Array Image Sensor Sub-Area Segmentation for Optical Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer-grade optical distance measurement devices face high costs and low sampling density due to the use of linear image sensors, which are expensive and have limited applications in high-speed measurements, and array image sensors are not considered feasible for such applications due to their design and manufacturing characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The use of an array image sensor with a photosensitive area divided into sub-areas to collect multiple light spots, allowing for high-speed and high-density distance measurement, reducing costs and eliminating the prejudice against array image sensors in high-speed optical distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a linear image sensor is used for optical distance measurement, then measurement precision and response speed are improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The photosensitive area of the array image sensor is divided into multiple independent photosensitive sub-areas, each capable of collecting light spots. This segmentation allows the system to process multiple measurement points simultaneously using a standard array sensor, achieving high-precision distance measurement without requiring expensive linear sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes array image sensors suitable for high-speed optical distance measurement by configuring multiple photosensitive sub-areas. This enables standard array sensors to perform functions previously only achievable with specialized linear sensors, reducing costs while maintaining measurement precision and speed.
2Productivity
If a linear image sensor is used, then high frame rate measurement is achieved, but the sensor structure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the photosensitive area into multiple sub-areas on a standard array sensor, the system achieves high frame rate measurement without requiring complex linear sensor structures. Each sub-area can independently process light spots, enabling simultaneous multi-point measurement at high speeds.
3Quantity of substance
If a linear image sensor with few rows of pixels is used, then sampling density is limited, but mounting precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from the linear one-dimensional arrangement of traditional sensors to a two-dimensional array structure with multiple photosensitive sub-areas. This dimensional change increases sampling density significantly while the software-based processing of sub-areas reduces sensitivity to mounting errors, as the system can flexibly assign different sub-areas to different measurement tasks.
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 reduces product costs, increases sampling density, and achieves high-speed distance measurement effects similar to linear image sensors, while being more cost-effective and tolerant to mounting errors.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter, configured to emit light to a target object; a light receiver, configured to receive reflected light obtained after the light is emitted to the target object
Implementation Method 2
the light receiver comprises a lens and an array image sensor, the array image sensor comprises a photosensitive area
Data Source
AI summary
A device for optical distance measurement includes a light emitter configured to emit light to a target object; a light receiver configured to receive reflected light obtained after the light is emitted to the target object, wherein the light receiver comprises a lens and an array image sensor containing a photosensitive area which is divided into one or more photosensitive sub-areas configured to collect one or more light spots of the reflected light; and the light receiver is further configured to generate a response signal comprising position information of the one or more light spots of the reflected light; and a processor configured to receive the response signal generated by the light receiver and calculate, according to the position information of the light spots of the reflected light, a distance from the target object to the device for optical distance measurement by triangulation method.