Multi-Sensor Fusion Using Transform Learning for Lower Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-sensor fusion techniques are computationally complex and do not perform well in all scenarios due to challenges related to data imperfection and diversity of sensing mechanisms, often resulting in less effective data integration.

Innovation Solution

A processor-implemented method involving joint optimization of sensor-specific transforms, fusing transforms, and weight matrices through a two-stage approach, where individual sensor representations are first learned using dedicated transforms and coefficients, and then fused using a common transform and its associated coefficients to capture correlations between different sensor representations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional multi-sensor fusion techniques are used, then data integration is achieved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integration effectivenessVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multi-sensor fusion process into two distinct stages: (1) individual sensor representation learning using dedicated transforms and coefficients, and (2) fusion of these representations using a common transform. This segmentation reduces computational complexity by breaking down the complex simultaneous optimization into manageable sequential steps, while maintaining effective data integration through the structured two-stage approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional multi-sensor fusion techniques are used, then data integration is achieved, but performance varies across different scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integration effectivenessVSAvoidscenario adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adaptability by allowing the system to learn sensor-specific transforms and coefficients tailored to each sensor type and scenario. The iterative optimization process adapts the fusion weights and transforms based on the specific characteristics of the input data, enabling the system to perform effectively across diverse scenarios including different sensor configurations, data qualities, and application domains.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If sensor-specific transforms and coefficients are learned for each sensor, then data authenticity is enhanced, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata authenticityVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by first learning sensor-specific representations using dedicated transforms and coefficients before performing the fusion operation. This preliminary processing enhances data authenticity by capturing the unique characteristics of each sensor type, while the pre-computed representations reduce the complexity of the subsequent fusion step, as the system only needs to fuse already-processed features rather than raw sensor data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12499388B2Method and system for multi-sensor fusion using transform learning
Publication Date: 2025.12.16 TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LTD
  • US12499388B2 patent drawing
  • US12499388B2 patent drawing
  • US12499388B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This disclosure relates to multi-sensor fusion using Transform Learning (TL) that provides a compact representation of data in many scenarios as compared to Dictionary Learning (DL) and Deep network models that may be computationally intensive and complex. A two-stage approach for better modeling of sensor data is provided, wherein in the first stage, representation of the individual sensor time series is learnt using dedicated transforms and their associated coefficients and in the second stage, all the representations are fused together using a fusing (common) transform and its associated coefficients to effectively capture correlation between the different sensor representations for deriving an inference. The method and system of the present disclosure can find application in areas employing multiple sensors that are mostly heterogeneous in nature.