Weight Sensor Noise Removal via Vibration Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional weight measurement systems in materials handling facilities are prone to incorrect readings due to noise from environmental and mechanical sources, such as vibrations and external forces, which affect the accuracy of weight sensors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system using multiple weight sensors and additional sensors like vibration sensors to analyze and remove noise from the weight signals, allowing for the determination of a de-noised weight signal that accurately reflects the load's weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional weight sensors are used in materials handling facilities, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to noise from environmental and mechanical sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the weight measurement function into multiple independent sensors (first weight sensor and second weight sensor) that can be distributed across different locations. Each sensor independently measures weight data, and their outputs are processed separately to identify and remove noise, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives weight data from multiple sensors and applies noise removal algorithms. This intermediary layer separates the sensing function from the measurement function, allowing the sensors to simply collect data while the processing system handles the complex noise removal, thus improving accuracy without directly increasing sensor complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple weight sensors are deployed to improve measurement accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outputs of multiple weight sensors through a unified processing system that combines their data streams. By merging the sensor signals and applying collective noise removal processing, the system achieves improved measurement precision while managing complexity through consolidation of the processing architecture rather than treating each sensor independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated noise removal algorithms that process sensor data without requiring manual calibration or intervention. The system automatically identifies noise patterns from environmental and mechanical sources and removes them, allowing the multi-sensor system to maintain high precision without proportionally increasing operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Noise that is present in the output of a weight sensor can lead to erroneous weight data. A moveable device, such as a tote, may be used by a customer while shopping in a facility. This tote can include one or more weight sensors that are used to determine the weight of items added to or removed from the tote. However, noise can affect the output of the weight sensors, where such noise is attributed to movement or vibration of the tote. Data from a vibration sensor or a motion sensor coupled to the tote can be analyzed to determine noise that is common to weight data and vibration data or motion data associated with the tote. This common noise can then be removed or attenuated from the weight signals to determine de-noised and valid weight data for the tote.