Fill Level Sensor Signal Segmentation for Interference Rejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the fill level of media in containers face challenges with interference signals, particularly in media with low dielectric constants and low electrical conductivity, leading to complex and selective signal evaluation processes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves filtering and processing received signals into sub-signals based on properties such as frequency, polarization, and solid angle, allowing for the separation and evaluation of actual echo signals from interference signals, using techniques like Fourier transformations and classification into signal classes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If selective and complex methods for signal evaluation are used to handle interference signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefill level determination accuracyVSAvoidsignal evaluation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The received signal is divided into multiple sub-signals based on different propagation times. Each sub-signal corresponds to a specific time window and can be evaluated independently. This segmentation allows the system to identify and process the useful echo signal separately from interference signals, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic division of the evaluation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If general and flexible handling of interference signals is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference signal handling flexibilityVSAvoidsignal processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The signal evaluation process is prepared in advance by defining multiple time windows for sub-signal generation before the actual measurement is needed. The propagation time ranges for different sub-signals are predetermined, allowing the system to quickly switch between different evaluation modes without performing complex real-time analysis. This preliminary preparation enables flexible adaptation to different measurement scenarios while keeping processing time minimal during actual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 flexible and general handling of interference signals, improving the accuracy and reliability of fill level determination by extracting specific information from sub-signals, even in complex surface structures and three-dimensional measurements.

Implementation Method 1

at least one transmission unit (4) for emitting at least one - in particular electromagnetic - transmission signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one reception unit (5) for receiving at least one - in particular electromagnetic - reception signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The running time method implemented by the measuring devices is based on the physical law that the running distance z. B. an electromagnetic signal is equal to the product of transit time and propagation speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP2657664B1Method for determining the fill level of a medium and corresponding apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 KROHNE MESSTECHNICK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2657664B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2657664B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2657664B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The method involves transmitting the transmission signal and receiving the return signal. The return signal and signal derived from the return signal are evaluated using adjustable evaluation criteria to determine the fill level of medium (1) in container (3). The return signal and signal derived from the return signal are filtered. The transmission signal with adjustable transmission signal characteristics is transmitted and return signal with adjustable receiving characteristics is received. An independent claim is included for a device for determining fill level of medium.