Real-Time EM Signal Calibration via Time-Delayed Reference Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current calibration methods for electromagnetic measurement units assume similar conditions during calibration and actual measurements, which can lead to inaccuracies due to environmental and setup changes, especially in dynamic or changing measurement setups.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that separate and delay reference signal components from electromagnetic signals, allowing for real-time calibration by analyzing interactions with both target objects and reference elements in different time slots, using splitters and time delay elements to compute accurate calibration corrections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If calibration is performed using reference elements with known impedances, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the calibration process requires separate calibration steps that interrupt actual measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcalibration interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines calibration measurements and actual target measurements into a single continuous measurement process. The reference element is positioned in the same measurement path as the target, allowing calibration data and target data to be collected simultaneously without interrupting the measurement workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration process operates continuously alongside target measurements rather than requiring periodic interruptions. The system maintains continuous measurement of both reference and target signals, enabling real-time calibration updates without stopping the measurement sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Device complexity

If calibration assumes similar conditions between calibration and measurement, then calibration simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when environmental conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration process simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy under changing conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the reference element's response and uses this feedback to dynamically update calibration parameters. When environmental conditions change, the reference measurement provides real-time feedback that automatically adjusts the calibration state, maintaining accuracy without complex manual recalibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration process transitions from a static, one-time procedure to a dynamic, continuously adapting process. The system automatically adjusts calibration parameters based on real-time reference measurements, allowing the calibration state to evolve with changing environmental conditions rather than remaining fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If reference signal components are separated and delayed for real-time calibration, then adaptive calibration accuracy is improved, but signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptive calibration accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The received signal is segmented into distinct reference signal components and target signal components using time-domain separation. By introducing controlled time delays to reference signals, the system creates temporally separated signal slots that can be independently processed, simplifying the extraction and analysis of calibration data from the composite received signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach enables continuous, adaptive calibration that accounts for real-time changes, improving measurement accuracy and robustness by separating and analyzing reference signal components in relation to the electromagnetic signals interacting with both target objects and reference elements.

Implementation Method 1

separating at least one reference signal component from an EM signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal splitting:

Implementation Method 2

delaying at least one of the EM signal and the at least one reference signal component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime delay:

Data Source

PatentUS8907682B2System and method for calibration of measurements of interacted EM signals in real time

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 SENSIBLE MEDICAL INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

A method of calibrating a measurement of electromagnetic (EM) signals. The method comprises separating at least one reference signal component from an EM signal, delaying at least one of the EM signal and the at least one reference signal component, extracting the EM signal after an interaction with a target object and the at least one reference signal component after at least one interaction with at least one reference element from different time slots in a reception, and calibrating a measurement of the interacted EM signal by a signal analysis of the extracted and interacted at least one reference signal component.