Electromagnetic Object Detection Using Multi-Lobe Antennas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object detection systems face challenges in accurately identifying and classifying objects in large spaces or gates, particularly due to visibility risks and signal obstructions, and require efficient methods to determine object presence, material, and movement without high energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing electromagnetic signals with multi-lobe antennas and energy-saving receivers to detect and classify objects by measuring signal attenuation across multiple receiving devices, allowing for decentralized signal evaluation and reduced energy usage through selective signal transmission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If video systems are used for object detection in large spaces, then visual monitoring is possible, but obstruction and visual impairment occur reducing detection reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidobstruction and visual impairment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces video-based optical detection systems with electromagnetic signal-based detection systems. Instead of using cameras that are subject to visual obstruction and impairment, the invention uses transmitting devices that emit electromagnetic signals and receiving devices that detect signal attenuation, substituting a mechanical/optical system with an electromagnetic field-based system that is not affected by visual conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple receiving devices are deployed to improve detection accuracy, then object classification capability improves, but device complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject classification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection space into multiple zones by deploying receiving devices at different positions. Each receiving device independently measures signal attenuation in its specific zone, and the evaluation device combines these segmented measurements to achieve comprehensive object detection and classification. This segmentation approach improves measurement precision while keeping individual device complexity low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving devices are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as signal receivers and as positional sensors. The same devices that measure signal attenuation also provide spatial information about where attenuation occurs, eliminating the need for separate positioning systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high classification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If continuous signal transmission is used to ensure constant monitoring, then detection coverage is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitting device emits electromagnetic signals in periodic pulses rather than continuous transmission. Between pulses, the system enters a low-power state. This periodic transmission maintains detection coverage by regularly sampling the environment while dramatically reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous signal emission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the natural propagation and attenuation characteristics of electromagnetic signals in the environment to perform detection, rather than requiring active continuous probing. The receiving devices passively detect signal strength changes caused by objects, allowing the system to maintain constant monitoring capability with minimal energy input from the transmitting device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 rapid and accurate detection and classification of objects, including shape, material, and movement, with low maintenance and energy efficiency, suitable for various applications such as surveillance and logistics, without the need for extensive installation or power grid connections.

Implementation Method 1

The device 1 has a transmitter 2 and a receiving device 3 spaced apart from one another. The transmitter 2 is designed to emit signals 5. The receiving device 3 is designed to receive the signals 5.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

By comparing the respective signals, it is then determined at least whether an object is located between the transmitting device and the receiving device and therefore in the path of the transmitted signals.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3206044B1Device for detecting an object and corresponding method
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP3206044B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3206044B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3206044B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for detecting an object (10), wherein the device (1) comprises a transmitter (2), a receiver (3), and an evaluation device (4). The transmitter (2) sends out signals. The receiver (3) receives signals. The evaluation device (4) compares the signals sent by the transmitter (2) with the signals received by the receiver (3) and generates a comparison result. Furthermore, the evaluation device (4) determines from the comparison result whether the object (10) is located between the transmitter (2) and the receiver (3). The invention also relates to a corresponding method.