초록 ▼

A method for adaptively scheduling maintenance of a sensor (14) infers the need for maintenance of that sensor on the basis of an error signal indicative of a difference between a measurement signal generated by that sensor and an independently obtained reference signal that is correlated with the m

A method for adaptively scheduling maintenance of a sensor (14) infers the need for maintenance of that sensor on the basis of an error signal indicative of a difference between a measurement signal generated by that sensor and an independently obtained reference signal that is correlated with the measurement signal (16). Although the reference signal is not identical to the measurement signal, the correlation between these two signals assures that when the sensor is functioning, the two signal will track each other over time. The method includes the step of generating this error signal and then monitoring that error signal to detect a triggering event indicative of a mismatch between the reference signal and the measurement signal. This mismatch is indicative of a probability that there exists a malfunction in the sensor. The value of this probability depends on the choice of the triggering event.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for detecting deterioration in a measurement sensor comprisingobtaining a measurement signal from the measurement sensor, obtaining a reference signal from a reference sensor, the reference signal being obtained independently of the measurement signal and being at least partially correla

1. A method for detecting deterioration in a measurement sensor comprisingobtaining a measurement signal from the measurement sensor, obtaining a reference signal from a reference sensor, the reference signal being obtained independently of the measurement signal and being at least partially correlated with the measurement signal, generating an error signal from the measurement signal and the reference signal, and monitoring the error signal to detect deterioration in the measurement sensor.