Pulse-Based Time Measurement with Adaptive Light Source Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time measurement apparatuses face challenges in reducing power consumption while maintaining accurate distance measurements.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a pixel array with light receiving elements, a timing detector, a pulse number detector, and a controller that adjust the operation of a light source based on detected pulse numbers to optimize light intensity and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light source operates continuously with high intensity to ensure accurate distance measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source operates in periodic pulses rather than continuously. The controller activates the light source only during necessary measurement intervals, creating a rhythmic on-off pattern that reduces overall power consumption while maintaining measurement capability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the light source operation based on detected pulse numbers from the pulse number detector. When sufficient light pulses are detected, the controller reduces or stops light source operation, creating a adaptive, dynamic control mechanism that optimizes power usage based on real-time conditions
Solution Approach 3:
The pulse number detector provides feedback about the number of light pulses received to the controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to adjust light source operation accordingly, reducing power consumption when adequate signal is received and maintaining measurement precision when needed
2Use of energy by moving object
If the light source intensity is reduced to lower power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but measurement precision deteriorates due to increased noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial action by detecting multiple light pulses over time and accumulating signal information. Rather than requiring a single high-intensity pulse, the system integrates multiple weaker pulses, achieving sufficient signal-to-noise ratio while operating at lower power levels
Solution Approach 2:
The timing detector performs preliminary timing measurements on individual light pulses before final distance calculation. This preliminary action on multiple pulses allows the system to build up accurate timing data even with reduced light intensity, maintaining precision while lowering power consumption
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 effectively reduces power consumption by dynamically controlling light source operations, ensuring accurate distance measurements by adjusting light intensity to minimize noise and maximize signal clarity.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving element, and is configured to generate a pulse signal including a logic pulse on the basis of a light reception result in the light receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a time measurement apparatus which includes a pixel (PZ) that includes a light receiving element and generates a pulse signal (a pixel signal SIG) including a logic pulse on the basis of a light reception result in the light receiving element, a timing detector (a counter section) to detect a light reception timing in the light receiving element on the basis of the pulse signal, a pulse number detector (a time measurement section) to detect a pulse number of the logic pulse included in the pulse signal; and a controller to control, on the basis of the pulse number, an operation of a light source outputting a plurality of light pulses.