Ultrasonic Detecting Device Using Time-Division Pulse Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic detecting devices require multiple elements for 3D array formation, increasing costs and unable to detect 3D positions efficiently, while existing sonar systems interfere with surrounding underwater devices due to continuous wave transmission.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic detecting device that transmits pulse waves in different frequency bands with shorter time intervals than the round trip time in the detection range, using a receiver with multiple receiving elements and processing circuitry to generate and synthesize image data for 3D position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scanning sonar uses an array arranged two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally to detect target objects, then the detection capability is improved, but the cost increases due to the need for many elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into multiple sequential pulse transmissions at different time points within the detection range, rather than using all elements simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive detection coverage through time-division multiplexing, reducing the need for a large number of spatial elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the time dimension by transmitting multiple pulse waves at different time points (t1, t2, t3) within the detection range. This temporal dimension compensates for the reduction in spatial elements, allowing the system to achieve complete detection coverage through the combination of space and time dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If a sonar system transmits continuous waves to detect target objects, then the detection range is improved, but the interference to surrounding underwater detection devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulse wave transmissions at specific time intervals (t1, t2, t3) rather than continuous wave transmission. This periodic action with controlled duty cycle reduces the overall energy emission and minimizes interference to surrounding underwater detection devices while maintaining effective detection range through strategic timing of pulse transmissions.
3Productivity
If pulse waves are transmitted at shorter time intervals than the round trip time in the detection range, then the detection speed is improved, but the signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary signal processing by retrieving and organizing echo signals corresponding to different pulse waves (first, second, third pulse waves) before final image generation. This preliminary action of separating and pre-processing echoes from different time points simplifies the subsequent synthesis process and enables faster detection throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage where echo signals are retrieved and organized by their corresponding pulse wave origins before being used for image data generation. This intermediary step acts as a buffer that manages the complexity of short-interval pulse transmissions, making the signal processing more systematic and manageable.
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 efficient 3D position detection of target objects in a short time at a lower cost without the need for extensive array formation and reduces interference with surrounding underwater devices.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter that transmits a first sequence including a first pulse wave in a first frequency band and a second pulse wave in a second frequency band
Implementation Method 2
each receiving element of the plurality of receiving elements receiving a reflection wave of the first pulse wave and the second pulse wave, and each receiving element of the plurality of receiving elements converting the reflection wave into an echo signal
Implementation Method 3
generate a first image data and a second image data, the first image data being generated by performing a beamforming based on each first echo signal retrieved from the plurality of receiving elements
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic detecting device may include a transmitter, a receiver, a motor, and processing circuitry. The transmitter may transmit a sequence including a first pulse wave and a second pulse wave separated by a time interval shorter than a time required for an ultrasonic wave to make a round trip underwater to a detection range. The receiver may convert reflection waves of the first and second pulse waves into echo signals. The motor may rotate the receiver. The processing circuitry may acquire, from the echo signals, a first echo signal and a second echo signal, generate first image data based on the first echo signals and second image data based on the second echo signals, and generate synthesized image data based on an angular position of the receiver when the first image data is generated, and an angular position of the receiver when the second image data is generated.