Programmable measurement system with modular measurement modules that convey interface information
First Claim
1. A method for configuring a measurement system, comprising:
- inserting a first measurement module into a first slot of a carrier unit;
the first measurement module communicating first interface information to the carrier unit, wherein the interface information specifies a first interface for operating with the first measurement module;
the carrier unit communicating said first interface information to a computer system; and
the computer system programming a functional unit on the carrier unit, thereby implementing the specified first interface in the carrier unit;
wherein, after said programming, the carrier unit and the first measurement module are together operable to perform one or more of a data acquisition, measurement, and control task.
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Accused Products
Abstract
System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations which uses small form-factor measurement modules or cartridges with a re-configurable carrier unit, sensors, and a computer system to provide modular, efficient, cost-effective measurement solutions. The measurement module includes measurement circuitry, e.g., signal conditioner and/or signal conversion circuitry, and interface circuitry for communicating with the carrier unit. The module communicates interface information to the carrier unit, which informs the computer system how to program or configure a functional unit on the carrier unit to implement the communicated interface, or sends the information directly to the computer system. The computer system programs the carrier unit with the interface, and the programmed carrier unit and measurement module together function as a DAQ, measurement, and/or control device. The carrier unit may receive multiple cartridges, each having a respective interface protocol, where the carrier unit is configurable to support the respective protocols sequentially and/or in parallel.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for configuring a measurement system, comprising:
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inserting a first measurement module into a first slot of a carrier unit; the first measurement module communicating first interface information to the carrier unit, wherein the interface information specifies a first interface for operating with the first measurement module; the carrier unit communicating said first interface information to a computer system; and the computer system programming a functional unit on the carrier unit, thereby implementing the specified first interface in the carrier unit; wherein, after said programming, the carrier unit and the first measurement module are together operable to perform one or more of a data acquisition, measurement, and control task. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for configuring a measurement system, comprising:
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a measurement module communicating interface information to a carrier unit, wherein the interface information specifies an interface for operating with the measurement module; the carrier unit communicating said interface information to a computer system; and the computer system programming a functional unit on the carrier unit, thereby implementing the specified interface in the carrier unit; wherein, after said programming, the carrier unit and the measurement module are together operable to perform one or more of a data acquisition, measurement, and control task. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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11. A method for configuring a measurement system, comprising:
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a measurement module communicating interface information to a carrier unit, wherein the interface information specifies an interface for operating with the measurement module; the carrier unit programming a functional unit on the carrier unit, thereby implementing the specified interface in the carrier unit; wherein, after said programming, the carrier unit and the measurement module are together operable to perform one or more of a data acquisition, measurement, and control task. - View Dependent Claims (12)
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13. A method for configuring a measurement system, comprising:
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a measurement module communicating interface information to a computer system, wherein the interface information specifies an interface for operating with the measurement module; the computer system programming a functional unit on a carrier unit, thereby implementing the specified interface in the carrier unit; wherein, after said programming, the carrier unit and the measurement module are together operable to perform one or more of a data acquisition, measurement, and control task. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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15. A method for configuring a measurement system, comprising:
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receiving a first measurement module into a first slot of a carrier unit; receiving first interface information from the first measurement module, wherein the interface information specifies a first interface for operating with the first measurement module; providing the first interface information to a computer system; and programming a functional unit on the carrier unit, thereby implementing the specified first interface in the carrier unit; wherein, after said programming, the carrier unit and the first measurement module are together operable to perform one or more of a data acquisition, measurement, or control task. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A method for configuring a measurement system, comprising:
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the measurement module communicating interface information to a carrier unit, wherein the interface information specifies an interface for operating with the measurement module; programming a functional unit on a carrier unit based on the interface information, wherein after said programming, the carrier unit implements the specified interface for operating with the measurement module; wherein, after said programming, the carrier unit and the measurement module are together operable to perform one or more of a data acquisition, measurement, or control task.
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18. A measurement system, comprising:
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a carrier unit comprising a functional unit and a plurality of slots, wherein each slot is configured to receive a measurement module; a first measurement module, wherein the first measurement module is configured to communicate first interface information to the carrier unit when inserted in a slot of the carrier unit, wherein the interface information specifies a first interface for operating with the first measurement module; wherein the carrier unit is further configured to; communicate the first interface information to a computer system; program the functional unit of the carrier unit to implement the first interface based on a response from the computer system; wherein, after programming, the carrier unit and the measurement module are together operable to perform one or more of a data acquisition, measurement, or control task. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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20. A measurement system, comprising:
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a carrier unit comprising a functional unit and a plurality of slots, wherein each slot is configured to receive a measurement module; a first measurement module, wherein the first measurement module is configured to communicate first interface information to the carrier unit when inserted in a slot of the carrier unit, wherein the interface information specifies a first interface for operating with the first measurement module; wherein the carrier unit is further configured to program the functional unit of the carrier unit to implement the first interface based on the first interface information; wherein, after programming, the carrier unit and the measurement module are together operable to perform one or more of a data acquisition, measurement, or control task.
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21. A measurement system, comprising:
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a carrier unit comprising a functional unit and a plurality of slots, wherein each slot is configured to receive a measurement module; a first measurement module, wherein the first measurement module is configured to communicate first interface information to the carrier unit when inserted in a slot of the carrier unit, wherein the interface information specifies a first interface for operating with the first measurement module; a computer system coupled to the carrier unit; wherein the carrier unit is further configured to provide the first interface information to the computer system; wherein the computer system is configured to program the functional unit of the carrier unit to implement the first interface based on the first interface information; wherein, after programming, the carrier unit and the measurement module are together operable to perform one or more of a data acquisition, measurement, or control task. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification