Target Height Estimation Using Dual-Receiver Phase Difference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the height of a target above a reflecting surface, such as a road surface, are prone to inaccuracies due to dependencies on target reflectivity, which can degrade the estimation of target height.
Innovation Solution
A detection device with two vertically aligned receiver elements measures the phase difference between wave signals reflected via multiple paths caused by the reflecting surface, deriving target height information from these phase differences to reduce dependency on target reflectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the estimation of target height is based on measurements of the intensity of the received radar signal, then the target height can be estimated, but the estimation is dependent on target reflectivity which degrades the accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single receiver channel into two vertically aligned receiver elements, creating separate measurement channels. By segmenting the reception system and comparing phase differences between the two channels, the method eliminates dependency on target reflectivity while maintaining height estimation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from intensity (amplitude) to phase difference between two receiver elements. This parameter transformation allows the system to measure target height without being influenced by target reflectivity, as phase difference is independent of the target's reflective properties.
2Reliability
If a single receiver element is used to measure signal intensity, then the system is simple, but the measurement is affected by target reflectivity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver system is segmented into two vertically aligned elements, allowing the system to achieve robust measurements through comparison between channels. This segmentation enables the cancellation of reflectivity-dependent components while preserving height information in the phase difference.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase difference between the two receiver elements acts as an intermediary measurement that indirectly provides target height information without being directly affected by target reflectivity. This intermediary parameter serves as a bridge between the raw signals and the desired height measurement.
3Measurement precision
If intensity modulation measurements are used to estimate target height, then height information can be obtained, but valley detection is difficult due to flat regions in the intensity course
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the measurement from intensity modulation to phase difference variation. This parameter change produces a measurement course with sharper valleys and more distinct features, making automated detection significantly easier while improving height estimation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively changes the 'color' or character of the measurement signal from intensity-based to phase-based. This transformation creates a signal with more pronounced features (sharper valleys) that are easier to detect and analyze, analogous to changing color to improve visibility.
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 method provides a more robust estimation of target height by canceling out unwanted dependencies and allowing for sharper valley detection, making it easier to determine the target's height with improved accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
wave signals transmitted from a detection device to a target and reflected by the target, in a context of a multipath propagation of the waves through the reflection by a reflecting surface
Implementation Method 2
measuring (S3) a phase difference (Δφ) between the reflected wave signals received by the two receiver elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The method is carried out by a detection device (1) having a transmitter element for transmitting wave signals and two vertically aligned receiver elements (11A, 11B) for receiving wave signals, separated by a given spacing (d), and includes : - at the transmitter element, transmitting a wave signal that is reflected by the target (2); - at each receiver element (11A, 11B), receiving the wave signal (Sr1, Sr2) reflected by the target (2), the wave signal propagating via multiple paths caused by the reflecting surface (3); - while a target distance (D) varies, measuring a phase difference (Δφ) between the reflected wave signals (Sr1, Sr2) received by the two receiver elements (11A, 11B); - determining (S4), from the phase difference measurements (Δφ), a physical quantity fluctuation (θ) in relation to the target distance (D); - deriving the information on the target height (h) from the physical quantity fluctuation (θ).