Phase-Based Echo Tracking for Filling Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling level determination methods are not always reliable due to challenges in accurately allocating echoes to corresponding tracks, especially in distinguishing between positive and negative echoes based on amplitude and phase.
Innovation Solution
A filling level measuring device and method that generates and processes signals to determine the relative sign and phase of echoes, allocating them to tracks based on matching amplitude and phase values, using techniques such as correlation and trigonometric calculations, and preventing allocation if signs or phases differ, thereby enhancing echo tracking reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If echo allocation is based on echo position, echo width, echo amplitude, echo form and echo velocity, then tracking coverage is comprehensive, but allocation reliability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phase-based tracking as a new parameter dimension to distinguish between positive and negative echoes. By utilizing the phase information of echoes and comparing it with reference phases stored in memory, the system can reliably allocate echoes to correct tracks while filtering out spurious echoes, thereby improving allocation reliability without requiring complex additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase comparison as an intermediary mechanism to resolve the ambiguity in echo allocation. The phase information acts as a mediator that bridges the transmission signal and the received echo, enabling the system to determine whether an echo is positive or negative and allocate it appropriately, thus enhancing reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Measurement precision
If conventional echo allocation methods are used, then processing is simple, but distinction between positive and negative echoes is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances echo classification precision by utilizing phase information as an additional discriminating parameter. By comparing the phase of received echoes with reference phases stored in memory, the system can accurately distinguish between positive and negative echoes, which directly improves both measurement precision and tracking reliability without requiring complex additional hardware
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 solution improves the reliability and accuracy of echo allocation, reducing erroneous tracking by using relative sign and phase determination to correctly classify echoes and prevent misallocation, leading to more precise filling level measurements.
Implementation Method 1
generating and transmitting a transmission signal towards the fill medium
Implementation Method 2
acquisition of an echo curve corresponding to a reflected part of the transmission signal
Data Source
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AI summary
For echo tracking, it is important to allocate an echo to an echo track. According to an aspect of the invention, the relative sign of the amplitude of the echo in relation to a corresponding amplitude of the transmission signal or the relative phase of the echo in relation to a corresponding phase of the transmission signal are determined and echo allocation is based on the result of this determination.