Mobile Sensor Positioning for Sonar Coverage Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems face challenges in maintaining continuous monitoring when environmental changes fluctuate the coverage area of sensors, leading to potential gaps in detection, particularly in sonar systems underwater, where prediction inaccuracies can result in missed targets.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that predicts the coverage area of installation-type sensors based on environmental measurements and determines the optimal positioning of mobile sensors, such as unmanned vehicles, to ensure continuous monitoring by accurately calculating the probability of target presence and movement costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are disposed closely to ensure continuous monitoring, then monitoring reliability is improved, but device complexity and system configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mobile sensor that can dynamically change its position and coverage area, replacing the static approach of deploying multiple fixed sensors. The mobile sensor moves to different locations to cover regions that become undetectable due to environmental changes, thereby maintaining monitoring reliability without requiring a complex network of fixed sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses environmental information to automatically determine when and where the mobile sensor should move. The sensor itself serves the dual function of both detection and adaptation to environmental changes, eliminating the need for external control systems to manage multiple fixed sensors.
2Area of stationary object
If a flying device is used to capture subjects in predicted positions, then monitoring coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when environmental changes fluctuate sensor coverage areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors environmental information and uses this feedback to adjust the mobile sensor's position and coverage area predictions. By incorporating real-time environmental data (such as water temperature, current, and visibility for sonar systems), the system accurately recalculates coverage areas and directs the mobile sensor to appropriate positions, maintaining both coverage and precision.
3Device complexity
If installation-type sensors are used for monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but monitoring reliability deteriorates when environmental changes cause coverage area fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a simple installation-type sensor with a mobile sensor to create a hybrid monitoring system. The installation-type sensor provides baseline coverage with minimal complexity, while the mobile sensor supplements coverage in regions affected by environmental changes. This merging approach maintains system simplicity while ensuring continuous monitoring reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide a control apparatus that is capable of continuing monitoring even when an environmental change causes fluctuation in the coverage area of a sensor. [Solution] This control apparatus is provided with: a coverage area prediction means 1; and a control means 2. The coverage area prediction means 1 predicts, on the basis of the measurement result of the environment of an area in which an object is to be detected, a coverage area that is a range in which a stationary sensor for detecting objects can carry out measurement. The control means 2 determines the position where a mobile sensor for detecting objects is to be disposed, and controls the mobile sensor, on the basis of the coverage area predicted by the coverage area prediction means 1 and the probability that the object is present.