Communications – electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices – Echo systems – Speed determination
Reexamination Certificate
2002-04-23
2003-09-02
Lobo, Ian J. (Department: 3662)
Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices
Echo systems
Speed determination
C367S089000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06614719
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to apparatus for measuring the speed of an object and particularly to low cost speed measuring apparatus suitable for applications such as toys or amusement devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Within the toy or amusement device industry, a need often arises to provide measurement of a moving object. A typical environment in which a requirement for measuring object speed arises is found in toy vehicle play sets. Historically, apparatus such as plural spaced apart switches or inferred or ultrasonic detectors have been utilized for this purpose. The basic apparatus operates by measuring the time interval between the moving toy vehicles encounter with the first and second sensors or switches.
While such apparatus has enjoyed commercial success in a number of applications, there remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art for evermore improved cost effective and sophisticated speed measuring apparatus suitable for use in toys or amusement devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved speed measurement apparatus. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved speed measurement apparatus which is suitable in cost and complexity for use in a toy or amusement device environment.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided for use in measuring the speed of a moving object, speed measurement apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic transmitter having a transmitting transducer and output signal source for producing ultrasonic energy; an ultrasonic receiver having a receiving transducer for receiving ultrasonic energy reflected from an object to produce a reflected signal; a mixer producing a beat frequency signal between the reflected signal and the output signal; a controller for determining the frequency of the beat frequency signal; and display means for displaying a speed value derived from the frequency of the beat frequency signal.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3725854 (1973-04-01), Otsuka
patent: 4142187 (1979-02-01), Nakayama
patent: 4628317 (1986-12-01), Nishikawa et al.
patent: 5216639 (1993-06-01), Ohtsuki et al.
patent: 6272071 (2001-08-01), Takai et al.
Ekstrand Roy A.
Lobo Ian J.
Mattel Inc.
LandOfFree
Ultrasonic doppler effect speed measurement does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Ultrasonic doppler effect speed measurement, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ultrasonic doppler effect speed measurement will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3035869