Ultrasonic Signal Processing Device for Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic systems face challenges in accurately determining the distance to a target object due to environmental noise and reverberation, especially when the target is located nearby or far away, leading to inefficient TOF measurement.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic system employs a signal processing device with a wave-transmission signal generator that outputs two signals with different predetermined numbers of waves, allowing for efficient detection of reflected waves through comparison with detection threshold values or correlation processing, and includes a configuration where the second signal is generated after the reverberation following the first signal ends, enhancing accuracy in distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single ultrasonic signal is transmitted to measure distance, then the measurement process is simple, but the accuracy of distance measurement deteriorates due to environmental noise and reverberation
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitted ultrasonic signal is segmented into multiple signals with different wave counts (first signal with more waves, second signal with fewer waves). This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between signals and reverberation based on wave count patterns, improving distance measurement accuracy without requiring complex additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic transmission of ultrasonic signals with varying wave counts in a structured sequence. By periodically transmitting signals with different characteristics and analyzing the reflected wave patterns, the system achieves accurate distance measurement while maintaining a relatively simple device structure
2Reliability
If the ultrasonic signal power is increased to improve detection range, then the detection capability for far targets improves, but the reverberation noise increases making nearby target detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of signal wave count between different transmitted signals. By transmitting a first signal with a larger number of waves and a second signal with a smaller number of waves, the system can distinguish between genuine reflected waves and reverberation based on wave count analysis, thereby improving reliable detection across different ranges without excessive reverberation noise
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits signals with varying wave counts where the first signal uses more waves than necessary for close-range detection, and the second signal uses fewer waves. This partial/excessive action approach allows the system to gather sufficient data for both near and far target detection while managing reverberation effects through comparative analysis
3Productivity
If conventional TOF measurement is used to determine distance, then the measurement process is straightforward, but the measurement efficiency deteriorates when targets are nearby or far away due to noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by comparing the wave counts of transmitted signals with the wave counts of received reflected signals. By analyzing the difference in wave counts and using this feedback to determine TOF, the system achieves efficient and accurate distance measurement even in challenging acoustic environments with noise and reverberation
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
This approach enables accurate and robust distance measurement to a target object, both nearby and far away, by distinguishing reflected waves from environmental noise and improving TOF measurement efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transmission reception device 2 configured to be directly or indirectly connected to the signal processing device 1
Implementation Method 2
determines a distance to a target object (an obstacle) by generating an ultrasonic wave and measuring the TOF (Time Of Flight) taken until a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave returns
Implementation Method 3
a reflected-wave detection unit 163 configured to detect, based on the wave-reception signal, a reflected wave of the wave transmission that may be included in the wave reception
Data Source
AI summary
A signal processing device includes a wave-transmission signal generator configured to generate a wave-transmission signal for wave transmission of a sound wave, a wave-reception signal output unit configured to output a wave-reception signal based on wave reception of a sound wave, and a reflected-wave detection unit configured to detect, based on the wave-reception signal, a reflected wave of the wave transmission that may be included in the wave reception. The wave-transmission signal includes a first signal having a first predetermined number of waves, and a second signal generated after the first signal and having a second predetermined number of waves, the second predetermined number being smaller than the first predetermined number.