Array Light Source Vertical Scanning for Detection Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detecting apparatuses face challenges in dividing the visual field region in the up-down direction (vertical direction) to improve detection resolution.
Innovation Solution
An object detecting apparatus with a light projection unit comprising an array light source, an optical scanning unit, and a light receiving unit, where the light projection unit emits light in a first direction, and the light receiving unit receives reflected light to detect object presence and distance based on emission and receiving timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional object detecting apparatuses are used, then the device structure is simple, but the visual field region cannot be divided in the up-down direction and detection resolution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The light projection unit is divided into multiple light emission areas arranged in the up-down direction, with each area independently emitting light in different vertical directions. This segmentation enables the visual field to be divided into multiple detection regions, improving detection resolution without requiring complex mechanical scanning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal scanning (one-dimensional) to vertical light emission arrangement (adding another dimension). By arranging light emission areas in the up-down direction, the system achieves two-dimensional spatial resolution improvement without increasing mechanical complexity
2Measurement precision
If the visual field region is divided in the up-down direction, then detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light emission areas are merged into a single integrated light projection unit, allowing simultaneous emission of light in different vertical directions from one compact device. This combining approach achieves improved detection accuracy while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices or complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The light projection unit is designed with multi-functionality, where each light emission area can independently emit light to different vertical regions. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple detection functions across different vertical zones, improving accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 allows for improved detection resolution by dividing the visual field region in the vertical direction, enhancing the accuracy of object detection and distance measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a light projection unit that is an array light source in which each of a plurality of light emission areas emits light
Implementation Method 2
an optical scanning unit that performs scanning with the light, which is emitted from the light projection unit, in a first direction
Implementation Method 3
a light receiving unit that receives reflected light which is the light, with which the scanning is performed, being reflected by an object
Implementation Method 4
an object information acquiring unit that detects presence/absence of the object based on emission timing at which the light is emitted from the light projection unit and light receiving timing at which the light receiving unit receives the reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
An object detecting apparatus includes: a light projection unit that is an array light source in which each of a plurality of light emission areas emits light, an optical scanning unit that performs scanning with the light, which is emitted from the light projection unit, in a first direction, and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light which is the light, with which the scanning is performed, being reflected by an object, and an object information acquiring unit that detects presence/absence of the object based on emission timing at which the light is emitted from the light projection unit and light receiving timing at which the light receiving unit receives the reflected light.