Sensor Array Segmentation for Direction Determination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the distance and direction to an object, such as trilateration and beamforming, face limitations in ambiguity resolution and require large numbers of sensors due to small element spacing, which is impractical for applications like automotive obstacle recognition and robotics.
Innovation Solution
A system with separate emitter and receiver arrays, where the receiver elements have a diameter or height of at most half the wavelength, allowing for larger array diameters and improved signal-to-noise ratios, enabling precise direction determination without ambiguities and expanded near-field detection ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beamforming methods are used with small element spacing (less than or equal to one-half the wavelength), then direction determination accuracy is improved, but the size of the array becomes large and the number of sensors required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor system into two separate functional arrays: a first array of sensors dedicated to transmission and a second array of sensors dedicated to reception. This segmentation allows each array to be optimized independently - the transmission array can use larger elements with greater spacing, while the reception array uses smaller elements with smaller spacing to achieve accurate direction determination without requiring a large overall system size.
2Device complexity
If the number of sensors is reduced by increasing element spacing, then device complexity is reduced, but grating lobes appear causing ambiguities in detection
Solution Approach 1:
By separating transmission and reception functions into different sensor arrays, the patent allows the reception array to maintain small element spacing (avoiding grating lobes and detection ambiguities) while the overall system complexity is reduced because the transmission array can use fewer, larger elements optimized for signal generation rather than precise spatial sampling.
3Use of energy by moving object
If large emitter surface areas are used to improve coupling to air, then signal transmission is improved, but element spacing requirements conflict with array design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the transmission function (handled by the first sensor array with larger elements optimized for air coupling and signal generation) from the reception function (handled by the second sensor array with smaller elements). This allows large emitter surface areas to be used in the transmission array without conflicting with the small element spacing requirements of the reception array, as they operate independently in different functional domains.
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 system allows for accurate detection of objects adjacent to the sensor and improved signal-to-noise ratios, enabling precise direction determination and expanded detection ranges without the need for multiple sensors, suitable for automotive and robotics applications.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter (1) and at least two receiver elements (3) for receiving a signal which is transmitted by the emitter (1) and reflected by an object
Implementation Method 2
receiving a signal which is transmitted by the emitter (1) and reflected by an object
Implementation Method 3
at least two receiver elements (3) for receiving a signal which is transmitted by the emitter (1) and reflected by an object
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining the distance from and the direction to an object includes an emitter and at least two receiver elements for receiving a signal which is transmitted by the emitter and reflected by the object. The receiver elements are arranged as a linear array, as two linear arrays situated at an angle to one another, as an array which surrounds the emitter and forms a circle, or as a two-dimensional array. The diameter of the array may be greater than one-half the wavelength of the signal, and the receiver elements each have an individual surface area whose height or diameter corresponds at most to one-half the wavelength of the signal, and the emitter has a height or a diameter which is greater than one-half the wavelength of the signal.