Velocity Detection Using a Known Light Path Without External References
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing velocity detection systems, such as LIDAR, radar, and GPS, rely on external references or known object velocities, limiting their functionality in environments without clear lines of sight or external systems.
Innovation Solution
A velocity detection system comprising an emitter, receiver, light path, and deducer that calculates velocity independently by measuring the travel time of light between the emitter and receiver, using classical mechanics principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LIDAR or radar is used to measure velocity, then the measurement can be performed, but the system depends on external objects with independent motion and clear lines of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the body itself as the reference frame by placing emitters and receivers on the body. The light path between these components provides a self-contained measurement mechanism that does not require external references, enabling velocity measurement in environments without external objects or clear lines of sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the velocity measurement function into separate emitters and receivers positioned at different locations on the body. By measuring the time of flight of light between these segmented components and knowing their relative positions, the system calculates velocity independently without requiring a single external reference point.
2Measurement precision
If GPS is used to determine velocity, then location and velocity can be measured, but the system requires clear line of sight to orbiting satellites and cannot function underground
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates dependency on external satellite infrastructure by using the body's own structure to provide the reference frame. Emitters and receivers mounted on the body create a self-contained measurement system that operates independently of GPS or other external positioning systems, enabling functionality in underground or visually isolated conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inertial navigation systems are used to detect velocity, then position and velocity can be determined without external references, but the system requires previously known position and vector data at an earlier time
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes the light path between emitters and receivers as a pre-configured reference framework before velocity measurement begins. This preliminary setup creates a static geometric relationship that serves as the reference frame for all subsequent measurements, eliminating the need for prior knowledge of position or velocity while maintaining independence from external references.
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 velocity measurement of a body without external references, facilitating autonomous navigation and position tracking in various environments, including underground and visually isolated conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The light traveling between the emitter and the receiver is measured using a measuring system. Using the measurements, such as the length and other properties of the light path and the constant speed of light (c) the deducer calculates the velocity of the body.
Implementation Method 2
Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) measures the time for reflected light to return to a receiver. The emitter radiates light photons which travel a known path until the photons reach the receiver. The light traveling between the emitter and the receiver is measured using a measuring system.
Data Source
AI summary
The velocity detecting system includes an emitter, a receiver, a light path, a measuring system, and a deducer to calculate the velocity of a body without relying on an external body with independent motion or an earlier known body velocity. The emitter radiates light photons which follow a known light path until the photons reach the receiver. The light is measured by a measuring system. Using the measurements, the light path, and the constant speed of light (c), the deducer calculates the velocity of the body in the direction of the light path.