Microwave Surface Reconstruction Using Voxel Phase and Magnitude Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface measurement technologies, such as optical scanners and microwave-based methods, are effort-intensive and costly, and can only detect the outermost surface of an object, lacking efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that transmit measurement signals to determine voxels with phase and magnitude, using spatial coordinates to calculate normal vectors and reconstruct the surface, allowing for accurate surface measurement with low computational effort and enabling the detection of surface anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical scanners are used for surface measurement, then surface position can be detected, but the measurement process becomes extremely effort-intensive and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical scanning systems with a microwave-based measurement system. Instead of using optical sensors and mechanical scanning components, the invention employs microwave signals transmitted through an antenna array to probe the object surface. The surface information is extracted from the phase and magnitude of reflected microwave signals, eliminating the need for complex optical hardware and reducing measurement effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from optical reflection to microwave signal phase and magnitude. By transmitting microwave signals at specific frequencies and analyzing the phase shift and magnitude of reflected signals, the system achieves surface measurement with reduced computational effort compared to optical methods.
2Reliability
If conventional microwave-based methods are used for surface measurement, then surface information can be obtained, but effort-intensive optimization processes are required to achieve reliable information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the surface measurement problem into discrete voxel elements. Instead of treating the surface as a continuous complex optimization problem, the method segments it into individual voxels, each with defined phase and magnitude characteristics. This segmentation allows for simpler, more reliable determination of surface properties without requiring intensive global optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a simplified voxel-based model of the object surface that copies only the essential geometric and electromagnetic properties needed for measurement. By working with this simplified voxel representation rather than the full complex surface geometry, the system achieves reliable measurements with reduced computational optimization effort.
3Speed
If only the outermost surface is detected, then measurement speed is maintained, but subsurface information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the phase dimension to the traditional magnitude-only microwave measurement. By measuring both the magnitude and phase of reflected microwave signals, the system can distinguish between surface reflections and subsurface features at the same spatial location. This dimensional addition enables simultaneous detection of surface position and subsurface information without sacrificing measurement speed.
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 reliable and accurate surface measurement with reduced effort and cost, allowing for the identification of surface position, inclination, and anomalies, such as foreign bodies or defects, with enhanced accuracy and visualization.
Implementation Method 1
transmit a measurement signal in the direction towards the object under investigation and, on the basis of a resulting, reflected signal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises: (1) measuring unit configured to transmit a signal towards the object and to determine a plurality of voxels, each comprising phase and magnitude of a reflected signal and spatial coordinates (comprising Z-axis, X-axis and Y-axis), and the voxels comprise a plurality of series of voxels along the Z-axis, each having a same X-coordinate and a same Y-coordinate; and (2) surface-determining unit comprising (a) magnitude unit configured to determine a maximum magnitude voxel for each series of voxels, (b) phase unit configured to determine, for each maximum magnitude voxel, phases of at least three voxels (maximum magnitude voxel and voxels adjacent thereto), (c) angle unit configured to determine, for each maximum magnitude voxel, a normal vector based on the respective phases, and (d) reconstructing unit configured to determine the object surface based on the spatial coordinates of the maximum magnitude voxels and the respective normal vectors.