Acoustic Distance Measurement Using Dual Sound Wave Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in accurately determining the distance between electronic devices, particularly in IoT environments where precise distance measurement is crucial for various applications such as smart homes, smart cities, and connected devices.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using electronic devices equipped with speakers and microphones to transmit and receive sound waves, calculating the distance based on the delay period between the transmission and reception of these sound waves, and adjusting for calibration to ensure accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic ranging is used to determine distance between devices, then distance measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient for accurate proximity detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the distance measurement process into multiple segments: (1) transmitting a first sound wave and measuring its arrival time at the second device, (2) transmitting a second sound wave after a delay period and measuring its arrival time, (3) calculating distance based on the time difference and known sound propagation speed. This segmentation enables precise distance measurement by breaking down the complex ranging problem into manageable time-of-flight measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the delay period between the first and second sound wave transmissions. This predetermined delay period is communicated to the second device in advance, allowing both devices to synchronize their measurements and calculate distance accurately without requiring complex real-time coordination during the actual ranging process.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sound waves are transmitted for distance measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by transmitting sound waves in discrete, periodic bursts rather than continuously. The first sound wave is transmitted, followed by a delay period, then the second sound wave is transmitted. This periodic transmission pattern achieves accurate distance measurement through multiple measurements while consuming significantly less energy compared to continuous sound wave emission.
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 allows for precise distance measurement between electronic devices, enhancing the functionality of IoT applications by enabling accurate proximity detection and position-based services.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, the second apparatus, a first sound wave by using an output unit; receiving, from the second apparatus, a second sound wave by using an input unit
Implementation Method 2
determining a distance between the first apparatus and the second apparatus based on the delay period and a difference between a timing when the first sound wave is transmitted and a timing when the second sound wave is received
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for measuring distance by using electronic devices are provided. The apparatus includes an output unit, an input unit, and a controller. The output unit may be configured to transmit the first sound wave, and the input unit may be configured to receive the second sound wave from another apparatus that receives the first sound wave. The controller may be configured to determine the distance between the apparatus and the another apparatus based on a first value and a second value. The first value may correspond to a difference between a timing of initiating a transmission of the first sound wave and a timing of receiving the second sound wave, and the second value may correspond to a difference between a timing when the another apparatus initiates the transmission of the second sound wave and the timing when the another apparatus receives the first sound wave.