Multi-tone Continuous Wave Detection for Simultaneous Range and Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR and RADAR technologies are time-consuming due to the need for successive measurements, limiting their application in dynamic environments like satellite monitoring, and are unable to detect velocity information effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of multi-tone continuous wave (MTCW) signals for simultaneous range and velocity measurements, which eliminates the need for frequency scans and successive measurements, utilizing a continuous wave or quasi-continuous wave laser or radio wave, and employs interference techniques for highly sensitive measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LIDAR and RADAR use successive measurements, then measurement precision can be maintained, but measurement time increases and velocity detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using multiple discrete frequency tones in a continuous wave signal. Each tone provides a periodic measurement component, and by combining multiple tones, the system achieves both fast single-shot range measurement and velocity detection simultaneously, eliminating the need for successive measurements while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic frequency modulation with multiple tones that can be adjusted in frequency and amplitude. This dynamic approach allows the system to extract both range and velocity information from a single measurement shot, resolving the contradiction between measurement speed and precision
2Loss of information
If conventional LIDAR uses successive measurements, then complete data can be collected, but the system cannot track moving objects effectively
Solution Approach 1:
By using multiple periodic frequency tones simultaneously, the system captures complete range and velocity information in a single shot, enabling effective tracking of moving objects without the need for successive measurements that would miss the object's motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency domain analysis as an intermediary method to extract both range and velocity information from the reflected continuous wave signal. This intermediary approach allows simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters from a single measurement, enabling tracking of moving objects while maintaining data completeness
3Loss of information
If conventional LIDAR performs frequency scans, then velocity information can be detected, but measurement time increases and single-shot capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple periodic frequency tones simultaneously in the continuous wave signal. By analyzing the periodic responses at different frequencies in the frequency domain, the system extracts velocity information without needing to perform sequential frequency scans, achieving single-shot velocity detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple frequency measurements into a single continuous wave signal containing multiple tones. This combining approach allows the system to obtain velocity information from all frequencies simultaneously rather than scanning through them sequentially, eliminating the time penalty while retaining velocity detection capability
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 fast, single-shot LIDAR measurements with cm-scale resolution and high dynamic range, capable of measuring sea surface height with less than 4 cm accuracy, and applicable in dynamic environments like satellite systems, while also providing velocity information.
Implementation Method 1
The reflected signal can be combined with a reference signal to generate an interference pattern from the plurality of resultant RF tones
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples for multi-tone continuous wave detection and ranging are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an initial signal is generated using initial radio frequency (RF) tones, and is emitted as a multi-tone continuous wave signal. The initial signal is reflected from a target and received as a reflected signal. Resultant RF tones, including a frequency and a power, are determined from the reflected signal in a frequency domain. A frequency-domain sinusoidal wave is fitted to the resultant RF tones in the frequency domain, and a distance to the target is determined using a modulation of the frequency-domain sinusoidal wave.