Smart Home Sensor Fault Detection Under Abnormal Conditions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles face challenges in safely operating under unusual environmental conditions and sensor impairments, which can increase operational risks and require effective monitoring and remedial responses for safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for detecting sensor malfunctions in autonomous vehicles and smart homes by analyzing sensor data, determining sensor ranges, identifying malfunctions, and performing corrective actions, including alerts, repairs, and adjusting operational features based on risk assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous vehicles operate under unusual environmental conditions, then operational capability is maintained, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to sensor impairments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring sensor data and detecting malfunctions before they compromise safety. The method proactively identifies sensor impairments through data analysis and triggers remedial responses in advance, preventing unsafe operation rather than reacting after hazards occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by analyzing sensor data to detect malfunctions and automatically adjusting operational features based on sensor health status. This closed-loop feedback enables the vehicle to adapt its operation in real-time, maintaining safety by reducing reliance on impaired sensors and optimizing feature usage according to current sensor conditions.
2Reliability
If sensor monitoring and malfunction detection systems are implemented, then safety and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using the existing sensor network for both primary operational sensing and malfunction detection. The same sensors that gather environmental data also serve as the basis for detecting their own impairments, eliminating the need for separate monitoring hardware and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-service by automatically detecting its own malfunctions through data analysis. The method enables sensors to monitor their own health status and trigger remedial responses without external intervention, reducing the complexity of manual monitoring systems while improving reliability through continuous self-diagnosis.
3Reliability
If remedial responses and corrective actions are implemented upon malfunction detection, then operational safety improves, but response time and operational efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares remedial responses in advance by having pre-defined corrective actions ready for different malfunction scenarios. When a sensor malfunction is detected, the system can immediately implement the appropriate pre-planned response, minimizing response time while ensuring safety. Examples include switching to backup sensors or adjusting operational features without delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational features in real-time based on detected sensor malfunctions. Rather than following fixed, time-consuming protocols, the system adaptively modifies its operation to maintain safety while minimizing disruption. This dynamic response optimizes the balance between safety and operational efficiency by tailoring corrective actions to the specific malfunction conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for assessing, detecting, and responding to malfunctions involving components of autonomous vehicles and/or smart homes are described herein. Malfunctions may be detected by receiving sensor data from a plurality of sensors. One of these sensors may be selected for assessment. An electronic device may obtain from the selected sensor a set of signals. When the set of signals includes signals that are outside of a determined range of signals associated with proper functioning for the selected sensor, it may be determined that the selected sensor is malfunctioning. In response, an action may be performed to resolve the malfunction and/or mitigate consequences of the malfunction.