Active Sensor Light Distribution Control for Heat-Limited Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of object sensing in active sensors decreases due to the temperature-dependent output reduction of semiconductor light sources, which can lead to decreased illuminance and further heat generation when attempting to compensate with increased power.
Innovation Solution
An active sensor configuration that includes a semiconductor light source, an optical system for a controllable irradiation range, and a light distribution controller to narrow the irradiation range in response to decreased output, maintaining illuminance and sensing accuracy by concentrating light within a reduced field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If power supplied to the semiconductor light source is increased to compensate for output decrease, then illumination light amount is maintained, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the irradiation range controllable and adjustable. The light distribution controller dynamically changes the irradiation range based on temperature conditions: when the semiconductor light source temperature increases and output decreases, the controller narrows the irradiation range to concentrate light energy, maintaining illuminance without increasing power supply. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining illumination intensity and preventing heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of irradiation range (spatial distribution parameter) to compensate for output changes. By adjusting the irradiation range width according to temperature conditions, the system maintains effective illuminance on the target object without increasing power input. This parameter change approach allows the system to adapt to temperature-dependent output variations while avoiding the harmful effect of increased heat generation.
2Measurement precision
If semiconductor light source temperature rises, then output decreases, but sensing accuracy must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the light distribution controller monitors temperature conditions and adjusts the irradiation range accordingly. When temperature rises causing output decrease, the feedback mechanism triggers narrowing of the irradiation range to concentrate light energy and maintain illuminance. This feedback loop ensures sensing accuracy is maintained despite temperature variations affecting the semiconductor light source output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the irradiation range in response to temperature changes. By making the irradiation range variable rather than fixed, the system can adapt to temperature-dependent output variations. The dynamic control ensures that even when temperature rises and output decreases, the concentrated light energy within the narrowed range maintains sufficient illuminance for accurate sensing.
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 configuration effectively suppresses the decrease in sensing accuracy by adaptively controlling the irradiation range based on temperature or output changes, maintaining illuminance and preventing false detections or classifications.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination light is configured by a semiconductor light source such as a laser diode (LD)
Implementation Method 2
a light sensor that detects reflected light from the object
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system irradiates a controllable irradiation range with emitted light from a semiconductor light source. A light sensor detects reflected light from an object that reflects the emitted light of the optical system. A light distribution controller controls the optical system so that the irradiation range is narrowed in accordance with a decrease in output of the semiconductor light source.