Ultrasonic Distance Sensing With Frequency Sweep Voltage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic distance measurement technologies suffer from limited measurement distance and resolution, and are prone to errors due to changes in the speed and energy of ultrasonic waves in different mediums.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for distance measurement using ultrasonic waves, which includes a transducer with a transmitter and receiver configured to generate frequency-modulated ultrasonic waves and receive echo signals, and a processor that controls the transducer based on an applied voltage profile to achieve target response characteristics across a wide frequency band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a typical ultrasonic sensor is used for distance measurement, then the equipment remains simple and inexpensive, but the measurement distance and resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by implementing a frequency modulation technique where the ultrasonic wave frequency is varied over time (sweeping through a frequency range). This allows the system to improve measurement resolution and distance capability by analyzing phase differences across multiple frequencies, rather than relying on a single fixed frequency. The frequency modulation transforms the measurement approach from simple time-of-flight at one frequency to a more sophisticated multi-frequency phase analysis method.
2Reliability
If ultrasonic waves propagate through air or other medium, then the speed and energy of ultrasonic waves change depending on medium properties, but this causes error in distance measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through an iterative optimization process. The system initially measures distance using ultrasonic waves, then uses this information to adjust the frequency modulation parameters for subsequent measurements. By continuously refining the frequency sweep characteristics based on previous measurement results and environmental conditions, the system compensates for variations in sound propagation caused by different medium properties, thereby improving measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a calibration phase before actual distance measurement. During this preliminary stage, the system characterizes the propagation medium by measuring sound speed and attenuation at different frequencies. This pre-acquired information is then used to optimize the frequency modulation parameters and compensate for medium-specific effects during the actual measurement process, reducing errors caused by varying medium properties.
3Measurement precision
If the speed of ultrasonic waves changes depending on medium properties, then distance measurement can be performed, but errors occur due to unknown speed variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the propagation medium by measuring ultrasonic wave speed and attenuation at multiple frequencies before conducting distance measurements. This pre-acquired information about sound speed and medium properties is stored and used to compensate for variations during actual measurements, eliminating the need to assume a fixed sound speed and thereby improving distance measurement accuracy.
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 solution enables accurate and reliable distance measurement with improved resolution and range by ensuring consistent frequency response characteristics across the operational frequency band of the transducer.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the transmitter and the receiver of the transducer may include a piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
The speed and energy of ultrasonic waves of a typical ultrasonic sensor are changed depending on the properties of sound propagation in air or other medium
Implementation Method 3
distance is measured by calculating the time taken for the ultrasonic signal to reflect back from the object
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for distance measurement using ultrasonic waves may include: a memory configured to store an applied voltage profile that indicate voltages to be applied to a transducer at a plurality of different operational frequencies of transducer, a transducer including a transmitter configured to generate ultrasonic waves with a frequency modulated waveform, and a receiver configured to receive an echo signal reflected back from a measurement object; and a processor configured to control the transducer based on the applied voltage profile, and measure a distance to the measurement object based on the echo signal.