Dynamic Sensor Parameterization for Changing Process Conditions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing industrial processes face challenges in optimizing sensor parameter settings to improve measurement data quality, as current methods require wide-range settings that fail to adapt effectively to changing environmental conditions, leading to suboptimal results.

Innovation Solution

A method using two sensors of the same type, where a configuration sensor records environmental conditions and generates a parameter set for a productive sensor, allowing real-time adaptation of settings to optimize measurement data quality under prevailing conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sensor parameters are set for a very wide possible range of applications, then the sensors can handle diverse conditions, but the quality of the measurement data supplied by the sensors deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different applicationsVSAvoidquality of measurement data
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment by continuously monitoring environmental conditions (light, temperature, humidity) and automatically adapting sensor parameters in real-time. This transforms the static sensor configuration into a dynamic system that optimizes measurement quality for current conditions while maintaining versatility across different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes sensor operating parameters (exposure time, gain, frequency) based on detected environmental conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than fixing them for wide-range applications, the system maintains high measurement quality across diverse conditions without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If sensor parameters are set once for usual boundary conditions, then the configuration is simple, but the quality of measurement data deteriorates when conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of sensor configurationVSAvoidquality of measurement data under varying conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system performs self-configuration by automatically detecting environmental conditions and adjusting its own parameters without external intervention. This maintains operational simplicity while ensuring optimal measurement quality under varying conditions, as the system adapts itself rather than requiring complex pre-configuring for all possible scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring environmental conditions and using this information to dynamically adjust sensor parameters. This closed-loop approach maintains measurement quality under varying conditions while keeping the configuration simple, as the system automatically responds to changes rather than requiring complex manual setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If sensor parameters are adapted to usual boundary conditions, then the setup is straightforward, but the system cannot react to changing environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of sensor setupVSAvoidability to react to changing conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines simple initial setup with dynamic adaptation by implementing real-time parameter adjustment based on environmental monitoring. This allows straightforward initial configuration while maintaining the ability to react to changing conditions through automatic adaptation, resolving the contradiction between ease of setup and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3425324B2Method for adjusting the parameters of a sensor
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 SICK AG
  • EP3425324B2 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the dynamic parameterization of at least one sensor in an industrial process, in which: - measurement data of the process are acquired by means of a configuration sensor and a production sensor, wherein the configuration sensor and the production sensor are identical sensors, - the measurement data are transmitted to a control unit, - the control unit generates a parameter set for the production sensor based on the measurement data and transmits the parameter set to the production sensor, - the production sensor uses the parameter set in operation.