Bidirectional Distance Measurement with Adaptive Frequency Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional distance measurement systems do not adjust the measurement frequency based on the distance to the mobile terminal, leading to inaccurate distance measurements.

Innovation Solution

A distance measuring system comprising a first and second communication station, where the second station performs distance measurement based on bidirectional signal transmission and adjusts the measurement frequency according to the measured distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the measurement frequency is kept constant regardless of distance, then the system operation is simple, but the distance measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement frequency control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement frequency adjustable based on measured distance. The frequency setting unit dynamically changes the measurement frequency according to distance conditions, transitioning from a static fixed-frequency system to a dynamic adaptive-frequency system that optimizes measurement accuracy for different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the measurement frequency parameter based on distance measurements. When the mobile terminal is within a predetermined distance, the system switches to a first measurement frequency; when beyond that distance, it uses a second frequency, thereby adapting the system parameter to match operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the measurement frequency is increased to improve accuracy, then the distance measurement accuracy is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts measurement frequency based on distance conditions. When the mobile terminal is far from the base station, measurements are performed at a lower frequency, reducing power consumption. When the terminal approaches within the predetermined distance, the frequency increases to improve measurement accuracy, thus dynamically balancing power usage and measurement needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by performing high-frequency measurements only when necessary (when the mobile terminal is within the predetermined distance). For distances beyond this threshold, the system uses lower-frequency measurements, avoiding excessive power consumption while maintaining sufficient measurement capability for the given operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the measurement frequency is decreased to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the distance measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddistance measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the measurement frequency parameter based on distance conditions to optimize the balance between power consumption and measurement accuracy. By setting different frequency thresholds corresponding to different distance ranges, the system ensures adequate measurement accuracy is maintained when needed while reducing power consumption during extended-range operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If the measurement frequency is adjusted based on distance, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidfrequency setting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using the distance measurement result to control the measurement frequency. The frequency setting unit receives feedback from the distance measurement and automatically adjusts the frequency accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that improves accuracy while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple through automated feedback-based adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 highly accurate distance measurement by dynamically adjusting the measurement frequency, improving measurement accuracy and reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a distance measuring part configured to perform a distance measuring process of measuring a distance between the first communication station and the second communication station based on a result obtained from a signal transmitted bidirectionally between the first communication station and the second communication station

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP4603872A1Distance measurement system, communication station, and distance measurement method
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP4603872A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4603872A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4603872A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

Provided are a distance measuring system, a communication station, and a distance measuring method, in which highly-accurate distance measurement can be performed by setting the measurement frequency according to a measured distance. The distance measuring system includes a first communication station; and a second communication station, wherein the second communication station includes a distance measuring part configured to perform a distance measuring process of measuring a distance between the first communication station and the second communication station based on a result obtained from a signal transmitted bidirectionally between the first communication station and the second communication station; and a frequency setting part configured to set a frequency at which the distance measuring process is performed by the distance measuring part according to the distance measured by the distance measuring part.