Phase-Based Ultrasonic Ranging for Multiple Target Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic ranging systems face challenges in accurately detecting multiple target objects, particularly those that are closely spaced, due to their reliance on amplitude sensing which may not effectively distinguish between them.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic ranging system employs phase-based detection using an ultrasonic transducer to transmit and receive signals, with a ranging processor generating a phase function from digital samples and implementing a convolution operation with a ramp function to produce a frequency profile, allowing for the identification of abrupt phase changes and multiple target locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If amplitude sensing is used for detecting target objects, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot effectively distinguish between closely spaced target objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from amplitude to phase information. By monitoring phase changes in the ultrasonic signal rather than amplitude variations, the system achieves the ability to distinguish closely spaced target objects. The ranging processor specifically detects phase shifts in the reflected signal to determine target locations, resolving the limitation of amplitude-based methods.
2Measurement precision
If phase-based detection is implemented, then multiple closely spaced target objects can be distinguished, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ranging processor as an intermediary component that handles the phase-based signal processing. This dedicated processor receives the reflected ultrasonic signal, extracts phase information, and determines target locations. By separating the phase analysis function into a dedicated processor, the overall system architecture remains manageable while achieving high precision target differentiation.
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
This approach enables more effective detection of multiple target objects by distinguishing closely spaced targets through phase information analysis, improving upon traditional amplitude-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal and to receive reflected ultrasonic signal paths having been reflected from a plurality of target objects
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic waves can be reflected from a target object, such that a receiver can receive the reflected ultrasonic waves to determine a presence and/or location of the target object in an echo-location manner
Implementation Method 3
generating digital samples associated with the reflected ultrasonic signal paths via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)
Implementation Method 4
detecting an abrupt phase change associated with the phase information
Implementation Method 5
generating a phase function associated with the digital samples via a ranging processor
Data Source
AI summary
One example includes an ultrasonic ranging system. The system includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal and to receive reflected ultrasonic signal paths having been reflected from a plurality of target objects during a ranging operation. The system also includes a ranging processor configured to detect a location associated with the plurality of target objects based on monitoring phase information associated with the reflected ultrasonic signal paths.