Camera Distance Sensor Region of Interest Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems with integrated distance sensors require manual setup and sequential readout of measurement zones, making it difficult to accurately reconstruct height profiles and detect moving objects efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A camera with an optoelectronic distance sensor using the time-of-flight method and a control and evaluation unit that automatically configures a region of interest within the distance measurement field of view by evaluating distance values and changes, allowing for parallel readout of multiple distance values and simplifying the setup process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual setup and sequential readout of measurement zones are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system automatically configures the region of interest and performs parallel readout of multiple measurement zones without requiring manual setup. The control unit autonomously determines which measurement zones are relevant based on the detected objects, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for operator intervention in configuring the distance sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance measurement field of view is divided into multiple measurement zones that can be read out in parallel. By segmenting the measurement area into distinct zones and processing them simultaneously rather than sequentially, the system achieves both higher measurement precision and improved productivity without increasing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If sequential readout of measurement zones is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement field is segmented into multiple independent measurement zones that can be read out in parallel. This segmentation allows simultaneous data acquisition from different spatial regions, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular zone handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration by automatically identifying the region of interest before object detection begins. This preliminary action of determining which zones are relevant allows subsequent parallel readout operations to proceed efficiently without requiring complex real-time decision-making during measurement.
3Ease of operation
If automatic configuration of region of interest is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs self-configuration by automatically determining the region of interest without operator intervention. The control unit analyzes the measurement data and autonomously configures which measurement zones are relevant, making the system easy to operate while concentrating complexity within the automated control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters based on detected objects. By automatically adjusting which measurement zones are active and how they are read out based on the actual measurement situation, the system achieves ease of operation through adaptive parameter changes rather than requiring manual configuration.
4Productivity
If parallel readout of multiple distance values is used, then productivity improves, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the measurement field into multiple zones with dedicated readout channels, the system can perform parallel measurements without compromising the precision requirements of each individual measurement. Each zone maintains its own measurement and processing pathway, ensuring accuracy while enabling high throughput through parallel operation.
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 solution enables automatic adjustment of the distance sensor, reducing manual effort and achieving optimal results without relying on operator expertise, while providing a compact design and simultaneous measurement of multiple distance values for accurate height profiling and object detection.
Implementation Method 1
an optoelectronic distance sensor according to a principle of a time-of-flight method having a plurality of measurement zones for measuring a plurality of distance values to the objects
Data Source
AI summary
A camera (10) for detecting objects (48) moving relative to the camera (10) in a direction of movement (50), comprising an image sensor (18) for recording image data of the objects (48) in a camera field of view (14, 56), an optoelectronic distance sensor (24) using a time-of-flight method having a plurality of measurement zones (30a) for measuring a plurality of distance values to the objects (48) in a distance measurement field of view (58), and a control and evaluation unit (38) configured to find, by measuring distance values over a configuration time and evaluating the distance values and/or their change, a region where objects (48) move, and to automatically set a region of interest (60) for the distance sensor (24) within the distance measurement field of view (58) by determining an object region as the region where objects (48) move.