Sensor Module Self-Calibration via Inertial Attitude Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor calibration techniques require a laser radiator, which is impractical in environments where the laser beam is not reflected well or where no staff member is available to operate a measuring machine, complicating the calibration process.
Innovation Solution
A movable structure equipped with a sensor module that includes an inertial sensor, a calibration unit, and a correction unit, where the control device controls the moving part to take a predetermined attitude and provides a calibration instruction to the sensor module, allowing it to calculate and correct its attitude based on the inertial sensor output, eliminating the need for a laser radiator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser radiator is used to generate a reference line for sensor calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for additional equipment and staff training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the laser radiator and reference line generation function from the calibration system. Instead of using external laser equipment to create reference lines, the system uses the inertial sensor's own output signals to calculate attitude directly, eliminating the need for laser radiation sources and associated reference line generation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The inertial sensor performs self-calibration by utilizing its own output signals. The control device controls the moving part to achieve a predetermined attitude, then the inertial sensor calculates its own attitude based on its output and generates correction information without requiring external reference systems or equipment.
2Measurement precision
If a laser radiator is used for sensor calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens in environments where laser beams are not reflected well or when no staff member is available
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-calibration where the inertial sensor uses its own output signals to calculate attitude and generate correction information. The control device automatically controls the moving part to achieve predetermined attitude, eliminating the need for manual operation of laser radiators or reference line generation by staff members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical-mechanical laser radiation system with an electronic signal-based calibration method. Instead of using laser beams and optical reference lines, the system uses electrical signals from the inertial sensor to perform calibration calculations, making it operational in environments where laser beams cannot propagate effectively.
3Measurement precision
If traditional laser-based calibration methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to the need for setup and operation of calibration equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The control device controls the moving part to achieve a predetermined attitude before calibration begins. This preliminary positioning action establishes the reference state, and the inertial sensor then uses its output signals to calculate attitude and generate correction information, eliminating the need for time-consuming laser radiator setup and reference line generation.
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
Enables easy and accurate calibration of the sensor module without the need for a laser radiator, improving convenience and accuracy in various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an inertial sensor; a calibration unit calculating an attitude of the sensor module based on an output signal from the inertial sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A movable structure includes: a moving part pivoting about a predetermined axis; a sensor module provided at the moving part or at a site interlocked with the moving part; and a control device controlling the moving part and the sensor module. The control device controls the moving part in such a way that the sensor module takes a first attitude, and gives a calibration instruction to the sensor module. The sensor module includes: an inertial sensor; a calibration unit calculating an attitude of the sensor module based on an output signal from the inertial sensor in response to the calibration instruction and generating correction information based on a difference between the calculated attitude and the first attitude; and a correction unit correcting the output signal from the inertial sensor, based on the correction information.