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Distance measuring method and apparatus therefor

  • US RE35,607 E
  • Filed: 01/24/1994
  • Issued: 09/16/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/09/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A distance measuring method comprising the steps of:

  • generating a first pseudo random signal having a clock frequency f1 ;

    transmitting said first pseudo random signal toward a target as an electromagnetic wave signal;

    receiving a signal reflected from said target and obtaining a received signal;

    generating a second pseudo random signal which is the same in pattern as said first pseudo random signal but having a clock frequency f2 which is slightly different from said clock frequency f1 ;

    multiplying said first pseudo random signal by said second pseudo random signal to make a first product;

    multiplying said received signal by said second pseudo random signal to make a second product;

    obtaining a first smoothed signal by passing said first product through a first low-pass filter;

    obtaining a second smoothed signal by passing said second product through a second low-pass filter;

    generating a first pulse when the value of said first smoothed signal reaches a maximum;

    generating a second pulse when the value of said second smoothed signal reaches a maximum;

    measuring the time interval between the point when said first pulse is generated and the point when said second pulse is generated, multiplying one half of said time interval by the propagation velocity of said electromagnetic wave to form a first operation value as the product of said multiplication, dividing the frequency difference between said clock frequencies f1 and f2 by said clock frequency f1 to form a second operation value as the quotient of said division and multiplying said first operation value by said second operation value to calculate the distance to said target as the product of said multiplication.

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