Range Determination Apparatus Using Doppler Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing range determination apparatuses, such as those using ultrasonic or radar technology, often provide erroneous readings due to changes in the reflection point on an object as a vehicle approaches, leading to potential safety issues like incorrect collision warnings.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a wireless transmission of signals to detect the range and rate of change of the signal frequency, leveraging the Doppler effect to identify and correct erroneous range measurements by comparing determined range and rate of change, and providing alerts or corrections based on these calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard radar or ultrasonic range determination is used, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to reflection point changes on the target object
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the relationship between determined range and rate of change of range, using this feedback to detect when the reflection point changes and to trigger appropriate correction actions. The controller compares the determined range with the calculated rate of change to identify erroneous measurements and initiate correction procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from directly measuring range to measuring both range and rate of change of range, using these two parameters together to detect and correct errors. By introducing the rate of change parameter and analyzing its relationship with range, the system can identify when reflection point changes occur and correct the measurements accordingly.
2Productivity
If the vehicle approaches the target object, then the useful action of range detection continues, but erroneous measurements occur due to reflection point migration on the target surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the rate of change of range to continuously monitor measurement reliability. When the feedback indicates that the determined range is inconsistent with the calculated rate of change (suggesting reflection point migration), the system automatically corrects the erroneous measurement while maintaining continuous detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its measurement and correction process based on the vehicle's approach to the target. As the vehicle approaches and reflection point changes become more likely, the system increases its monitoring of the relationship between range and rate of change, applying corrections only when needed rather than continuously, thus maintaining productivity while improving reliability.
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 effectively identifies and corrects erroneous range measurements, enhancing safety by providing accurate distance information to prevent collisions and ensuring timely warnings or interventions.
Implementation Method 1
wireless transmission means for transmitting a signal having a first frequency from the subject object to the target object
Implementation Method 2
detector means for detecting a portion of the signal reflected from the target object back to the subject object
Implementation Method 3
rate determination means for determining the rate of change of the range by reference to a difference between the first frequency and an apparent frequency of the reflected portion of the signal detected by the detector means
Implementation Method 4
range determination means for determining the range of the target object from the subject object by reference to a time of flight of said portion of the signal from the transmission means to the detector means
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus (100) for detecting an erroneous measurement of a range of a target object 20 from a subject object (5) comprising:wireless transmission means (111) for transmitting a signal (111S) having a first frequency from the subject object (5) to the target object (20); detector means (113) for detecting a portion of the signal (113S) reflected from the target object (20) back to the subject object (5); range determination means (131) for determining the range (202) of the target object (20) from the subject object (5) by reference to a time of flight of said portion of the signal (111S), (113S) from the transmission means (111) to the detector means (113); and rate determination means (131) for determining the rate of change of the range (203) by reference to a difference between the first frequency and an apparent frequency of the reflected portion of the signal (113S) detected by the detector means (113), the apparatus (100) being arranged to provide an indication (206) that an erroneous measurement of range has been made if the range (202) determined by the range determination means (131) increases whilst the rate of change of range (203) determined by the rate determination means (131) is negative.