AI Echo-Peak Detection for Level Measuring Device Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for installing level measuring devices require significant expertise and effort, especially in applications with foam, dust, or agitators, and there is a need for a method that allows for quick installation with minimal experience while achieving precise level measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the attachment of a level measuring device, emission of a signal into a container, capturing and compressing echo data points, and utilizing an artificial intelligence-based feature detecting algorithm to identify the level of the medium or functional components, facilitated by a computer program product and control unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional manual installation methods are used for level measuring devices, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the installation requires significant expertise and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevel measurement precisionVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically emitting signals, capturing echoes, and using AI algorithms to identify peaks and determine level measurements without requiring manual expert intervention. The level measuring device calibrates itself through the automated process of signal emission, echo capture, and feature detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment and expert-based calibration procedures with an automated electronic system that uses signal processing and artificial intelligence algorithms to perform calibration and measurement, eliminating the need for expert manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional installation methods are used, then precise measurements can be obtained, but production line retooling time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevel measurement precisionVSAvoidretooling speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automated calibration by emitting test signals and capturing echoes before actual production begins. The AI algorithms pre-process the echo data and establish baseline measurements, so that when production starts, the device is already calibrated and ready for immediate use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts measurement parameters such as signal frequency, pulse duration, and evaluation thresholds based on the captured echo characteristics. The AI algorithm adapts the measurement parameters to match the specific conditions of each container and medium, enabling quick adaptation to different production scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If automated AI-based methods are used, then installation speed and ease improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The level measuring device integrates multiple functions into a single system: signal emission, echo capture, data processing, AI-based feature detection, and level calculation all occur within one device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate external systems while maintaining the automated AI-based approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a signal as an intermediary between the measuring device and the medium. The signal carries information about the medium level through its echo, allowing the AI algorithm to indirectly measure the level without physical contact with the medium, simplifying the interaction while enabling automated measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of time

If automated AI-based methods are used, then installation time is reduced, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation timeVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The AI algorithm extracts only the essential features from the echo data, specifically identifying peak positions and characteristics that correspond to the medium level. By focusing only on the relevant peak features rather than processing the entire raw echo signal, the system reduces data processing complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The echo signal is segmented into discrete data points that can be individually processed by the AI algorithm. The system divides the continuous echo signal into manageable segments, allowing efficient processing and identification of peaks without overwhelming computational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables quick and precise installation of level measuring devices with reduced user expertise, automating complex steps and enhancing user-friendliness through artificial intelligence, allowing for real-time monitoring and adaptive settings.

Implementation Method 1

a signal is emitted from the level measuring device into the container. An echo of the signal is captured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEcho: Echo

Data Source

PatentUS20250305864A1Method for installing a level measuring device
Publication Date: 2025.10.02 SIEMENS AG
  • US20250305864A1 patent drawing
  • US20250305864A1 patent drawing
  • US20250305864A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for installing and operating a level measuring device at a container, that is configured to hold a varying amount of a medium. The method includes a step in which a signal is emitted from the level measuring device into the container. An echo of the signal is captured and stored as a plurality of data points. In another step, a data set including at least a portion of the data points is fed into a feature detecting algorithm. Furthermore, a peak of the echo that represents the level of the medium in the container is determined. In yet another step, the determined peak is set as a portion of the echo that is to be evaluated for measuring the level of the medium. The feature detecting algorithm includes artificial intelligence.