Acoustic Signal Modification for Layered Structure Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-acoustic techniques struggle to accurately analyze complex structures within a medium due to distortions from transmitters, receivers, and the medium, making it difficult to separate signal degradation from structural interactions, especially with complex structures having multiple parts or layers.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize signal modification techniques to compensate for distortions caused by both the analyzing devices and the transmission medium, as well as specific portions of the complex structure, rendering them acoustically transparent, allowing independent analysis of different parts by applying phase and amplitude modifications and adjusting frequency bandwidths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If signal modification techniques are applied to reduce distortions from transmitters and receivers, then signal degradation from hardware is reduced, but distortions from complex structures with multiple parts or layers remain difficult to separate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex structure into multiple portions (first portion, second portion, etc.) and analyzing each separately. The control circuitry initiates analysis of a first portion by applying signal modification according to first modification data, then initiates analysis of a second portion using second modification data. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex multi-layer structures by breaking them down into manageable segments that can be analyzed independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying at least one of the phase and amplitude of the acoustic signal through a signal modifier. The control circuitry applies different signal modifications (first modification data, second modification data) depending on which portion of the structure is being analyzed. This dynamic adjustment of signal parameters enables the system to compensate for distortions introduced by different portions of the complex structure, thereby improving measurement precision.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If signal modification is applied to render portions acoustically transparent, then analysis of remaining portions becomes easier, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the signal modifier controlled by modification data - that acts as a mediator between the acoustic signal and the structure portions. By applying signal modifications according to stored modification data, the system creates an intermediary processing layer that compensates for distortions introduced by structure portions, effectively rendering them acoustically transparent and facilitating easier detection of remaining portions.
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
Enables accurate analysis of complex structures by reducing distortions from both hardware and structural components, allowing for detailed characterization of structural layers and defects, including detection of interfaces and defect sizes.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical signal supplied to a transducer generates an acoustic signal which travels through the medium to the remote structure
Implementation Method 2
the acoustic signal after it has interacted with the structure is received at a transducer and distortions or perturbations in the signal are analysed
Implementation Method 3
a signal modifier configured to modify at least one of a phase and amplitude of said acoustic signal at at least one of said acoustic signal transmitter and acoustic signal receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for analyzing structures within a medium. The device may include: at least one acoustic signal transmitter and acoustic signal receiver configured to output an acoustic signal and to receive an acoustic signal; an analyzer configured to analyze received acoustic data; a signal modifier configured to modify the acoustic signal of the acoustic signal transmitter or acoustic signal receiver; and control circuitry for controlling analysis of the structure. The control circuitry is configured to: initiate analysis of a first portion of the structure by controlling the signal modifier to apply a signal modification to the transmitter or the receiver to modify respective acoustic signals according to first modification data; and initiate analysis of a second portion of the structure by controlling the signal modifier to apply a signal modification to the transmitter or the receiver to modify respective acoustic signals according to second modification data.