Vending Machine Sensor Calibration via Two-Level Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calibrating a large number of discreetly distributed sensors in vending machines is prone to failure due to the variability in sensor output values caused by different storage column widths and item characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two-level calibration, where the input values of sensors are adjusted to achieve consistent output values by setting the first input terminals to a preset reference value and determining a common target input value for the second input terminals in the first level, and then adjusting the second input terminals to determine a corresponding target input value for the first input terminals in the second level, ensuring all sensors meet specific output value ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large number of sensors are discretely distributed in multiple storage columns, then the vending machine can detect items in various storage positions, but the calibration process becomes prone to failure due to variability in sensor output values
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is divided into two distinct levels: first-level calibration determines a common target input value for the second input terminal that works for all sensors in a storage column, while second-level calibration determines individual target input values for the first input terminal of each sensor. This segmentation allows systematic handling of large numbers of sensors while maintaining high calibration success rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the luminous intensity parameters of the optical generators through two-level calibration. By changing the input values to the sensors systematically (first common parameter for all sensors, then individual parameters), the output values are standardized despite variations in storage column widths and item characteristics, thereby improving calibration reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the storage columns are designed with different widths to adapt to various item sizes, then the vending machine can store diverse items, but the sensor output values become more variable and harder to calibrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different calibration parameters to different sensors based on their local conditions (storage column width, position, and detected item characteristics). The first input terminal receives sensor-specific target input values determined in the second-level calibration, allowing each sensor to be optimized for its specific location and storage column dimensions, thereby maintaining output consistency across diverse configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration parameters are made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The system determines target input values through a two-level process that can adapt to different storage column widths and item characteristics. This dynamic parameter adjustment enables the system to maintain sensor output consistency despite variations in storage column dimensions and item properties.
3Device complexity
If the optical generator has a fixed luminous intensity, then the sensor structure is simple, but the sensor output values vary with storage column width and item characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the physical structure of the sensors, the patent changes the operational parameters (input values) of the sensors through software-based two-level calibration. The first input terminal is adjusted with sensor-specific target values, and the second input terminal uses a common target value for all sensors in a storage column. This parameter adjustment achieves consistent output values without increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent intensifies the calibration process by applying a two-level calibration approach rather than a single-level method. This accelerated calibration process systematically determines target input values for both input terminals, ensuring that sensor output values meet required consistency standards more effectively and efficiently.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly increases the adjustable grades of luminous intensity and improves the calibration success rate by ensuring all sensors produce consistent output values, thereby alleviating the issues of discreteness in sensor distribution and item characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
each sensor includes an optical generator and an optical receiver, which are disposed face to face. Either the optical generator or the optical receiver is disposed on one side of the first baffle close to the second baffle, and the other is disposed on one side of the second baffle close to the first baffle
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method for calibrating sensors in a vending machine and a vending machine. input values of first input terminals and input values of second input terminals of sensors are determined through level 1 calibration and level 2 calibration, respectively, which may greatly increase the number of adjustable grades of the luminous intensity of an optical generator of each sensor, and may further greatly improve the success rate of calibration on the sensors.