Handheld Locating Device Motion Sensor Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional locating devices face challenges in accurately detecting objects within examination objects due to interference from tilting and wall inhomogeneities, requiring time-consuming calibration and prone to incorrect measurements.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held locating device equipped with a locating unit, motion sensor unit, and evaluation unit that processes data in a spatially resolved manner, allowing for automatic calibration, dynamic threshold setting, and interference reduction, enabling efficient and user-friendly object detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration is performed to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically calibrating the locating unit before actual object detection begins. The evaluation unit processes motion parameters and locating parameters to establish baseline calibration data, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual calibration procedures while ensuring measurement accuracy from the start of the detection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locating device performs self-calibration through the evaluation unit that automatically processes motion parameters and locating parameters without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves itself by using its own sensor data to calibrate the locating unit, thereby eliminating manual calibration steps and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the locating device remains stationary during calibration to improve accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static calibration requirements to dynamic calibration capabilities. The evaluation unit processes motion parameters to account for device movement during calibration, enabling accurate calibration whether the device is stationary or moving. This dynamic approach maintains measurement precision while significantly improving ease of operation and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters used for calibration by incorporating motion parameters alongside locating parameters. This parameter transformation allows the calibration process to accommodate various states of device movement, maintaining accuracy requirements while freeing the operator from strict stationary positioning constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If simple object detection is implemented to improve ease of operation, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from tilting and wall inhomogeneities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser-friendlinessVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation unit serves as an intermediary that processes and filters the raw data from motion sensors and locating sensors. It mediates between the simple operation interface and the complex interference sources by automatically differentiating between signals caused by tilting, wall inhomogeneities, and actual objects, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the evaluation unit continuously analyzes motion parameters and locating parameters together, using the motion data to compensate for interference effects in real-time. This feedback loop automatically adjusts the interpretation of locating parameters based on detected device movement, maintaining precision without complicating the user interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The device achieves precise detection of objects by differentiating between measurement signals and interference, reducing misinterpretation and the need for manual calibration, with automatic adaptation of display settings for optimal output.

Implementation Method 1

The motion sensor unit can include all motion sensors that appear useful to those skilled in the art, which detect a movement and/or an acceleration of the locating device. The acceleration sensor can be formed, for example, by a MEMS sensor (micro-electro-mechanical system), which outputs an acceleration of the locating device in voltage values

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

The locating unit can be an inductive sensor and/or capacitive sensor and/or a 50/60 Hz sensor and/or a radar sensor and/or an IR sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The locating unit can be an inductive sensor and/or capacitive sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 4

The locating unit can be an inductive sensor and/or capacitive sensor and/or a 50/60 Hz sensor and/or a radar sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar detection: Radar

Implementation Method 5

The locating unit can be an inductive sensor and/or capacitive sensor and/or a 50/60 Hz sensor and/or a radar sensor and/or an IR sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared sensing: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2350701B1Locating device
Publication Date: 2014.12.10 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2350701B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2350701B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2350701B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a locating device, particularly a handheld locating device, comprising a locating unit (12) that is provided to detect the presence of an item (16) arranged in an examination object (14) by means of an examination signal (18), and a motion sensor unit (20) that is provided to detect at least one motion parameter (BKi) along at least one direction of motion (22, 24, 26). It is proposed that the locating device comprise an evaluation unit (28), which is provided to evaluate the motion parameter (BKi) and at least one locating parameter (OKi) of the locating unit (12) together.