Remote Sensor Signal Correction Using Transferred Calibration Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remote sensors in harsh environments face challenges in reliable operation due to sensitivity of processors and memory, which can compromise signal correction, compensation, and calibration, leading to inaccurate process control.

Innovation Solution

A method where a remote sensing device sends calibration data to a local control device, allowing the local control device to correct and compensate sensor signals, thereby maintaining accurate process control despite harsh conditions affecting the remote sensing device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If calibration data is stored locally at the remote sensor, then signal correction can be performed at the source, but the processor and memory are exposed to harsh environmental conditions compromising reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal correction accuracyVSAvoidprocessor operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the processor and memory from the harsh remote environment and relocates them to a protected local environment. The sensor remains at the remote location to generate signals, but the calibration data storage and signal correction processing are moved to a protected location where environmental conditions are controlled, thus protecting sensitive components while maintaining correction functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication interface as an intermediary between the remote sensor and the protected processor. This intermediary transfers calibration data and sensor signals between the harsh environment and the protected environment, allowing signal correction to be performed remotely without exposing the processor to damaging conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the remote sensor operates independently in harsh environments, then it can perform real-time signal correction, but the sensitivity of processors to environmental conditions leads to inaccurate corrections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent signal correction capabilityVSAvoidsignal correction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensitive processing functions are extracted from the harsh remote environment and placed in a protected local environment. This allows the system to maintain independent operation capability while ensuring that the processing occurs in conditions that preserve accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration data is retrieved and prepared in advance in the protected environment before being used for signal correction. This preliminary preparation of correction parameters in controlled conditions ensures that the actual correction process, when performed on incoming signals, maintains high precision despite the remote location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If calibration data is transferred from remote sensor to local control device, then signal correction is protected from environmental damage, but additional communication infrastructure is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal correction reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication interface is designed to serve multiple functions: transferring calibration data from the remote sensor to the local control device, and potentially transferring corrected signals or status information back. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated communication channels for each data type, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the calibration data storage, signal reception, and correction processing functions into a single integrated local control device. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and communication interfaces needed, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable protected signal correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3368862B1Method and apparatus to correct remote sensor signals
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 FISHER CONTROLS INT LLC
  • EP3368862B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3368862B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3368862B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Example methods and apparatus to correct remote sensor signals are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a sensor to generate a signal and a first memory to store calibration data associated with the sensor. The example apparatus also includes a second memory to store the calibration data and a first processor proximate to the sensor and the first memory to retrieve the calibration data from the first memory. In addition, the example apparatus includes a second processor, proximate to the second memory and remotely situated relative to the first processor. The second processor is to receive the signal from the sensor, receive the calibration data from first processor, and correct the signal based on the calibration data.