Microwave Sensor Array for Dielectric Property Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for imaging and characterizing media, such as those using SAR and seismic signals, face challenges in estimating dielectric properties and propagation velocities in non-homogeneous media without prior knowledge of media parameters, leading to inaccuracies in imaging and material characterization.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an array of transducers and a processor unit that processes signals to calculate transfer functions, statistical measures, and medium parameters, including propagation velocity, dielectric constant, and refraction index, using empirical and theoretical covariance matrices to estimate medium properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If SAR or seismic imaging methods are used to image media, then imaging capability is achieved, but measurement precision of dielectric properties deteriorates due to lack of prior knowledge of media parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of media parameters (dielectric constant, propagation velocity) using transducers before conducting SAR or seismic imaging. This preliminary characterization provides accurate media parameters that are then used to improve the precision of subsequent imaging operations, resolving the contradiction by preparing necessary information in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system using transducers and signal processing that separately characterizes media parameters before imaging. This intermediary step provides accurate dielectric property data that mediates between the imaging process and the final image quality, eliminating the need for prior knowledge assumptions.
2Ease of operation
If imaging is performed without prior knowledge of media parameters, then operational flexibility is maintained, but imaging accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically measuring its own operating media parameters using the transducer array. The system does not require external provision of media parameter knowledge; instead, it autonomously acquires and uses this information to improve its own imaging accuracy, maintaining operational flexibility while achieving high precision.
3Device complexity
If conventional imaging methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision of medium parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs transducers that serve multiple functions: they act as both imaging elements for SAR/seismic operations and as measurement sensors for characterizing media parameters. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to perform both imaging and parameter measurement tasks, achieving high measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
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
The system effectively measures and estimates medium parameters, improving imaging accuracy and material characterization by accounting for non-homogeneous media conditions, enabling precise characterization of substances and objects within the media.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of said at least two transducers is configured to transmit a signal towards said medium... at least one transceiver attached to said at least two transducers is configured to transmit at least one signal toward the medium and receive a plurality of signals affected by the medium
Implementation Method 2
process said plurality of transfer functions to yield a plurality of statistical measures... process said statistical measures to calculate said medium parameters... wherein said medium parameters include a propagation velocity in the medium, or a dielectric constant of the medium
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, device and methods are provided for measuring parameters of a medium such as the dielectric properties of a medium including a plurality of layers, using an array of sensors. The array includes at least two transducers and at least one transceiver attached to the at least two transducers, the at least one transceiver being configured to transmit at least one signal toward the medium and receive a plurality of signals affected by the medium; a data acquisition unit and at least one processor unit, configured to: process the affected plurality of signals to yield a plurality of transfer functions wherein each of the plurality of transfer functions including the medium response between two transducers of the at least two transducers as function of frequency or time; process the plurality of transfer functions to yield a plurality of statistical measures, and process the statistical measures to calculate the medium parameters.