Echo Classification for Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current level measurement technologies face challenges in accurately detecting multiple and ground clutter echoes, especially in containers with non-straight lids or complex reflection conditions, leading to incorrect measurements and inability to reliably classify echoes.
Innovation Solution
A fill level measuring device that uses echo classification based on the speed ratio of echoes to distinguish between ground, multiple, and anti-correlation echoes, with a tracking device to group echoes by reflection points and a statistical device to evaluate probabilities, allowing for robust detection and classification of echoes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional echo detection methods are used in containers with non-straight lids or complex reflection conditions, then the device structure remains simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately distinguish between ground echoes, multiple echoes, and filling material echoes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the speed ratio parameter of echoes to classify different echo types. By calculating and comparing the speed ratios of received echoes against predetermined thresholds, the system can distinguish between ground echoes, multiple echoes, and filling material echoes without requiring complex structural modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or structural solutions with a signal processing approach. Instead of using physical filters or complex antenna arrangements to separate echoes, the system uses electronic processing of echo speed ratios to achieve classification, substituting mechanical complexity with computational methods
2Reliability
If speed ratio-based echo classification is implemented, then measurement precision improves through accurate echo distinction, but device complexity increases due to tracking device and statistical evaluation components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the echo analysis process into distinct functional components: a tracking device that groups echoes by reflection points, a speed determination device that calculates echo speeds, and a statistical device that evaluates probabilities. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall reliability while organizing the complexity into manageable modules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through continuous re-evaluation of echo classifications. The statistical device continuously updates probability assessments based on new echo data and speed ratio calculations, allowing the system to adapt and improve classification accuracy over time, thereby enhancing measurement reliability
3Measurement precision
If multiple echo types are classified using speed ratio thresholds, then measurement precision improves, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to complex reflection conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by establishing predetermined speed ratio thresholds that correspond to different echo types. By comparing calculated speed ratios against these thresholds, the system automatically identifies echo types without requiring complex analysis, thereby improving measurement precision while managing detection difficulty through parameter-based classification
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 and robust detection of multiple and ground clutter echoes, improving measurement precision and reliability by continuously re-evaluating echo classifications with new data, even under complex reflection conditions.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic waves are emitted in the direction of a filling material surface. A sensor then records the echo signals reflected by the filling material
Implementation Method 2
A part of the incoming signals is reflected on the surface of the medium or filling material to be measured and returns to the level measuring device after an appropriate running time
Implementation Method 3
the echo classification comprises a classification of at least one further identified echo and a calculation of the corresponding probabilities for a correct classification; and wherein the echo classification assigns at least two of the identified echoes of the echo curve to a feature class selected from a group comprising the feature classes ground echo, multiple echo, anti-correlation echo and filling material echo
Data Source
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AI summary
The level indicator (701) has an echo curve detecting unit for detecting an echo curve (801 to 806), where the echo curve in two echoes (807,808,809,812) is identified by an echo identification unit. A velocity detecting unit is provided for detecting the velocity values of the echoes. An echo classification of the echoes is performed according to a sign of a ratio of the detected velocity values. A statistical device is provided to evaluate the statistical properties of a common measure of two echoes, where the common measure is a ratio of the detected velocity values. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a method for determining the position of a filling level or a separating layer in a container; (2) a program element; and (3) a computer readable medium for storing the program element.