Microwave Barrier Receiver Circuit for Velocity and Length Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave barrier systems require significant hardware overhead and complex signal merging to determine the length and direction of moving objects, and they cannot accurately measure object length when stationary.
Innovation Solution
A receiver circuit with two sub-circuits for generating and transmitting signals, and detecting Doppler shifts, allowing for the determination of speed, direction, and length of objects using a single microwave barrier with reduced hardware and energy requirements, by arranging the transmission and reception circuits at an angle to the object's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two separate microwave barriers are used to determine direction and speed, then measurement capability is improved, but hardware overhead and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it receives the measuring signal for object detection, generates the first signal for Doppler shift measurement, and processes both signals to determine object properties including direction and speed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate microwave barriers while maintaining measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of two separate microwave barriers into a single receiver circuit that processes both the measuring signal and the first signal. By merging the reception and evaluation of both signals in one circuit, the system achieves the same measurement capabilities with reduced hardware overhead
2Measurement precision
If two independent microwave barriers are used, then direction and speed can be determined, but signal merging and additional electronics are required
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver circuit is designed as a universal processing unit that handles both the measuring signal evaluation and the Doppler shift analysis. This single multi-functional circuit eliminates the need for separate electronics units to merge signals from two independent barriers
3Device complexity
If a single microwave barrier is used, then hardware overhead is reduced, but the ability to determine direction and speed is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver circuit periodically switches between receiving the measuring signal and generating/transmitting the first signal for Doppler measurement. This periodic operation allows a single barrier to gather both detection and velocity data over time, maintaining measurement precision while reducing hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the single microwave barrier by using different signal types (measuring signal vs. first signal) and different evaluation methods (signal attenuation vs. Doppler shift). This allows one barrier to provide multiple measurement dimensions that would traditionally require separate barriers
4Reliability
If traditional microwave barrier is used, then object detection is achieved, but length measurement of stationary objects is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver circuit uses periodic switching between measuring signal reception and Doppler signal generation. During periods when the object is stationary, the system can still perform length measurement by analyzing the temporal characteristics of the measuring signal attenuation, and when the object moves, Doppler shift provides speed and direction data
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 classification of objects, including length measurement even when stationary, with reduced hardware and energy needs, applicable for various applications such as conveyor belts, rail vehicles, and watercraft, without the need for multiple microwave barriers.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a Doppler shift of the first signal reflected on the target object
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a microwave barrier with a receiver circuit for detecting a target object and determining its velocity. Velocity is determined by measuring the Doppler shift, for example, of a continuous wave signal, and the target object is detected by determining that a measurement signal transmitted by an opposing transmitter is no longer detected. This enables the precise determination of additional parameters, such as velocity, length, and signal attenuation, thereby ensuring accurate object classification.