Cargo Sensor Parameter Control for Adaptive CTU Condition Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor devices for cargo transportation units (CTUs) face challenges in accurately measuring cargo loading and environmental conditions due to varying configurations and environments, leading to inconsistent measurements and reduced accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a server system with a parameter configuration engine and a calibration engine that communicates with sensor devices via a network to set parameters and provide calibration information, adjusting detection methods based on CTU configuration and environmental conditions, ensuring accurate cargo loading and environmental monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor devices are used to measure cargo loading and environmental conditions in CTUs, then cargo monitoring capability is provided, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to varying CTU configurations and environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidadaptability to different CTU configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes sensor parameters (detection thresholds, calibration values, sensitivity settings) based on the specific CTU configuration and environmental conditions detected. The parameter configuration engine adjusts these parameters according to the CTU type, cargo characteristics, and environmental factors to optimize measurement accuracy for each specific scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback loops where sensor measurements are continuously monitored, compared against expected ranges, and used to adjust detection parameters and calibration values. The calibration engine uses feedback from environmental sensors to automatically adjust calibration parameters, ensuring accurate measurements across varying conditions without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If detection parameters are standardized across all CTUs, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to different CTU configurations and environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidparameter configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device performs self-calibration and self-configuration by automatically detecting CTU characteristics and environmental conditions, then adjusting its own parameters accordingly. The calibration engine enables the sensor to autonomously adapt to different CTU types and conditions without requiring manual parameter configuration, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures detection parameters and calibration values for different CTU types and environmental conditions before actual cargo monitoring begins. The parameter configuration engine prepares appropriate parameter sets in advance based on CTU identification, so that when monitoring starts, the sensor is already optimized for the specific configuration, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If manual calibration of sensors is performed for each CTU, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming calibration processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor calibration accuracyVSAvoidcargo monitoring efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration engine enables automatic self-calibration of sensors based on environmental sensor readings and pre-stored calibration data for different CTU types. This eliminates the need for manual calibration operations, allowing the system to rapidly adapt to new CTUs while maintaining high measurement accuracy, thus significantly improving productivity without sacrificing calibration quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Calibration data and parameters for various CTU types and environmental conditions are pre-computed and stored in the system before deployment. When a CTU is placed in the sensor device, the system quickly retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-calibrated parameters, avoiding time-consuming manual calibration processes while ensuring accurate measurements from the start of monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3589902B1Controlling detection of cargo transportation unit conditions
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3589902B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3589902B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3589902B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In some examples, a system includes a communication interface, and at least one processor configured to cause sending, to a sensor device attached to a cargo transportation unit (CTU), parameter information through the communication interface, the parameter information controlling detection of a condition associated with the CTU by the sensor device.