Broadband Signal Object Detection via Reverse Correlation Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ranging technologies are susceptible to interference, operate intermittently, and are often narrow band, limiting their ability to detect objects continuously and effectively, especially in environments with varying frequencies and obstacles.
Innovation Solution
The use of reverse correlation ranging methods involving a transmitter and receiver components that transmit and sample broadband signals, with a processing component to determine time-reversed instances and correlograms, allowing for continuous object detection and range determination without the limitations of traditional pulsed and narrow-band systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional pulsed sonar is used, then energy consumption is reduced and simplicity is maintained, but continuous object detection is not possible and detection speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuous broadband signal transmission instead of pulsed transmission, enabling continuous object detection without the gaps between pulses. The system transmits signals continuously and processes reflections in real-time, eliminating the time loss between pulses while maintaining energy efficiency through continuous processing rather than repeated pulsing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary signal processing by transmitting broadband signals continuously and pre-processing reflections to identify objects before they become obstacles. This allows the robotic device to detect and respond to objects proactively rather than reactively after pulse transmission completes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If narrow band signals are used, then system complexity is reduced and interference is minimized, but detection capability is limited for objects at specific frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs broadband signals that can detect objects across multiple frequency ranges simultaneously, making the system universal for detecting various types of objects with different reflective properties. The broadband transmission captures reflections across the entire frequency spectrum, allowing the system to adapt to different detection scenarios without requiring multiple specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the signal parameter from narrow band to broadband transmission, enabling detection across a wider frequency range. By analyzing reflections across multiple frequencies simultaneously, the system can identify objects that would be invisible to narrow-band systems, improving detection versatility while managing complexity through unified processing.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple traditional sonars operate simultaneously, then coverage is improved, but cross interference occurs and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses broadband signals as an intermediary that can coexist with other sonar systems without causing harmful interference. The broadband transmission serves as a mediator that allows multiple systems to operate simultaneously by capturing reflections across the full frequency spectrum, enabling other narrow-band sonars to function without disrupting the detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a composite approach by combining broadband signal transmission with sophisticated signal processing techniques. This composite methodology allows multiple sonars to operate simultaneously by processing reflections across different frequency bands separately, maintaining detection coverage while minimizing cross-interference through frequency-domain separation.
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 continuous and effective detection of objects across varying frequencies, reducing interference and improving detection speed and accuracy, allowing robotic devices to navigate autonomously in complex environments with improved range estimation and obstacle avoidance.
Implementation Method 1
a reflected signal comprised of a reflection of the broadband signal off the object
Implementation Method 2
determine a time-reversedinstance of the transmitted signal; determine a correlogram, the correlogram comprising a convolution of the time reversedinstance of the transmitted signal and the sampled signal
Data Source
AI summary
Broadband signal transmissions may be used for object detection and/or ranging. Broadband transmissions may comprise a pseudo-random bit sequence or a bit sequence produced using, a random process. The sequence may be used to modulate transmissions of a given wave type. Various types of waves may be utilized, pressure, light, and radio waves. Waves reflected by objects within the sensing volume may be sampled. The received signal may be convolved with a time-reversed copy of the transmitted random sequence to produce a correlogram. The correlogram may be analyzed to determine range to objects. The analysis may comprise determination of one or more peaks/troughs in the correlogram. Range to an object may be determines based on a time lag of a respective peak.