities by minimizing quantization errors and providing synchronized output values for analysis and control purposes.
Potential Commercial Applications
Potential commercial applications of this technology include sensor systems for manufacturing processes, data logging devices for research and development, and monitoring systems for critical infrastructure where precise measurements are essential for operational efficiency.
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of phase-locked loops in sensor systems to synchronize signals and reduce errors in time-sensitive applications. Additionally, advancements in digital signal processing techniques for sensor data fusion may have similarities to the combined output value generation process described in the patent application.
Unanswered Questions
How does this technology compare to existing sensor modules in terms of accuracy and reliability?
The article provides information on the design and functionality of the sensor module but does not directly compare its performance to existing technologies. Further research or testing would be needed to determine the effectiveness of this innovation in real-world applications.
What are the potential limitations or constraints of implementing this technology in different environments or industries?
While the abstract highlights the benefits of the sensor module, it does not address any potential challenges or limitations that may arise when integrating this technology into diverse applications. Understanding the constraints of this innovation could help in optimizing its performance and usability in various settings.
Original Abstract Submitted
A sensor module includes: a count unit configured to generate first to n-th count values of a time event of one of a measurement target signal output from a physical quantity sensor and a reference periodic signal output from a reference periodic signal generation unit in synchronization with the other; a time digital value generation unit configured to generate first to n-th time digital values based on a phase difference between the measurement target signal and the reference periodic signal; and a combined output value generation unit configured to generate an i-th combined output value based on the i-th time digital value and the i-th count value. A quantization error of the j-th combined output value is fed back to generation of the (j+1)-th combined output value, and a period of a change in the physical quantity when a frequency, at which the physical quantity changes, is a maximum frequency is longer than eight times an average period in which first to n-th combined output values are generated.
