Magnetic Marker Detection Calibration for Uniform Sensor Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional magnetic marker detection methods using multiple sensors suffer from amplified errors due to individual differences in output characteristics, requiring frequent calibration, which increases user burden.

Innovation Solution

A marker detection system with a sensor unit comprising multiple magnetic sensors, each equipped with a magnetic-field generation part, utilizes stored characteristic information to estimate magnetic differential values and calibrate sensors for uniform sensitivity, enhancing detection accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple magnetic sensors are used for marker detection, then detection accuracy is improved by suppressing disturbance magnetism, but individual differences in sensor output characteristics amplify errors through differential operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarker detection accuracyVSAvoidoutput characteristic uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a calibration coefficient for each magnetic sensor that adjusts its output based on individual characteristics. The calibration coefficient is determined by comparing sensor outputs when a known magnetic field is applied, and then used to correct subsequent measurements. This transforms the sensor output parameter to compensate for individual differences, resolving the contradiction between using multiple sensors for accuracy and maintaining output uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the calibration coefficients derived from initial characterization to continuously correct sensor outputs during operation. The system feeds back the individual sensor characteristics into the measurement process, allowing each sensor's unique properties to be compensated for in real-time, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving the benefits of multiple-sensor differential measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If magnetic sensors are regularly calibrated to maintain accuracy, then detection precision is improved, but user burden and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor output accuracyVSAvoidcalibration burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration during the sensor manufacturing or initial installation phase. The calibration coefficients are determined in advance when the sensors are stationary and can be accessed by a technician or automated system. This preliminary calibration eliminates the need for frequent re-calibration during vehicle operation, significantly reducing user burden while maintaining measurement precision throughout the sensor's operational life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the calibration process to be performed automatically using the vehicle's existing magnetic field environment and onboard computing resources. The system can characterize the sensors and determine calibration coefficients without requiring external calibration equipment or technician intervention, making the process self-contained and eliminating operational complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system effectively calibrates magnetic sensors using magnetic-field generation parts, achieving high-accuracy detection of magnetic markers by minimizing errors and reducing the need for frequent recalibration.

Implementation Method 1

each of the magnetic sensors of the sensor unit being individually provided with a magnetic-field generation part which generates a magnetic field in accordance with a current passed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12038757B2Marker detection system and method of operating marker detection system
Publication Date: 2024.07.16 AICHI STEEL CORP
  • US12038757B2 patent drawing
  • US12038757B2 patent drawing
  • US12038757B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A marker detection device which detects a magnetic marker laid in a road by using a sensor unit in which a plurality of combinations of a magnetic sensor and a magnetic-field generation coil are arranged includes a storage part which stores characteristic information of each magnetic-field generation coil, an estimation part which estimates a magnetic differential value acting on the magnetic sensor due to a current differential value acting on the magnetic-field generation coil by referring to the characteristic information of each magnetic-field generation coil, and a calibration part which calibrates each magnetic sensor so as to enhance uniformity in sensitivity, which is a ratio between an output differential value of the magnetic sensor in accordance with a change of a current by the current differential value acting on the magnetic-field generation coil and the estimated magnetic differential value.