Self-Calibrating Revolution Counter Using Sliding Average Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices for counting turns of a marker in consumption meters require manual calibration, which is time-consuming and costly, and existing solutions for automated calibration are either not adaptable or lack reliability and substantial IT resource implementation.
Innovation Solution
A calibration method that involves taking measurements of luminous quantity during multiple rotations, applying a sliding average, defining thresholds based on the average's minimum and maximum values, and using coefficients to determine these thresholds, allowing for self-calibration of the electronic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration is performed on each optical device, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device performs self-calibration by automatically analyzing the signal from the photosensitive sensor to identify pulse sequences corresponding to marker passages. The device defines thresholds autonomously based on signal characteristics without requiring external manual intervention, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual calibration while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process is performed automatically during the initial operation of the device. The system pre-defines thresholds by analyzing the signal pattern during the first revolutions of the rotating disc, so that subsequent measurements can be conducted without requiring manual calibration intervention.
2Extent of automation
If existing automated calibration solutions are implemented, then manual calibration is avoided, but adaptability to different optical devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration method dynamically adapts to the specific characteristics of each optical device by analyzing the actual signal produced by its photosensitive sensor. The threshold definition process is flexible and adjusts based on the observed signal patterns, allowing the same automated method to work across different device configurations without requiring device-specific programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the threshold parameter based on the observed signal characteristics during calibration. By defining thresholds as a function of the actual signal minima and maxima rather than using fixed values, the method adapts to variations in different optical devices, marker properties, and operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If signal analysis methods requiring substantial IT resources are used, then revolution detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs only the essential signal analysis needed for accurate revolution detection - identifying pulse sequences and defining thresholds based on signal minima and maxima. This partial action approach achieves sufficient accuracy without implementing complex IT resource-intensive algorithms, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable measurement.
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 method enables automated calibration of electronic devices, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving reliability by smoothing out irregularities and adapting to varying conditions, thus enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of consumption meter readings.
Implementation Method 1
A photosensitive sensor is directed towards the edge of the disc, so as to receive light reflected by this edge, which bears a mark. The light reflected by the edge of the disc experiences a drop in intensity each time the mark passes in front of the light source.
Implementation Method 2
A photosensitive sensor is directed towards the edge of the disc, so as to receive light reflected by this edge
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The method involves considering measurements of a luminous size relative to a radiation from an observed area, in which a reference mark (6) is passed, at different instants during more than one complete revolution. A line containing values of moving average (45) is performed to the measurements, and a threshold is defined from the moving average as crossing of the threshold signifies a passage of the reference mark in the observed area. Minimum and maximum of the moving average are identified, and a gap separating the minimum (L) and maximum (H) of the moving average is calculated. An independent claim is also included for an electronic apparatus for counting revolutions of a reference mark in a power consumption meter.