Ultrasonic Sensor Test Device Using Signal Delay Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test devices for ultrasonic distance sensors are cumbersome and imprecise, requiring physical objects for functionality checks, which are time-consuming and difficult to position accurately.
Innovation Solution
A test device with a test receiving element and a test radiating element, along with a signal processing unit that generates delayed excitation signals based on simulation distance information, allowing for electronic simulation of ultrasonic wave propagation and amplitude adjustment to simulate various distances and object properties, independent of the actual distance sensor positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical object is used for testing the distance sensor, then the functionality can be checked, but the test setup becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a signal processing unit to generate a simulated reflected signal that copies the characteristics of a real reflected signal. The test receiving element receives the transmission signal, and the signal processing unit creates a delayed copy of this signal to simulate the reflected signal from a virtual object at a predetermined distance, eliminating the need for physical test objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of positioning physical objects with an electronic system. Instead of manually placing and positioning physical test objects at various distances, the system uses electronic signal processing to simulate different distance scenarios by adjusting the delay time of the generated reflected signal.
2Measurement precision
If a physical object is positioned at a certain distance for testing, then distance detection can be verified, but positioning becomes time-consuming and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the distance measurement scenario through signal processing. The signal processing unit generates a reflected signal with a specific delay time that corresponds to a predetermined test distance, providing precise and reproducible distance measurement conditions without requiring physical positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of delay time in the generated reflected signal to simulate different distance values. By adjusting the delay time parameter in the electronic signal processing, the system can precisely control the simulated distance without the need for physical repositioning of test objects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If real physical objects are used for testing, then the test environment must be large enough to accommodate various distances, but this increases the test environment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual test environment by generating simulated reflected signals that replicate the acoustic characteristics of real reflections. This allows the test device to simulate various distance scenarios and object properties without requiring a large physical test space, as the 'objects' are represented by electronically generated signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a spatial dimension problem to a temporal dimension solution. Instead of using physical space to represent different distances, the system uses time delay in the signal processing to encode distance information. This dimensional transformation allows unlimited test distance range within a compact physical environment.
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 easy and precise testing of ultrasonic distance sensors by simulating various distances and object properties without the need for a large test environment, supporting complex test scenarios like hardware-in-the-loop tests, and allowing for the evaluation of multiple sensors with improved realism and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a test receiving element for receiving the ultrasonic waves emitted by the distance sensor to be tested
Implementation Method 2
at least one test radiating element for radiating test ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 3
the signal processing unit determines an excitation signal for the test radiating element, delayed in accordance with the simulation distance information
Data Source
AI summary
A test device for testing a distance sensor operating with ultrasonic waves, wherein the distance sensor to be tested comprises at least a sensor radiating element for emitting a transmission signal and a sensor receiving element for receiving a reflected signal. For effective and accurate testing and stimulation of the distance sensor, the test device has a test receiving element for receiving ultrasonic waves emitted from the distance sensor to be tested, and at least one test radiating element for radiating test ultrasonic waves, and a signal processing unit, wherein ultrasonic waves received by the test receiving element are transmitted as a received signal to the signal processing unit and the signal processing unit, as a function of the received signal and simulation distance information relating to a distance to be simulated, and determines an excitation signal for the test radiating element.