Sensor Parameterization Using Environmental Data Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sensor systems require manual, technically complex configuration and parameterization during commissioning, which is inefficient and lacks autonomy, especially in decentralized intelligence environments like Industry 4.0 and IoT applications.

Innovation Solution

A method that autonomously parameterizes sensor systems by attaching them to a measuring point, acquiring environmental data, transmitting identification and data to a storage platform, comparing with existing data to create a specific parameter set, and loading it back into the system, utilizing additional sensors and AI algorithms for enhanced accuracy and learning capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual parameterization is used for sensor systems, then technical understanding and manual configuration are required, but the process is inefficient and lacks autonomy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomy in parameterizationVSAvoidmanual configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system automatically acquires environmental data through its sensors, creates parameter sets based on this data, and configures itself without manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the parameterization process that previously required technical operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Environmental data is acquired during the commissioning phase before operational use begins. The system performs preliminary self-configuration by collecting data and generating parameter sets in advance, so that the sensor system is ready for immediate autonomous operation without requiring subsequent manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If environmental data is collected and stored for each sensor system, then parameter accuracy is improved, but data storage and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter accuracyVSAvoiddata storage volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Each sensor system stores and processes only its own specific environmental data and corresponding parameter sets, rather than a centralized database containing all data from all sensor systems. This localizes the data management to where it is most needed and reduces overall storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The data storage is segmented by individual sensor systems, with each system maintaining its own dedicated environmental data and parameter sets. This segmentation allows for efficient data management where only relevant data is stored and processed for each specific sensor system application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3821306B1Method for parametrising a sensor system
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 ENDRESS HAUSER PROCESS SOLUTIONS AG
  • EP3821306B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for parametrising a sensor system (SE1, SE1'), said method comprising: - attaching the sensor system (SE1, SE1') at a measuring point (MS) in an automation plant (A); - collecting environmental data of the sensor system (SE1, SE1') by means of a sensor (S2, S2') of the sensor system (SE1, SE1'); - transmitting identifications of the sensor system (SE1, SE1') and the collected environmental data to a memory platform (SP), the memory platform (SP) storing environmental data of further sensor systems (SE1, SE1') which are attached at different measuring points and parameter sets which are assigned to the further sensor systems (SE1, SE1'); - identifying comparable sensor systems (SE1, SE1') using the identification information and comparing the environmental data of the sensor system (SE1, SE1') with the environmental data of the comparable sensor systems (SE1, SE1'); - creating a parameter set (PS) for the sensor system (SE1, SE1') for operating an internal sensor (S1, S1') on the basis of the comparison of the environmental data, the created parameter set (PS) being assigned to the sensor system and to the environmental data of the sensor system on the memory platform (SP); and - transmitting the created parameter set (PS) to the sensor system (SE1, SE1') and loading the created parameter set (PS) into the sensor system (SE1, SE1').