Target Object Detection With Switched Transmission Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional target object detection devices with transmission-and-reception arrays have a complex configuration due to numerous elements and channels, making cost reduction difficult.
Innovation Solution
A target object detection device with a simplified configuration using a first transmission signal generator, a transmission array, a switch, and a controller to switch transmission elements, along with a reception array and processing circuitry to extract equal-frequency reception signals based on frequency components, allowing for beamforming and calculation of incoming directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a transmission-and-reception array with numerous elements is used for target object detection, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases and cost reduction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the detection function into separate transmission and reception parts. Instead of using a full transmission-and-reception array, the system uses a transmission array for wave transmission and a separate reception array for receiving reflection waves. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity while maintaining detection capability through the use of a switch to sequentially activate different transmission elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a switch that dynamically selects which transmission element is active at any given time. By sequentially switching between different transmission elements rather than having all elements simultaneously active, the system reduces the number of channels needed while maintaining the ability to perform beamforming and detect target objects in multiple directions.
2Measurement precision
If numerous transmission and reception channels are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates transmission and reception functions into distinct arrays and channels. The transmission array has fewer elements that are activated sequentially via a switch, while the reception array handles the reflection wave detection. This segmentation reduces the total number of simultaneous transmission-reception channels needed, simplifying the overall configuration while preserving detection accuracy through beamforming processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch operates periodically to activate different transmission elements in sequence. By cycling through different transmission elements rather than having all active simultaneously, the system reduces the number of channels required at any one time, thereby simplifying the channel configuration while maintaining the ability to achieve accurate detection through time-sequential operation and beamforming.
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
Enables prompt detection of target objects with a simplified configuration by forming equal-frequency surfaces and calculating intensity data distribution three-dimensionally, enhancing signal processing accuracy and reducing unnecessary frequency components.
Implementation Method 1
a first transmission array (11) including a plurality of first transmission elements (11a) configured to convert the first transmission signal into a transmission wave
Implementation Method 2
a reception array including at least one reception element configured to receive a reflection wave resulting from a reflection of the transmission wave on a target object and convert the reflection wave into a reception signal
Implementation Method 3
a frequency of a transmission beam is changed by Doppler effect according to a transmitting direction, and a plurality of equal-frequency surfaces (each surface has an equal frequency) stacked with each other are formed in the transmission beam
Implementation Method 4
the processing circuitry may perform beamforming based on the reception signal from each reception element, and calculate an incoming direction of the reflection wave from the target object based on the beamforming
Implementation Method 5
a reflection wave resulting from a reflection of the transmission wave on a target object
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a target object detection device. The target object detection device includes a first transmission signal generator, a first transmission array, a first switch, and a controller. The first transmission signal generator is configured to generate a first transmission signal. The first transmission array includes a plurality of first transmission elements configured to convert the first transmission signal into a transmission wave. The first switch is configured to supply the first transmission signal to one of the first transmission elements in the first transmission array. The controller is configured to control the first switch to switch the first transmission element to which the first transmission signal is supplied from a first element to a second element at a first timing.