Signal Processing Device for Weak Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stochastic resonance circuits for detecting weak signals face challenges in maintaining signal-to-noise ratios, particularly when adding noise can degrade the detection of weak signals with higher signal levels than background noise, leading to poor detection accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing device comprising a first pulse detector that adds noise to an input signal for stochastic resonance and a second pulse detector that processes the signal without noise addition, using different threshold values to identify pulse waveforms, with a determining circuit to select the most reliable weak signal component, thereby improving detection accuracy across a wide range of signal-to-noise ratios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If noise is added to an input signal to cause stochastic resonance, then weak signals with poor signal-to-noise ratio can be detected, but the signal-to-noise ratio of weak signals with higher signal levels deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of weak signalsVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is divided into two separate parallel paths: one path adds noise to detect weak signals with poor SNR through stochastic resonance, while the other path processes signals without noise addition for weak signals with better SNR. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific detection scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects between two different processing modes (noise addition or no noise addition) based on the characteristics of the input signal. The determining circuit evaluates which path produced a valid weak signal and selects that result, allowing the system to adapt its detection strategy to the actual signal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single threshold processing method is used, then the device complexity is low, but the detection accuracy cannot cover a wide range of signal-to-noise ratios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection range across different SNR conditionsVSAvoidnumber of processing paths

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dual-path detection system serves multiple functions: the first pulse detector handles weak signals with poor SNR through stochastic resonance, while the second pulse detector handles weak signals with better SNR through direct threshold processing. This multi-functionality allows a single device to adapt to various detection scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the processing parameter (noise addition or no noise addition) based on the SNR characteristics of the input signal. By having two distinct processing paths with different parameters, the system can adapt to a wide range of signal conditions without requiring complex adaptive algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enhances the detection accuracy of weak signals by effectively reproducing and extracting signals with both poor and good signal-to-noise ratios, ensuring reliable detection regardless of the signal level relative to background noise.

Implementation Method 1

there has been studied a method of using Stochastic Resonance (SR) to detect weak signals buried in background noise. For example, there is known the method of adding noise to an input signal containing a weak signal thereby to cause stochastic resonance in the weak signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStochastic resonance:

Data Source

PatentUS9983317B2Signal processing device and radiation measurement device

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 FUJI ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

A signal processing device for detecting a weak signal in an input signal. The device includes first and second pulse detectors and a determining circuit. The first pulse detector adds noise to the input signal, and processes the noise-added signal using a first threshold, to thereby output a first signal having a first pulse waveform component, which corresponds to an interval in which a level of the noise-added input signal exceeds the first threshold. The second pulse detector receives the input signal in parallel with the first pulse detector, and processes the input signal using a second threshold, to thereby output a second signal having a second pulse waveform component, which corresponds to an interval in which a level of the input signal exceeds the second threshold. The determining circuit determines whether each of the first and second pulse waveform components conforms to the weak signal.