Adaptive Sensor Calibration Using Nonlinear Measurement Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring transducers calibrated on the production side often require adaptation to field conditions that differ from those assumed during production, necessitating a method to adjust calibration settings in real-world environments.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an input, analog/digital converter, and processor that reads analog signals, applies a linear calibration function, and modifies it using a nonlinear measurement function and algorithm based on predefined comparison values to derive calibrated digital values, allowing for iterative adaptation of the calibration function to match field conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a linear calibration function is used for measuring transducers, then the calibration process is simple and fast, but measurement precision deteriorates when field conditions deviate from production conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the calibration function adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically adjusts the linear calibration parameters based on actual field measurements, allowing the calibration to evolve and adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining measurement precision without requiring complete recalibration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the linear calibration function based on actual measurements taken in field conditions. By adjusting the calibration parameters iteratively using measured deviations, the system maintains measurement precision while working with a simple linear function structure, thus preserving calibration speed
2Manufacturing precision
If production-side calibration is performed, then manufacturing precision is ensured, but adaptability to field conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration during manufacturing to establish initial accurate measurements, then uses these as a baseline for subsequent adaptive adjustments in the field. This preliminary action ensures manufacturing precision is captured while leaving room for later adaptation to field conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously comparing actual field measurements with expected values and using the deviations to adjust calibration parameters. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to field conditions while building upon the accurate production-side calibration baseline
3Measurement precision
If calibration parameters are adjusted iteratively, then measurement precision improves, but the complexity of the calibration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing iterative adjustments only when necessary based on measured deviations, rather than continuously complicating the process. The system performs minimal necessary adjustments to achieve adequate precision without over-engineering the calibration complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A device, which includes an input, configured to read in an analog signal, an analog/digital converter, configured to convert the analog signal into a digital value, and a processor, configured to determine a digital measured value. The processor is further configured to derive a calibrated digital value from the digital value with the aid of a linear calibration function and to derive the digital measured value from the calibrated digital value with the aid of a nonlinear measurement function. The processor modifies the linear calibration function in response to a calibration signal, based on an algorithm, which is based on the nonlinear measurement function, and a number of predefined comparison measured values.