Marker-Based Distance Estimation for Antenna Phase Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a wireless power receiver mounted on an airplane is within a short distance from a wireless power transmitter, the phase shift differences between multiple antenna elements become significant, leading to reduced combined power reception efficiency due to varying transmission distances.
Innovation Solution
A distance estimation device using a fisheye lens and image processing to determine the position and elevation angle of a marker, allowing real-time adjustment of phase shifts in the antenna elements to match received power phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple antenna elements transmit power to a short-distance power receiver, then power transmission capability is improved, but phase shift differences increase causing reduced combined power reception efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic phase shift adjustment based on real-time distance measurement. The distance between the feed device and power receiver is continuously measured, and phase shift values are dynamically adjusted according to this distance to compensate for path differences between multiple antenna elements, ensuring constructive interference and maximum power transfer efficiency at short distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase shift parameter of each antenna element based on the measured distance. By calculating the required phase compensation based on the distance d and antenna element positions, the system adjusts phase shifts to ensure that signals from all antenna elements arrive in phase at the power receiver, resolving the phase mismatch problem at short distances
2Reliability
If real-time distance estimation is implemented to adjust phase shifts, then power reception efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing and processing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a marker as an intermediary object attached to the power receiver. This marker serves as a reference target for distance measurement using the fisheye lens camera, enabling the system to obtain distance information without requiring complex direct measurement equipment between antenna elements and the power receiver
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex direct distance measurement mechanisms with an optical imaging system (fisheye lens camera). By using image processing to determine the position and size of the marker in the captured image, the system calculates distance based on geometric relationships, substituting mechanical measurement approaches with optical methods that are more integrated with the existing antenna system
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 real-time estimation of the distance between the power receiver and transmitter, enhancing power reception efficiency by aligning phases of transmission signals across multiple antenna elements.
Implementation Method 1
an image acquiring unit configured to acquire an image through a fisheye lens
Data Source
AI summary
A distance estimation device estimates a distance between an image acquiring unit and a marker in a first axis direction, based on coordinates of an upper end portion of the marker; coordinates of a lower end portion of the marker; and a length between the upper end portion and the lower end portion. The distance estimation device estimates a distance between the image acquiring unit and the marker in a third axis direction, based on a first elevation angle of a projected position and the distance in the first axis direction.