Sensor Sampling Timing Calculation for Waveform Phase Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The processing of waveform information as a digital signal often results in sampling at undesired phases, leading to deterioration in azimuth and distance resolution, especially for signals transmitted and received through modulation and those affected by reflection from objects.
Innovation Solution
A measurement device and method that calculates optimal sampling timing for each sensor based on the relative positions and desired phase alignment, allowing precise acquisition of waveform information to reduce resolution degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If waveform information is sampled discretely as a digital signal, then processing complexity is reduced and digital algorithms can be employed, but sampling occurs at undesired phases leading to deterioration in azimuth and distance resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates optimal sampling timing in advance based on the geometric relationship between sensor elements and the wave source. By determining the sampling timing that corresponds to the desired phase (e.g., arrival time at a reference sensor element) before actual sampling occurs, the system ensures that digital sampling captures waveform information at the correct phase, thereby maintaining high azimuth and distance resolution while still benefiting from digital signal processing advantages
2Measurement precision
If phase adjustment is performed by Fourier transforming waveform information over a time period, then phase alignment can be achieved, but frequency distribution assumptions lead to precision deterioration for modulated signals and reflected signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of sampling timing from fixed or post-processed adjustment to pre-calculated optimal timing based on geometry. Instead of assuming stationary frequency distribution and using Fourier transform over a time period, the system calculates the exact sampling moment that corresponds to the desired phase by considering the wave propagation time from the source to each sensor element. This approach adapts to any signal type including modulated and reflected signals without requiring frequency distribution assumptions
3Productivity
If sampling timing is not optimized for phase alignment, then acquisition speed is maintained, but resolution deteriorates for modulated and reflected signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of optimal sampling timing based on the geometric configuration and desired phase alignment. This pre-calculation enables the system to acquire waveform information at the correct phase immediately when sampling occurs, maintaining high acquisition speed without requiring subsequent complex phase adjustment processes. The method is particularly effective for modulated and reflected signals where traditional phase adjustment methods fail
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a technique capable of suppressing the deterioration in azimuth resolution and distance resolution in even a modulated and transmitted or received signal or a signal reflected by an object and varied in intensity when acquiring waveform information. A measurement device comprise: a plurality of sensors which receive waves propagating through a space; and a sampling timing calculation means which obtains, on the basis of the relative positions of the sensors and the velocities of the waves, the difference between the arrival times of the waves received by the respective sensors and calculates, for each sensor, sampling timing for acquiring the waveform information relating to the waves, on the basis of the difference between the arrival times.