Phase Meter Multi-Target Distance Measurement Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase meters are not capable of accurately measuring distances to multiple targets simultaneously, limiting their reliability and accuracy in field applications where multi-target situations are common.
Innovation Solution
A mathematical algorithmic method for phase meters that processes signals to determine distances to multiple spatially separated targets, formulating the measurement task as a statistical parameter estimation problem and solving it through maximum likelihood estimation, enabling simultaneous distance measurement with high accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional phase meter is used for distance measurement, then high measurement accuracy in the mm or sub-mm range is achieved, but the device is not capable of measuring multiple targets simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the received composite signal into individual target signals through mathematical signal processing. The algorithm separates the superimposed echoes from multiple targets, allowing each target's distance to be determined independently while maintaining the high accuracy characteristic of phase meters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the traditional single-target phase measurement approach to a multi-dimensional signal processing framework. By analyzing the signal in the frequency domain and using mathematical transformations, the system extracts distance information for multiple targets simultaneously, adding the dimension of multi-target capability to the phase measurement method.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a time-of-flight meter is used to detect multiple targets, then multi-target capability is improved, but measurement accuracy in the mm or sub-mm range cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-of-flight measurement mechanism with a phase measurement mechanism enhanced by mathematical signal processing. Instead of relying on pulse transit time detection, the system uses phase comparison of modulated continuous waves combined with advanced signal processing algorithms to achieve both multi-target capability and high measurement accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid system is used that models transmitters and receivers with targets, then multi-target capability is achieved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex hybrid system model. By focusing on the phase information of the received signals and applying mathematical signal processing, the system achieves multi-target capability without implementing the full complexity of hybrid system modeling, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from a comprehensive hybrid model analysis to phase-based measurement with mathematical signal processing. This parameter change enables multi-target capability while maintaining lower device complexity by relying on well-established phase measurement techniques enhanced by signal processing algorithms.
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 accurate simultaneous distance measurement to multiple targets, overcoming the limitations of conventional phase meters and improving the reliability of distance measurement devices in field applications.
Implementation Method 1
Commercially available electro-optical distance measuring devices work primarily on the principle of phase measurement or pulse transit time measurement
Implementation Method 2
receive one or more echoes from the backscattering objects
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Distances to targets (2a, 2b) are simultaneously determined in a method for measuring distance according to the phase measuring principle with a time discrete emission of periodic signals (7) and a sampling of received signals for generating and optionally storing sampled values, whereby the signals have signal portions that are reflected by the targets (2a, 2b) and superimposed. A statistical parameter estimation problem based on a mathematical signal model is solved in such a manner that the number of the targets (2a, 2b) for more than one target (2a, 2b) is preset or fundamentally, the number of targets is determined by the method, and the inequalities D -