Wireless Sensor Calibration via NFC Proximity Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calibration of electronic measurement devices is time-consuming and error-prone, especially when dealing with large numbers of wireless sensor nodes in applications like smart buildings, where different devices require distinct calibration procedures, leading to substantial costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a calibration device and a measurement device that establish a data communication link to perform synchronized measurements of physical phenomena, allowing for the computation and exchange of calibration parameters, utilizing NFC or RFID technology for proximity-based data transfer, and potentially using a portable calibration device to simplify the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional calibration procedures are used for each measurement device individually, then measurement precision can be maintained, but calibration time and complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration device and measurement device into a single integrated system. The measurement device incorporates both sensing elements and calibration functionality, allowing calibration to be performed automatically without separate external calibration equipment. This integration eliminates the time-consuming process of connecting separate calibration devices and enables rapid self-calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement device performs self-calibration using internal reference elements and processing circuitry. The device automatically compares sensor outputs against known reference values stored in memory and adjusts calibration parameters without requiring external intervention or specialized calibration equipment, thereby dramatically reducing calibration time while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If different calibration devices and procedures are used for different types of measurement devices, then calibration accuracy can be optimized for each device type, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device incorporates a universal calibration system that can handle multiple sensor types and calibration scenarios through integrated processing circuitry and stored calibration data. The device contains reference elements and calibration algorithms that work across different measurement parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.), allowing a single device to perform calibration functions that previously required multiple specialized calibration devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically selects and executes appropriate calibration procedures based on the sensor type and measurement parameter being calibrated. The processing circuitry identifies the required calibration method and retrieves corresponding reference data from memory, eliminating the need for operators to manually select from different calibration procedures and reducing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If manual calibration procedures are used for large numbers of wireless sensor nodes, then individual device accuracy can be ensured, but productivity and cost efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Each wireless sensor node is equipped with self-calibration capability through integrated reference elements and processing circuitry. The nodes automatically perform calibration using stored reference data, eliminating the need for manual calibration of each individual device. This enables bulk calibration of thousands of sensor nodes without requiring proportional manual effort, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining individual device accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Calibration reference data and algorithms are pre-loaded into the memory of each measurement device during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation allows the devices to perform autonomous calibration without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention during deployment, enabling rapid calibration of large numbers of devices and significantly improving calibration throughput.
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 reduces calibration efforts to a single, simple end-user action, minimizing errors and costs by enabling efficient computation and exchange of calibration parameters, thereby streamlining the calibration process for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
a data communication link is established between the measurement device and the calibration device; utilizing NFC or RFID technology for proximity-based data transfer
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention a method for calibrating a measurement device is conceived wherein: a calibration device is brought into close proximity of the measurement device such that a data communication link is established between the measurement device and the calibration device; wherein the following steps are performed while the calibration device and the measurement device are in close proximity of each other: the calibration device performs a measurement of at least one physical phenomenon; the measurement device performs a measurement of the same physical phenomenon; the result of the measurement by the measurement device is compared with the result of the measurement by the calibration device; and calibration parameters are computed based on a difference between the result of the measurement by the measurement device and the result of the measurement by the calibration device.