Sensor Detection Range Calibration Using Robot Boundary Crossings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual inspection of sensors is time-consuming, requires manpower, and is susceptible to human error, leading to potential failures or inaccuracies in sensor calibration, which can result in safety hazards and poor inventory management.
Innovation Solution
A method for calibrating sensor detection ranges using a predefined trajectory, where an object, such as a mobile robot, moves beyond the sensor's estimated detection range, recording boundary crossings to determine the actual detection range, and a computer-implemented method for testing optical beam smoke detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used to calibrate sensors, then human operators can perform the calibration process, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-calibration by automatically moving an object along a predefined trajectory and detecting boundary crossings to determine detection range, eliminating the need for manual inspection and reducing human error while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated system that uses a sensor to detect when an object crosses the detection range boundary during trajectory movement, automatically determining calibration parameters without human intervention
2Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used to calibrate sensors, then the calibration process can be performed, but it requires significant manpower and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the sensor itself to perform calibration by detecting object positions during automated trajectory movement, eliminating the need for external human operators and reducing resource requirements while ensuring sensor functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The automated calibration system can be applied to multiple sensor types including motion sensors, optical smoke detectors, and proximity sensors, providing a universal solution that reduces the need for specialized manual inspection procedures for each sensor type
3Measurement precision
If automated calibration methods are implemented, then human error is reduced and calibration accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a predefined trajectory that is established before calibration begins, allowing the automated calibration process to follow a predetermined path that simplifies the automation logic while maintaining detection range accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor provides real-time feedback by detecting when the object crosses the detection range boundary during trajectory movement, allowing the system to automatically determine calibration parameters with high precision through this feedback mechanism
Data Source
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Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
There is provided a method for calibrating a detection range (104) of one or more sensors (105) that are within a predefined coordinate system (100), the method comprising the steps of: moving an object (102), preferably a mobile robot such as a drone, along a trajectory (101), wherein the trajectory (101) comprises at least a first physical location which is within a predefined estimate (103) of the detection range of the one or more sensors (105), and at least a second physical location which is outside of the detection range; determining the physical location of the object (102), over time, within the predefined coordinate system (100); operating the one or more sensors (105) to detect; identifying a time instant at which the one or more sensors (105) no longer detect the object (102), and/or, identifying a time instant at which the one or more sensors (105) begin to detect the object (102); determining the detection range (104) of the one or more sensors (105) using the physical location (107,118) of the object (102) at the time instant at which the one or more sensors no longer detect the object, and/or, determining the detection range (104) of the one or more sensors (105) using the physical location (106,108) of the object 102 at the time instant at which the one or more sensors begin to detect the object (102). The sensors may comprise motion detectors, presence detectors, distance sensors, proximity sensors, cameras, or optical beam smoke detectors.