Incremental Sensor Reference Point Calibration via Multi-Module Quality Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Incremental sensors in motor vehicles cannot determine the absolute value of measured variables like steering angle due to the absence of a defined reference point, leading to uncentered values, which are unreliable and require additional sensors or specific driving situations to calibrate, resulting in delayed system operational readiness.

Innovation Solution

A method using multiple detection modules to determine intermediate values of the reference point in various driving situations, with quality levels assessed and compared to determine a reliable reference point value, allowing for quick and accurate calibration independent of specific driving conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional sensors are used to determine the reference point value, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference point value determination accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The determination of the reference point value is divided into multiple independent detection modules, each handling specific driving situations. This segmentation allows the system to use different strategies for different conditions without requiring additional sensors for all situations simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing sensors and data processing capabilities to determine the reference point value through multiple detection modules. No additional sensors are needed - the system serves itself by utilizing its existing measurement capabilities in different configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the system waits for a defined driving situation to occur, then reliability of reference point determination is improved, but time to operational readiness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference point determination reliabilityVSAvoidtime until system operational
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is segmented into multiple modules that can operate independently. Different modules become active based on the current driving situation, allowing the system to start determining the reference point value immediately using available conditions rather than waiting for a specific ideal situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares multiple detection modules in advance, each configured for different driving situations. When the vehicle starts, the appropriate module is already ready to execute, eliminating the need to wait for the defined driving situation to occur before beginning the determination process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple detection modules are used to determine intermediate values, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference point value determination reliabilityVSAvoiddetection module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple detection modules use the same existing sensors and data processing capabilities but apply them differently for various driving situations. This multi-functionality allows reliable determination across different conditions without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects which detection module to activate based on the current driving situation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use the most appropriate detection strategy for each condition, improving reliability without requiring all modules to operate simultaneously, thus managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If quality level assessment is implemented for intermediate values, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintermediate value accuracyVSAvoidevaluation logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each detection module is pre-configured with quality level assessment criteria specific to its operating conditions. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly evaluate intermediate values without complex real-time analysis, as the evaluation rules are already established for each module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Different quality level assessment criteria are applied locally to each detection module based on its specific driving situation. This localized approach allows each module to use simplified evaluation logic appropriate for its conditions, rather than implementing a single complex universal evaluation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2005120B1Method and device for determining an absolute value of a variable
Publication Date: 2018.01.10 CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO OHG
  • EP2005120B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2005120B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2005120B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for determining a value of a defined reference point of a first variable which is measured using an incrementally measuring sensor of a motor vehicle. The method is characterized in that intermediate values of the defined reference point are determined in at least two detection modules using at least one second measured variable, wherein each detection module is matched to the determination of the value of the defined reference point of the first variable in a predefined driving situation, a quality level is determined for each intermediate value determined, the quality levels of the intermediate values determined are compared and the value of the defined reference point is determined from the intermediate values determined in accordance with the result of the comparison of the quality levels. The invention also relates to a device which is suitable for carrying out the method.