Virtual Sensor Network Interdependency Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual sensor systems in complex control systems often operate independently, leading to unpredictable interactions, resource competition, and potential feedback loops, which can result in undesired outcomes and instability.
Innovation Solution
A virtual sensor network system that integrates multiple virtual sensors, determines interdependencies, and uses a controller to assess operational fitness, presenting conditions where the network is unfit to provide output parameters to the control system, thereby preventing instability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual sensors are used independently in a control system, then the system can provide multiple sensing parameters, but unpredictable interactions and feedback loops may cause system instability
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having virtual sensors monitor each other's operational status and interdependencies. When a virtual sensor detects that another virtual sensor's output is being used as its input, it generates a feedback signal to alert the control system of the potential feedback loop condition, allowing the system to take corrective action before instability occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that acts as a mediator between virtual sensors. This intermediary monitors interdependencies among virtual sensors, detects potential feedback loops and resource competition, and coordinates their operation to prevent unstable interactions while maintaining the benefits of multiple sensing parameters.
2Ease of operation
If multiple virtual sensors operate independently without coordination, then each sensor can function autonomously, but they may compete for limited computing resources such as processor, memory, or I/O
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual sensors provide feedback signals to the control system indicating their operational status and resource usage. This feedback mechanism enables the control system to monitor and manage computing resource allocation dynamically, preventing resource exhaustion while maintaining virtual sensor autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with multi-functional capabilities to manage multiple virtual sensors efficiently. It performs multiple functions including monitoring interdependencies, detecting feedback loops, managing resource allocation, and coordinating virtual sensor operations, thereby reducing overall computing resource consumption through centralized intelligence.
3Measurement precision
If conventional virtual sensors process measurements independently, then each sensor can provide its specific measurement, but the lack of awareness of other virtual sensors may result in unpredictable effects in complex control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback to communicate inter-sensor dependency information. Virtual sensors generate feedback signals that convey information about their inputs, outputs, and relationships with other virtual sensors to the control system, preventing loss of dependency information while preserving individual measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the information flow by separating individual measurement processing from interdependency monitoring. Each virtual sensor independently processes its measurement to maintain precision, while a separate monitoring mechanism segments the dependency information collection and analysis functions, ensuring both precision and complete information availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is used for providing sensing data to a control system of a machine. The method may include providing a plurality of virtual sensors, each of which may have a model type, at least one input parameter, and at least one output parameter. The method may also include integrating the plurality of virtual sensors into a virtual sensor network; determining interdependencies among the plurality of virtual sensors; and obtaining operational information of the plurality of virtual sensors. Further, the method may include determining a first condition under which the virtual sensor network is unfit to provide one or more virtual sensor output parameter to the control system based on the determined interdependencies and the operational information; and presenting the determined first condition to the control system.