Sensor Drift Compensation Using Reference Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensor drift leads to unreliable measurements over time, particularly in applications requiring precise environmental monitoring, as conventional techniques are ineffective for absolute sensors and differential sensors that never reach zero.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a primary sensor and a reference sensor with a smaller full-scale range, where a drift compensation system determines and applies a compensation signal to adjust the primary sensor's output to match the reference sensor's accuracy, especially within the reference sensor's range, ensuring accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional zeroing techniques are used to compensate for sensor drift, then measurement accuracy may be improved for differential sensors, but the technique becomes useless for absolute sensors or differential sensors that never reach zero
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference sensor as an intermediary device with a smaller full-scale range that operates within a subset of the primary sensor's range. The reference sensor serves as a mediator to provide drift compensation information that is then applied to the primary sensor's measurements, enabling accurate compensation without requiring the primary sensor to reach zero or be resettable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using a reference sensor with a different full-scale range (smaller than the primary sensor). This parameter change allows the reference sensor to operate within a controlled range where drift can be measured and compensated, solving the problem of compensating drift in sensors that never reach zero or are non-resettable.
2Measurement precision
If a reference sensor with a smaller full-scale range is used for drift compensation, then compensation accuracy is improved within the reference range, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reference sensor that copies the same sensing element type as the primary sensor (e.g., both are pressure transducers). This copying approach allows the reference sensor to experience identical drift characteristics, enabling accurate drift compensation while keeping the system relatively simple through the use of identical component architecture.
3Reliability
If drift compensation is applied continuously, then measurement reliability is improved, but the computational burden and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary drift measurement using the reference sensor over a known period, establishing drift compensation factors before they are needed for actual measurements. This preliminary action allows the compensation factors to be pre-calculated and stored, reducing real-time processing requirements while maintaining continuous compensation reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods of compensating sensor drift. In one example embodiment, a system may comprise a primary sensor having a primary full-scale range and configured to output a primary environmental condition signal indicative of an environmental condition; a reference sensor having a reference full-scale range and configured to output a reference environmental condition signal indicative of the environmental condition, wherein the reference full-scale range is less than the primary full-scale range; and a drift compensation system configured to determine a drift compensation signal using the primary environmental signal and the reference environmental condition signal responsive to the reference environmental conditional signal being in the reference full-scale range and compensate the primary environmental condition signal using the drift compensation signal.