Radar Sensor Compensation Echo Curve Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar sensor systems require manual re-parameterization and creation of a new compensation echo curve for each container to effectively measure fill levels, especially when dealing with non-conductive materials like plastic or glass, due to interference signals from the container and its contents, which increases operational effort and reduces measurement precision.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically creating a compensation echo curve by recognizing the container, generating a preliminary echo curve, detecting specific amplitude maxima, and forming the compensation echo curve using these maxima to suppress interference signals, allowing for precise fill level measurement without manual re-parameterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual re-parameterization is performed for each container to create a compensation echo curve, then measurement precision is improved, but operational effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the container and generates the compensation echo curve without requiring manual intervention. The radar sensor performs self-calibration by detecting container echoes and processing them through the maximum formation algorithm, eliminating the need for operators to manually re-parameterize for each container change
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation echo curve is generated automatically as a preliminary step before actual fill level measurements begin. The system performs container detection and creates the compensation curve in advance, so that when measurement starts, the precision is already optimized without requiring manual setup
2Measurement precision
If manual re-parameterization is performed for each container to create a compensation echo curve, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects the container and generates the compensation echo curve without requiring manual intervention. The radar sensor performs self-calibration by detecting container echoes and processing them through the maximum formation algorithm, eliminating the need for operators to manually re-parameterize for each container change
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation echo curve is generated automatically as a preliminary step before actual fill level measurements begin. The system performs container detection and creates the compensation curve in advance, so that when measurement starts, the precision is already optimized without requiring manual setup
3Adaptability or versatility
If a preliminary compensation echo curve is created and combined with detected amplitude maxima, then adaptability to different containers is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the compensation echo curve to each specific container by detecting amplitude maxima in the container echoes and combining them with the preliminary curve using maximum formation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to automatically adapt to different container types, sizes, and materials without manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detected container echoes to automatically adjust the compensation curve. By detecting amplitude maxima in the actual container responses and combining them with the preliminary curve, the system continuously optimizes the compensation for each container type, improving adaptability while maintaining automated operation
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 method significantly reduces the effort required for parameterization and ensures precise fill level measurements across different containers, including those with interference from dirt, condensate, or incorrect positioning, by automatically adjusting for interference signals, thus enhancing measurement accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
radar sensor can be used, for example, to measure the fill levels of liquids or solids
Implementation Method 2
the container has an upper side which is permeable to radar waves
Implementation Method 3
the radar waves reflected from the container (the echoes) are plotted on a diagram
Implementation Method 4
interference signals, which can be caused, for example, by reflections from a lid and other walls of the container
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for at least partially automated creation of a compensation echo curve (200) for a level measurement of a fill material (160, 360, 460) in a container (150, 350, 450) by means of a radar sensor (120), wherein the container (150, 350, 450) has a top surface (175) that is transparent to radar waves.The method comprises the following steps: creating a preliminary compensation echo curve (210), wherein the preliminary compensation echo curve (210) corresponds to an echo curve of an empty container (215); acquiring a first echo curve (300, 400), wherein the first echo curve (300, 400) has at least one first amplitude maximum (310, 410) and a second amplitude maximum (320, 420), wherein the first amplitude maximum (310, 410) is located at a shorter distance to an antenna (122) of the radar sensor (120) than the second amplitude maximum (320, 420); and create the compensation echo curve (200) by forming a maximum from the preliminary compensation echo curve (210) and the first amplitude maximum (310, 410).