Fill Level Sensor Mobility Recognition for Echo Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fill level measurement technologies face challenges in reliably identifying the level echo due to false echoes and inadequate methods for detecting changes in echo characteristics, leading to incorrect determination of movement information and the need for manual echo storage, especially when replacing sensors in filled containers.
Innovation Solution
A robust method for detecting changes over time in echo characteristic values within a fill level measuring device, which calculates mobility values using echo characteristic values from previous measurements, allowing for accurate tracking and classification of echoes, reducing mobility values for unchanged echoes, and recalculating mobility based on changes in echo characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disturbance echo recording is performed manually during commissioning, then the level sensor can identify fill level echoes, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming, especially when replacing sensors in filled containers
Solution Approach 1:
The level sensor automatically performs disturbance echo recording and mobility detection without requiring manual user intervention. The system self-calibrates by detecting stationary echoes (mobility value ≈ 0) and automatically storing them as disturbance echoes, eliminating the need for manual commissioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses mobility values calculated from echo position changes over time to automatically distinguish between stationary disturbance echoes and moving fill level echoes. By monitoring the parameter of echo position mobility, the system adaptively identifies and stores disturbance echoes without manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If tracking procedures are used to detect echo movement, then mobility information can be determined, but echoes are repeatedly misattributed to existing tracks leading to inaccurate movement information
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates mobility values for all detected echoes and uses this mobility information as feedback to improve track assignment. Echoes with mobility values close to zero are identified as stationary disturbance echoes, while those with higher mobility are identified as moving fill level echoes, enabling accurate classification and reducing misattribution errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments echoes into different categories based on their mobility values: stationary echoes (mobility ≈ 0) are classified as disturbance echoes, while moving echoes (mobility > 0) are classified as fill level echoes. This segmentation enables precise identification and reduces tracking errors.
3Reliability
If manual disturbance echo storage is required, then reliable echo identification can be achieved, but the process cannot be performed when containers are completely full during sensor replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The level sensor automatically performs disturbance echo recording by detecting stationary echoes through mobility analysis, eliminating the need for manual user action. The system can be installed and calibrated immediately upon power-up, even in filled containers, without requiring manual echo storage procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic disturbance echo recording as a preliminary action during the initial power-up sequence, before normal measurement operations begin. This preliminary calibration is done automatically without requiring the container to be empty or manual user intervention.
4Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of echo position changes is performed, then fill level changes can be detected, but stationary echoes cause incorrect mobility values and reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors changes in echo position over time and calculates mobility values based on these changes. By analyzing the mobility parameter, the system automatically distinguishes between stationary disturbance echoes (mobility ≈ 0) and moving fill level echoes (mobility > 0), enabling accurate classification and improving measurement precision.
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
This method enhances the reliability of fill level measurements by accurately tracking echo changes and reducing incorrect assignments, enabling reliable detection of the level echo without manual echo storage, even when replacing sensors in filled containers, and maintaining accuracy during periods of inactivity.
Implementation Method 1
Level sensors operating according to the FMCW or pulse-time-of-flight method emit electromagnetic or acoustic waves towards the surface of the contents. The sensor then records the echo signals reflected by the contents and the container internals
Implementation Method 2
The sensor then records the echo signals reflected by the contents and the container internals
Implementation Method 3
Level sensors operating according to the FMCW or pulse-time-of-flight method emit electromagnetic or acoustic waves towards the surface of the contents
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a computing unit determining characteristic values of echoes of echo curves, respectively. The computing unit calculates mobility values (1105, 1106) of one of the echoes of the echo curves under application of one of the characteristic values, which concern position displacement of the echoes of the curves, during a certain time interval. The device radiates a signal via an antenna in a direction of a medium to be measured, where the signal is provided as an electromagnetic wave or ultrasound wave. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for mobility recognition of the echo (2) a program element that is executed on a processor for implementing mobility recognition of the echo (3) a computer readable medium that is stored on the program element for mobility recognition of the echo.