Sensor Detection Range Calibration Using Trajectory Transition Points
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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 operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method for calibrating sensor detection ranges using a predefined trajectory, where an object, such as a mobile robot, moves within and outside the sensor's detection range, recording time instances of detection transitions to determine the sensor's detection range, implemented through a computer-implemented process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used for sensor calibration, then human operators can perform the calibration process, but the process becomes time-consuming and susceptible to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor calibration system performs self-calibration by automatically moving along a predefined trajectory and detecting transition points where the sensor detects or fails to detect the calibration object. The system records physical locations at these transition points and automatically determines the detection range without requiring human operators, thereby eliminating human error and reducing calibration time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated system that uses a sensor mounted on a mobile platform (such as a robot or vehicle) to perform calibration. The automated system substitutes human operators with mechanical/automated detection and recording mechanisms, improving both speed and accuracy
2Reliability
If manual inspection of multiple sensors is performed, then each sensor can be calibrated, but the process requires significant manpower and time
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is designed to be universal and can calibrate multiple different types of sensors (motion sensors, security sensors, optical cameras, smoke detectors, proximity sensors, occupancy sensors, temperature sensors) using the same automated methodology. The system moves along trajectories and adapts to calibration requirements of various sensor types, improving productivity by eliminating the need for different manual inspection procedures for each sensor
3Ease of operation
If human operators perform sensor calibration, then the calibration can be completed, but human error may lead to failed or inaccurate sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically recording transition points where the sensor detects or fails to detect the calibration object. The sensor system itself generates the calibration data by moving along predefined trajectories and recording physical locations at detection boundaries, eliminating human operators from the critical measurement process and thereby eliminating human error while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration process uses feedback from the sensor's own detection outputs to determine calibration parameters. The system monitors when the sensor transitions between detecting and not detecting the calibration object, and uses this feedback to automatically calculate the detection range and calibration parameters, ensuring accurate sensing without human intervention
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating a detection range of one or more sensors that are within a predefined coordinate system. The method includes moving an object along a trajectory, wherein the trajectory comprises at least a first physical location which is within a predefined estimate of the detection range of the one or more sensors, and at least a second physical location which is outside of the predefined estimate of the detection range of the one or more sensors; determining the physical location of the object, over time, within the predefined coordinate system; operating the one or more sensors to detect, wherein when the one or more sensors are operated to detect they provide an output, and the output will indicate the presence of the object if the object is within a detection range of the one or more sensors; identifying a time instant (t2, t4) at which the one or more sensors no longer detect the object, and/or, identifying a time instant (t1,t3) at which the one or more sensors begin to detect the object; determining the detection range of the one or more sensors using the physical location of the object at a time instant (t2, t4) corresponding to the identified time instant (t2, t4) at which the one or more sensors no longer detect the object, and/or, determining the detection range of the one or more sensors using the physical location of the object 102 at a time instant (t1, t3) corresponding to the identified time instant (t1, t3) at which the one or more sensors begin to detect the object. There is further provided methods for testing a sensor that can measure distance, and methods for testing an optical beam smoke detector.