Adaptive Illumination for 3D Time-of-Flight Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D sensors used in vehicle trailers and shipping containers face inaccuracies due to varying light intensity and reflective properties of loads, which affects the measurement of load distribution and available space, especially in 'smart' shipping applications where consistent and safe illumination is crucial.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive illumination system with multiple light source and diffuser pairs, including far field and near field pairs, is used to maintain sufficient irradiance throughout the volume, with a controller adjusting output intensity to ensure safe and accurate measurements by optimizing illumination patterns based on region-specific criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional structured light sensors are used in trailers with varying light conditions, then the system can operate in different environments, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to changing irradiance levels and reflective properties of loads
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system dynamically adjusts the intensity and distribution of light sources based on detected conditions. The controller modifies illumination parameters in real-time to compensate for varying reflective properties of loads and environmental changes, maintaining consistent irradiance levels across different operational scenarios while preserving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the trailer volume receive tailored illumination characteristics. The system applies local quality by adjusting illumination intensity and pattern for specific zones (e.g., near field vs. far field regions), ensuring each area has optimal lighting conditions for accurate 3D sensing despite varying load reflective properties in different locations
2Measurement precision
If uniform high-intensity illumination is applied throughout the trailer volume, then sufficient irradiance is provided for accurate measurements, but safety hazards increase for personnel working in the volume
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system applies different intensity levels to different regions of the trailer volume. High-intensity illumination is concentrated in measurement-critical zones while peripheral and personnel-accessible areas receive lower intensity light, maintaining measurement precision where needed while reducing safety risks in worker zones
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts illumination intensity based on detected presence of personnel or measured irradiance requirements. When personnel are detected or when sufficient measurement irradiance is achieved, the system reduces overall intensity to safe levels, maintaining measurement capability while eliminating safety hazards
3Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to maintain consistent irradiance throughout the volume, then measurement accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into multiple independent light source units distributed throughout the trailer volume. Each unit can be individually controlled to provide localized illumination, achieving uniform overall irradiance through coordinated operation of simpler modular components rather than a single complex system
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
The system provides consistent and accurate 3D sensor measurements by maintaining optimal irradiance levels across the volume, ensuring safe operation and precise load assessment in varying conditions, enhancing the effectiveness of 3D sensors in large volume applications.
Implementation Method 1
an output beam from a light source and diffuser pair
Implementation Method 2
a diffuser positioned to receive an output beam from the light source and alter the beam to produce a desired illumination pattern
Implementation Method 3
an optical sensor to determine a position of a back wall of the vehicle trailer and to determine a position of a nearest load within the volume
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for adaptively illuminating a volume with an illumination system that illuminates a volume of interest using separately controllable near field and far field optimized illumination sources, to maintain an irradiance pattern criteria in the volume, where that criteria may be different for a far field portion of the volume than for a near field portion of the volume.