Multi-Sensor Resource Selection via Predictive Quality Metrics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-sensor systems require significant operator expertise and resources to optimize sensor usage, leading to sub-optimal performance and limited interchangeability, especially when sensors are overloaded, which can result in inability to meet specific operational demands.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that dynamically select sensor usage alternatives based on predicted quality metrics and priority levels, using a database of sensor usage alternatives, performance models, and weight calculations to optimize sensor resource allocation in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If operator-based sensor selection is used, then system can handle complex sensor management decisions, but operator burden and expertise requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator burdenVSAvoidautomated sensor selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically selecting sensor usage alternatives based on quality metrics and operational requests without requiring operator intervention. The device autonomously evaluates alternatives, applies performance models, and selects optimal sensor configurations, freeing the operator from complex decision-making tasks while maintaining high-level system control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If traditional sensor resource management is used, then operator can make decisions based on experimental knowledge, but system performance becomes sub-optimal under high demand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem responsivenessVSAvoidability to meet operational demands
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-evaluating sensor usage alternatives and storing them in a database before operational requests occur. When a request arrives, the device quickly retrieves and selects from pre-analyzed alternatives based on current quality metrics, enabling rapid response while ensuring optimal performance even under high demand conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring sensor quality metrics and using this information to dynamically select the most appropriate sensor usage alternatives. The device adjusts its selections based on real-time performance data, ensuring that the system responds optimally to changing operational conditions and maintains high reliability under varying demand levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If operator monopolization of sensor selection is used, then decisions can be made with expertise, but effectiveness of general system control is harmed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator decision flexibilityVSAvoidsystem control structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies segmentation by separating the sensor selection decision-making process from overall system control. The device handles the complex task of selecting sensor usage alternatives independently, while the operator maintains control over higher-level system functions. This segmentation reduces operator burden and simplifies the control structure while preserving operator flexibility in managing the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4102253B1Method and device for selecting the sensor resources of a multi-sensor system
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 THALES SA
  • EP4102253B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4102253B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4102253B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A sensor usage control device for a multi-sensor system is proposed, comprising: - an extraction unit (11) to extract a set of sensor usage alternatives from an alternative database (3), in response to a query indicating a system function type and at least one quality metric, each alternative being associated with at least one sensor and including, for each associated sensor, a sensor usage rate and a sensor usage time at said usage rate; - a prediction unit (12) to apply to each alternative and to each sensor associated with the alternative a sensor performance model corresponding to the sensor, providing for the sensor a predicted value for each quality metric; and - a selection unit (14) to select at least some of the alternatives based on the predicted values ​​of the quality metrics for the sensors of each extracted alternative.