Sensor Coverage Quantification Using Ray Tracing Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor coverage techniques face challenges in achieving optimal sensor coverage that balances accuracy with processing resource usage, as too little or too much coverage can lead to inaccuracies and excessive processing, respectively.

Innovation Solution

A method using ray tracing algorithms to model sensor coverage by simulating virtual rays on a virtual object, determining intersection values, and generating a coverage value to optimize sensor placement and path, accounting for various conditions such as sensor type, optical properties, and beam angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor coverage is increased to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but processing resources are excessively consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing accuracyVSAvoidprocessing power

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary ray tracing simulations before actual sensor deployment to predict and optimize sensor coverage. By pre-calculating optimal sensor paths and positions using virtual ray tracing, the system determines the minimum sensor coverage required for adequate measurement accuracy, thereby avoiding excessive data collection and processing in the actual sensing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Use of energy by moving object

If sensor coverage is decreased to reduce processing resources, then processing power is conserved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing powerVSAvoidsensing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by determining the optimal subset of sensor coverage needed rather than full coverage. Through ray tracing analysis, the system identifies the precise minimum sensor paths and positions that provide adequate measurement accuracy, avoiding both insufficient coverage and excessive coverage. This partial action approach processes only the necessary amount of data required for accurate measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If sensor coverage is increased to ensure adequate coverage, then sensing accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing coverageVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary ray tracing simulations to pre-determine optimal sensor configurations that ensure adequate coverage. By calculating the minimum necessary sensor paths and positions in advance, the system simplifies the actual sensing operation while maintaining reliable coverage, thereby reducing processing complexity during execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If sensor coverage is decreased to minimize data collection, then processing resources are conserved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by collecting only the necessary amount of sensor data required for accurate measurements. Through ray tracing analysis, the system determines the optimal subset of sensor coverage and collects data only from those specific sensor paths and positions, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while improving processing efficiency by avoiding unnecessary data collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 approach allows for precise optimization of sensor coverage, minimizing unnecessary data collection while ensuring adequate coverage, thereby improving sensing accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The ray tracing algorithm directs virtual rays from a remote point in the model towards the virtual object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRay tracing:

Data Source

PatentUS12592024B2Quantification of sensor coverage using synthetic modeling and uses of the quantification

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A method including receiving a data structure including a model including a virtual object. The virtual object has spatial elements that form an area of the virtual object. The method also includes applying a ray tracing algorithm to the model. The ray tracing algorithm directs virtual rays from a remote point in the model towards the virtual object. The method also includes determining intersection values. Each of the intersection values represents a corresponding number of times that the virtual rays intersect a corresponding one of the spatial elements. The method also includes generating, from the intersection values, a coverage value representing a percentage of the area that is covered by the virtual rays. The method also includes returning the coverage value.