Distance Image Device Dynamic Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance image generating devices with a single light emitting element and multiple light receiving elements face challenges in adjusting the amount of light emitted, as previous techniques either require dedicated light source drivers or analog control, making it difficult to set the appropriate light levels for accurate distance measurement.
Innovation Solution
A distance image generating device comprising a light emitter, a light receiver with multiple receiving elements, a distance calculator, and a light amount adjuster that determines emission and exposure counts based on the distance image generated, allowing for adjustment of light pulses to optimize light emission and reception, eliminating the need for dedicated drivers or analog control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated light source driver is used to adjust the intensity of light pulses, then the light emission can be optimized for accurate distance measurement, but the cost of the distance image generating device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the dedicated light source driver (electrical control system) with a software-based control method. The light amount adjuster uses digital signal processing to control the light emitter by adjusting the number of light pulses emitted and the integration time of the light receiver, eliminating the need for complex analog control circuitry and dedicated drivers, thereby reducing device cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters from continuous analog intensity adjustment to discrete digital control of pulse count and integration time. By varying the emission count (number of light pulses) and exposure count (integration time) digitally, the system achieves flexible light amount control without requiring dedicated analog control hardware, thus reducing device complexity and cost.
2Measurement precision
If analog control is used to adjust the intensity of light pulses, then the light emission can be optimized, but it becomes difficult to adjust the amount of light to be emitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes analog control with digital control methods. The light amount adjuster uses digital signal processing to control light emission parameters (pulse count, integration time) through software algorithms, making light adjustment more precise and easier to operate compared to analog control, while eliminating the need for dedicated light source drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of light emission parameters through software control. The system can adaptively change the emission count and exposure count based on real-time distance measurement requirements, providing flexible and easy-to-operate light control without the limitations of fixed analog control circuits.
3Ease of operation
If the amount of light to be emitted is set in advance, then the device is simple to operate, but the amount of light cannot be adjusted according to the captured subject and distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic light control where the light amount adjuster continuously adapts the emission count and exposure count based on real-time distance measurements and captured subject characteristics. This dynamic adjustment maintains ease of operation through automated control while providing full adaptability to different measurement scenarios, eliminating the need for manual pre-setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where the light amount adjuster uses distance measurement results to automatically adjust subsequent light emission parameters. The system monitors the captured subject and distance information, then adaptively modifies the emission count and exposure count to optimize measurement accuracy for each specific scenario, combining simplicity with adaptability.
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 simple and effective adjustment of light levels for distance measurement, reducing costs and complexity by allowing the device to adjust light emission and reception counts dynamically based on the distance image, ensuring accurate distance calculation without requiring dedicated light source drivers or analog control.
Implementation Method 1
The Time-Of-Flight (also referred to below simply as 'TOF') system is one method used to measure the distance to obtain a distance image. In the TOF system, a distance image is obtained with use of the time of flight spent by an emitted light pulse, such as near-infrared light, till its reflected light from an object is received.
Data Source
AI summary
A distance image generating device includes a light emitter that emits light pulses; a light receiver that includes light receiving elements and receives reflected light; a distance calculator that generates a distance image based on an amount of the reflected light; and a light amount adjuster that determines an emission count in accordance with which the light emitter is to emit the light pulses and an exposure count in accordance with which the light receiver is to receive the reflected light based on the distance image and causes the light emitter to emit the light pulses in accordance with the determined emission count and the light receiver to receive the reflected light in accordance with the determined exposure count. The distance calculator calculates the distance based on an amount of the reflected light received at the exposure count by the light receiver.