Sensor Placement Volumes for Simulated Automation Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex automation systems, determining feasible sensor positions for performing sensing tasks within simulated processes is challenging due to increased geometric dimensions and sensing restrictions, especially with camera systems or combined sensors, which existing methods fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines possible sensor positions by calculating a placement volume and sensor arrangement volume within a simulated automation system, ensuring the sensor does not interfere with components and considering sensing constraints, with optional optimization for criteria like cable length and accessibility, and allowing for movable sensor platforms if static positions are not feasible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor geometric dimensions and sensing restrictions are increased to enable sensor fusion and camera systems, then sensing capability is improved, but determining feasible sensor positions becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates the placement volume and sensor arrangement volume in advance based on the movement specification and sensing constraints, before actual sensor installation. This preliminary determination of feasible positions simplifies the subsequent sensor deployment process while accounting for the complex geometric dimensions and sensing restrictions of advanced sensor systems.
2Reliability
If sensor placement must avoid overlapping with automation components during execution, then system reliability is improved, but available sensor positions are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from considering only two-dimensional sensor positions to calculating three-dimensional placement volumes and sensor arrangement volumes. By adding the vertical dimension and considering the full spatial envelope, the system identifies feasible sensor positions that maintain reliability (no overlap with components) while preserving adaptability through the expanded search space of possible locations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sensor volume must lie completely inside placement volume at each position, then interference with components is prevented, but sensor position options are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the placement volume based on movement specification, then determines the sensor arrangement volume by offsetting the sensor dimensions from the placement volume boundaries. This preliminary spatial analysis identifies all positions where the sensor volume will completely lie within the placement volume, preventing component interference while systematically identifying all valid position options.
4Reliability
If sensing constraints must be fulfilled at each sensor position, then sensing task performance is ensured, but feasible sensor positions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensing constraints into the preliminary calculation of the sensor arrangement volume. By integrating focal length requirements, field of view constraints, and detection distance limitations into the volume calculation process, the system identifies positions that automatically satisfy all sensing constraints, ensuring task performance while managing complexity through systematic spatial analysis.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a method for computer-implemented determination of sensor positions (PO) in a simulated process (PR) of an automation system, where the simulated process (PR) includes a digital process description (PD) of an automation task (AT) to be executed by a number of components (1,2), the process description (PD) including a movement specification (MS) describing the movement of the number of components (1, 2) during the execution of the automation task (AT), and where a digital sensing description (SD) is provided, the sensing description (SD) defining a sensing task (ST) to be performed by a sensor means (3) during the execution of the automation task (AT) and one or more sensing constraints (CO) of the sensor means (3) as well as the sensor volume (SV) of the sensor means (3). In the method of the invention, a placement volume (PV) is determined based on the movement specification (MS), where the placement volume (PV) does not overlap with the number of components (1, 2) and any other object (4) during the execution of the automation task (AT). Furthermore, a sensor arrangement volume (SAV) defining a volume of sensor positions (PO) of the sensor means (3) is determined, where the sensor volume (SV) lies at each sensor position (PO) within the sensor arrangement volume (SAV) completely inside the placement volume (PV) and where the sensing task (ST) can be performed during the execution of the automation task (AT) at each sensor position (PO) within the sensor arrangement volume (SAV) by the sensor means (3) with regard to the number of sensing constraints (CO).