Sensor Calibration Timing for Refractory and Proximity Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moving sensors in vehicles, such as those measuring ambient conditions, face challenges in accurate calibration due to their mobility and refractory periods, where they cannot take readings, leading to potential missed calibration opportunities and improper calibration if not considered.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves obtaining information about proximity and refractory time periods to align sensor and calibration sensor readings spatially and temporally, ensuring accurate calibration by delaying readings during defined proximity zones, and utilizing various technologies like GNSS for geolocation and machine learning for identifying calibration needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor readings are taken continuously for calibration, then calibration accuracy improves, but the refractory period causes missed calibration opportunities and unreliable readings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining the refractory period for each sensor and proactively scheduling readings to occur after this period has elapsed. The control unit is configured to prevent initiating a reading during the refractory period, ensuring that only reliable readings are used for calibration. This preliminary planning of reading timing resolves the contradiction by avoiding unreliable readings while maintaining calibration opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring whether sensors are within the proximity zone and adjusting the timing of readings based on the refractory period status. The control unit receives feedback about sensor availability and proximity zone entry/exit events, and dynamically schedules readings to occur when both conditions are satisfied (sensor is in proximity zone AND refractory period has elapsed). This feedback loop ensures both calibration accuracy and reading reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are moved during calibration, then calibration opportunities increase, but the proximity time period becomes very short making calibration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of the refractory period and proximity time period before attempting calibration. By knowing in advance how long the sensor will be in the proximity zone and when the refractory period ends, the control unit can proactively schedule the reading to occur within the available time window. This preliminary planning maximizes the use of short proximity periods for moving sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the reading schedule based on the actual proximity time period and refractory period duration. Rather than using a fixed reading interval, the control unit adjusts the timing of each reading based on real-time conditions (when the sensor enters/exits the proximity zone and when the refractory period elapses). This dynamic approach allows the system to effectively utilize variable and short proximity time periods.
3Reliability
If sensor readings are delayed to account for refractory period, then reading reliability improves, but calibration timing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by having each sensor communicate its own refractory period duration to the control unit. The sensor itself provides the information about its readiness status, and the control unit automatically schedules readings accordingly without requiring external intervention or complex external timing logic. This self-service approach simplifies the overall system complexity while maintaining reading reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the calibration process. It receives the refractory period information from the sensor, determines the optimal reading time based on proximity zone status and refractory period elapse, and executes the reading at the appropriate moment. This intermediary role manages the timing complexity centrally, simplifying the interfaces between sensors and the calibration system while ensuring reliable readings.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating at least one sensor by use of at least one calibration sensor, the method comprising: obtaining information indicative of a proximity time period when the at least one sensor and the at least one calibration sensor are in a predefined proximity zone of each other for a time period which is sufficient for calibration; obtaining information about a refractory time period for at least one of the at least one sensor and the at least one calibration sensor; calibrating the at least one sensor by a sensor reading of the at least one sensor and a sensor reading of the at least one calibration sensor, which sensor readings are taken when they are in the predefined proximity zone, wherein the refractory time period for the at least one of the at least one sensor and the at least one calibration sensor is considered by delaying its sensor reading such that it is ensured that the sensor readings of the at least one sensor and the at least one calibration sensor are spatially and temporally aligned for the calibration.