Automated self testing of an electric field sensing device

A method for automated self-testing of an electric field sensing device mounted on a machine configured to traverse an area having a high-voltage power line, the method comprising:

• detecting, by a controller, a trigger event to initiate a self test of an electric field sensing device, the trigger event to initiate the self test of the electric field sensing device being based on determination of a distance between the electric field sensing device and the high-voltage power line relative to a predetermined minimum clearance distance;
• responsive to the trigger event being detected and with the electric field sensing device being at the determined distance from the high-voltage power line, initiate the self test of the electric field sensing device, the self test including:
• causing, by the controller and based on the trigger event to initiate the self test of the electric field sensing device, an electric field source to create a target electric field at a specific location sensed by the electric field sensing device, the target electric field being created to simulate one or more electric fields associated with the high-voltage power line;
• receiving, by the controller, measurement data indicating a measured electric field strength, detected by the electric field sensing device, of the target electric field;
• and
• determining, by the controller and based on the target electric field strength of the created target electric field and the measured electric field strength, whether the electric field sensing device passes the self test or does not pass the self test;
• and
• providing, by the controller, an indication of whether the electric field sensing device passes the self test or does not pass the self test
• with the electric field sensing device at the determined distance from the high-voltage power line, preventing, by the controller, an operation of the machine from being performed based on the electric field sensing device not passing the self test.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions, the set of instructions comprising:

• one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a controller of an automated self-testing system associated with a machine configured to traverse an area having a high-voltage power line, cause the controller to:
• detect a trigger event associated with initiating a self test of an electric field sensor, the trigger event to initiate the self test of the electric field sensor being based on determination of a distance between the electric field sensor and the high-voltage power line relative to a predetermined minimum clearance distance;
• responsive to the trigger event being detected and with the electric field sensor being at the determined distance from the high-voltage power line, initiate the self test of the electric field sensor, the self test including:
• cause, based on the trigger event, an electric field source to create a target electric field sensed by the electric field sensor, the target electric field being created to simulate one or more electric fields associated with the high-voltage power line;
• receive measurement data indicating a measured electric field strength, detected by the electric field sensor, of the target electric field;
• and
• determine and based on the target electric field strength of the created target electric field and the measured electric field strength, whether the electric field sensor passes the self test or does not pass the self test;
• and
• provide an indication of whether the electric field sensor passes the self test or does not pass the self test.