Distance Measuring Device Using Medium Velocity Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data communication, measuring distances is challenging due to unclear propagation velocities through communication media, especially when there are media other than the optical fiber between communication equipment or when multiple devices are involved, making it difficult to accurately determine distances based on response times.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring device and method that acquire transmission and reception timings of probe packets, calculate response times, store medium velocities, and use these to calculate distances to a probe target, accounting for varying signal transmission velocities in the communication medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If response time measurement is used for distance measurement in data communication, then distance can be measured without physical measurement tools, but the measurement precision deteriorates because propagation velocities through communication media are unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing medium velocity values in a database before performing distance measurement. The system retrieves the appropriate medium velocity from storage based on the communication medium type, rather than attempting to calculate or measure it during the distance measurement process. This preliminary preparation of velocity data enables accurate distance calculation when combined with response time measurement.
2Device complexity
If constant medium velocity is assumed for distance measurement, then calculation is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates when media other than optical fiber are involved or when multiple communication devices are inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by storing multiple medium velocity values corresponding to different communication medium types (e.g., optical fiber, copper cable, wireless) in a database. The system dynamically selects and uses the appropriate velocity parameter based on the actual communication medium being measured, rather than assuming a constant velocity. This allows the calculation to remain simple while adapting to different medium conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication devices are inserted in the transmission path, then communication flexibility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because the propagation velocity becomes unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing medium velocity information for different communication path configurations involving multiple devices. When measuring distance across a path with multiple communication devices, the system retrieves the appropriate composite or segment-specific medium velocity from storage, enabling accurate distance measurement despite the complexity of the transmission path.
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring device provided with measuring means for acquiring a transmission timing at which a probe packet was transmitted to a probe target, and a reception timing at which a response packet to the probe packet was received from the probe target; response time calculating means for calculating a response time by using the transmission timing and the reception timing; medium storing means for storing a medium velocity, which is a signal transmission velocity in a transmission medium used for transmission between a distance measuring device and the probe target; and distance calculating means for calculating a distance to the probe target by using the response time and the medium velocity.