Adaptive Receiver Sweep for Field Data Error Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data collection in three-dimensional fields subject to distortion introduces significant errors due to non-uniform flow and time-of-flight variations, making it challenging to achieve accurate measurements, especially when using a limited number of sensors and realistic time segments for data collection.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a receiver with adjustable sensitivity that sweeps along an initial arc, collects signals at two different times, compares the differences to a threshold, and re-sweeps along a shorter arc if errors exceed the threshold, thereby reducing data collection time and increasing resolution and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data collection time is extended to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but field distortion error increases due to non-uniform flow and time-of-flight variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor array movable rather than stationary. The sensor array translates through the fluid field at a controlled velocity, allowing continuous sampling of multiple particles over time. This dynamic approach transforms static Eulerian measurements into dynamic Lagrangian-like measurements, enabling accurate field reconstruction despite field distortion during the measurement period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring particle positions and using this information to adjust the reconstruction algorithm. The system measures particle positions at multiple time points, detects the distortion caused by fluid flow, and uses this distortion information to compensate for errors in the final field reconstruction, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the number of sensors is increased to improve field measurement coverage, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces sensor array complexity by making the array movable rather than using a large static array. A single sensor array that translates through the field can collect data from multiple locations sequentially, replacing the need for numerous simultaneous sensors. This dynamic single array approach achieves the same measurement coverage as a much larger static array would provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the field measurement task into sequential segments. Instead of measuring the entire field simultaneously with many sensors, the movable sensor array divides the measurement into multiple time segments, sampling different regions of the field at different times and reconstructing the complete field picture from these segmented measurements.
3Measurement precision
If data collection is performed over a larger angular sweep to improve field coverage, then measurement precision improves, but data collection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by having the sensor array continuously translate through the field while simultaneously collecting data. Rather than performing discrete sweeps or stationary measurements, the system maintains continuous measurement action throughout the data collection period, maximizing the efficiency of each moment in time and reducing total collection time.
Data Source
AI summary
A data collection method uses a receiver having data collection sensitivity to signals originating from objects dispersed in a field that is subject to distortion. The sensitivity of the receiver is swept along a first arc. For each of the objects detected during the sweeping step, two of the signals are collected at two different points in time. A difference between the two signals is compared to a threshold. When the difference exceeds the threshold, the sensitivity of the receiver is re-swept along a second arc that is angularly less than the first arc. When the difference is less than the threshold, the signals are captured.