Locating Device Background Signal Recalibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locating devices are prone to over-detection due to incorrect calibration, particularly when the device is tilted or moved over uneven surfaces, leading to false positives in detecting hidden objects behind examination surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dynamically recalibrating the background signal by continuously monitoring coupling signals and suspending recalibration when a valid value is detected, ensuring accurate detection by moving the device relative to the surface and using predetermined time or distance criteria to validate the background signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the locating device continuously recalibrates the background signal, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but false positives increase due to over-detection on uneven surfaces or when tilted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions before actual detection, establishing a baseline background signal. By pre-calibrating the background signal when no objects are present, the system prepares the detection threshold in advance, preventing false positives during subsequent measurements on uneven surfaces or when tilted.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is made dynamic and conditional rather than continuous. The system adapts the calibration frequency based on detected conditions, performing recalibration only when validity criteria are met (such as when the device is stationary and properly positioned), thereby maintaining detection sensitivity while preventing over-detection on uneven surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If the device is moved freely over the examination surface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the calibration accuracy deteriorates due to tilting and uneven surface contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor calibration quality indicators during free movement. When the device detects that calibration validity criteria are not met (such as tilting beyond a threshold or improper surface contact), it provides feedback by suspending recalibration or indicating calibration issues, thereby maintaining accuracy despite free movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically based on movement state. When the device is stationary and properly positioned, calibration parameters are adjusted to enable accurate recalibration. When the device is moving or tilted, the system modifies calibration parameters to suspend recalibration, thus maintaining ease of operation while preserving calibration accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If recalibration is performed frequently, then the adaptability to different surfaces is improved, but the time consumption increases due to validation criteria checking
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial recalibration actions only when necessary, rather than complete recalibration every time. By implementing validity criteria that determine whether recalibration is needed, the system performs recalibration partially (only when conditions warrant it), reducing time consumption while maintaining adaptability to different surfaces through selective recalibration.
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 approach prevents overly sensitive calibration and reduces false positives, enhancing the reliability of locating hidden objects by ensuring accurate background signal adjustment and minimizing unnecessary recalibrations.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive measurement methods. A capacitance is measured on a test surface while the locating device is typically moved over the test surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for locating a locating object (36) hidden beneath a surface to be searched (34) using a locating device (10). At least one coupling signal dependent on the locating object (36) is received by a receiving means (28) of the locating device (10). Once the locating device (10) has been placed on the surface to be searched (34), a first value Ci of the coupling signal is detected and the first value Ci is defined as value CBG for a background subtraction. In particular whilst the locating device (10) and the surface to be searched (34) are moved relative to one another, at least one further value C of the coupling signal is detected and the value CBG for the background subtraction is re-calibrated by the at least one further value C if the at least one further value C is lower than the value CBG for the background subtraction. According to the invention, the re-calibration is suspended if a valid value CBG is identified for the background subtraction. The invention also proposes a locating device (10) for carrying out the method.