Adaptive Sensor Arrays for Dynamic Data Collection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor systems lack the ability to efficiently generate and transmit data while moving along a path, and adapt sensor settings based on real-time data from other sensors, leading to incomplete or inaccurate measurements.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising multiple sensor arrays with wireless transceivers and processors that generate and transmit data while moving, and reconfigure sensor settings based on received data from other sensor arrays, forming a dynamic network to ensure continuous and adaptive data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If sensor arrays move along a path to collect data, then measurement coverage and productivity are improved, but data accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to motion-induced instability and inability to adjust settings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidsensor measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor arrays are designed to dynamically adjust their operational parameters while in motion. The system transitions from static sensor configurations to dynamic ones, where sensor settings (such as sampling rates, sensitivity levels, and active sensor subsets) can be changed in real-time based on motion state and environmental conditions, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy during movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where data from motion sensors and environmental sensors is continuously monitored, and this information feeds back to adjust the operational parameters of the sensor arrays. This closed-loop control allows the system to compensate for motion-induced errors and maintain measurement precision while moving along the path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If sensor settings are fixed to ensure stable operation, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing environmental conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor configuration simplicityVSAvoidsensor settings adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor arrays are equipped with autonomous capabilities to self-adjust their operational parameters based on pre-programmed algorithms and real-time sensor data. The system can automatically select appropriate sensor subsets, adjust sampling rates, and modify sensitivity levels without external intervention, maintaining adaptability while reducing the complexity of manual configuration and control infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If multiple sensor arrays are deployed to improve measurement coverage, then productivity and data completeness are improved, but device complexity and data synchronization difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection coverageVSAvoidsensor network complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the monitoring task into independent sensor array segments, each capable of autonomous operation with its own processor and decision-making capabilities. This segmentation allows each sensor array to operate independently while contributing to the overall monitoring goal, reducing the complexity of centralized control and synchronization infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensor arrays are merged into a coordinated network where data from different arrays is integrated through wireless communication. The system combines the capabilities of individual sensor arrays while maintaining their operational independence, achieving enhanced coverage and redundancy without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If sensor sampling rate is increased to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor data accuracyVSAvoidsensor array energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs partial sampling strategies where not all sensors operate at maximum sampling rates simultaneously. Instead, the system selectively activates sensor subsets based on current operational requirements, environmental conditions, and motion state, achieving adequate measurement precision while reducing overall energy consumption by avoiding excessive sampling of all sensors at all times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12021686B2Devices, systems, and methods for obtaining sensor measurements

Publication Date: 2024.06.25 CANON USA INC

AI summary

Some embodiments of a system comprise a plurality of sensor arrays, wherein each sensor array of the plurality of sensors arrays includes multiple sensors, includes a wireless transceiver, includes one or more processors, and is configured to generate sensed data, according to sensor settings, while moving along a path; while moving along the path, transmit data to, and receive data from, other sensor arrays of the plurality of sensor arrays that are also moving along the path; and, while moving along the path, change one or more of the sensor settings based on the received data.