Ultrasonic Distance Measurement With Moving-Average Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic distance measurement systems are prone to system errors due to intermittent signal value exceedance of a threshold, influenced by environmental noise, leading to false detections.
Innovation Solution
A distance measurement system utilizing a sensor unit, buffer, and control unit that calculates distance by recognizing valid reflected signals exceeding a preset threshold, stores multiple frames, calculates an average value within a user-set error range, and applies a moving average to validate distance values, adjusting thresholds based on signal sensitivity and providing a hold function to stabilize measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a threshold-based detection method is used to determine valid reflected signals, then the system can identify distance measurements, but false detections occur due to intermittent signal exceedance caused by environmental noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing multiple frames of distance measurements in a buffer before final validation. Instead of immediately accepting a distance value when the threshold is exceeded, the system pre-collections N frames of data and then performs average calculation and validation, thereby reducing the impact of intermittent noise-induced false detections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by validating distance values through multiple checks: comparing the average of N frames against a reference value, verifying consistency across frames, and using a hold function that retains valid measurements for additional verification cycles. This feedback loop ensures that only reliably detected distance values are accepted, reducing false detections from environmental noise.
2Reliability
If multiple frames are stored and averaged to reduce false detections, then detection reliability improves, but system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the distance measurement process into distinct phases: signal acquisition, frame storage in buffer, average calculation, validation against reference value, and hold function verification. This segmentation allows each phase to be independently optimized and managed, making the complex process more controllable and maintainable while ensuring reliable detection through systematic multi-stage validation.
3Reliability
If a hold function is implemented to retain distance values for verification, then false detections are reduced, but measurement response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hold function implements partial verification by retaining distance values for a predetermined number of additional verification cycles rather than requiring full re-detection. This partial action approach reduces false detections by confirming consistency over time while avoiding excessive delay, as the system accepts the held value after the specified verification period without requiring complete re-measurement sequences.
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
Enhances the reliability of distance measurements by reducing false detections through a combination of probability and moving averages, ensuring accurate and stable distance calculations.
Implementation Method 1
the ultrasonic sensor emits ultrasonic waves to an object to be measured separated by a certain distance, and the distance to the object to be measured may be calculated by measuring the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to be reflected from the object to be measured and returned
Implementation Method 2
the distance to the object may be calculated by measuring the time it takes for the sound waves emitted by the ultrasonic sensor to be reflected and received
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a distance measurement system comprising: a sensor unit for generating and transmitting a signal and receiving a reflected signal reflected back from an object; a buffer for temporarily storing data; and a control unit which calculates the distance to the object by measuring the time from when the signal is transmitted from the sensor unit to when the reflected signal is received. According to the present invention, the proposed distance measurement system uses an algorithm combining probability and moving average, thus having the effect of significantly improving the reliability of distance measurement compared to existing modes of distance detection.