Phased Array Target Detection for Single-Transmission 3D Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine sonars and radars face inefficiencies in target detection due to the use of 2D or T-shaped arrays, which require multiple transmissions for visualization, consume excessive power, and are costly, and existing frequency beam forming techniques complicate setting independent frequency and direction ranges.
Innovation Solution
A target detection device with a transmission array that generates transmission signals with continuously changing phase shifts, allowing emission direction and frequency to vary over time, enabling 3D detection in a single transmission using a narrow frequency band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 2D array is used for target detection, then the detection capability and visualization quality are improved, but the device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into two separate 1D arrays (transmission array and reception array) arranged perpendicularly, rather than using a single 2D array. This segmentation reduces the total number of elements required while maintaining detection capability through the T-shaped configuration that enables both transmission and reception functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped array configuration allows the same array structure to perform multiple functions: the transmission array can transmit waves in different directions by controlling phase shifts, and the reception array can receive waves from multiple directions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated transmission and reception arrays.
2Device complexity
If a T-shaped array is used to reduce cost, then the device complexity is reduced, but the visualization capability deteriorates because multiple transmissions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic phase shift changes across the transmission array elements to create a scanning mechanism that sequentially directs transmission waves in different directions. By periodically adjusting the phase shifts, the system can visualize the entire underwater environment in a single transmission cycle without requiring multiple separate transmissions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the frequency range is widened to achieve wide detection range, then the detection versatility is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from widening frequency range to adjusting phase shift parameters. By varying the phase shift amounts applied to different array elements, the system can change the transmission direction and detection range without requiring a wide frequency range. This parameter change approach simplifies the circuitry while maintaining versatility.
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 efficient 3D visualization of targets and their environment in a single transmission, reducing costs by eliminating the need for additional circuitry and wide frequency range capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission array (103) having a plurality of transmission transducer elements (103a)
Implementation Method 2
a reception array (109) having a plurality of reception elements (109a), wherein the reception array (109) is configured to receive a reception wave from a target, and each reception element (109a) is configured to convert the reception wave into a corresponding reception signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A target detection device (100) is provided. The target detection device (100) includes a transmission array (103) having a plurality of transmission transducer elements (103a). The target detection device (100) further includes a signal generator (101). The signal generator (101) generates a plurality of transmission signals. The signal generator (101) further changes a phase of a base signal (bs(t)) by a phase shift amount that changes over time for generating each of the plurality of transmission signals. Furthermore, the signal generator (101) provides inputs to each transmission transducer element of the plurality of transmission transducer elements (103a) with one of the plurality of transmission signals. A reception array (109) having a plurality of reception elements (109a) is configured to receive a reception wave (107) from a target, and each reception element (109a) is configured to convert the reception wave (107) into a corresponding reception signal. An emission direction of a transmission wave (105) transmitted by the transmission array (103) changes over time, and a frequency of the transmission wave (105) changes over time with the change in the emission direction of the transmission wave (105) over time.