Distance Measurement Apparatus Adaptive Scanning Angle Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance measurement apparatuses face a tradeoff between accuracy and scanning angle resolution, requiring complex and expensive circuits to improve either parameter, making it difficult to enhance both simultaneously without increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A distance measurement method that switches between two modes based on the measured distance, prioritizing scanning angle resolution when distances are greater than a threshold and accuracy when closer, by controlling the projection angle of the laser beam to adjust sampling positions accordingly, using a relatively simple circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the angular interval is widened to improve distance measurement accuracy, then measurement accuracy is improved, but scanning angle resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the angular interval configurable and switchable between different modes (first mode with narrower interval for high resolution, second mode with wider interval for high accuracy). This allows the system to adaptively change parameters based on measurement requirements, resolving the contradiction between resolution and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of angular interval from fixed to variable, allowing it to be adjusted between a first angular interval (narrower) and a second angular interval (wider). This parameter change enables the system to optimize between scanning angle resolution and distance measurement accuracy depending on the measurement mode.
2Manufacturing precision
If the angular interval is narrowed to improve scanning angle resolution, then scanning angle resolution is improved, but distance measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two angular interval settings based on measurement needs. When high scanning angle resolution is required, the first (narrower) angular interval is used; when high distance measurement accuracy is required, the second (wider) angular interval is used.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular interval parameter is made variable with two distinct settings: a first angular interval for high resolution applications and a second angular interval for high accuracy applications. This parameter flexibility allows the system to resolve the contradiction by selecting the appropriate setting for each measurement scenario.
3Measurement precision
If multiple samples are averaged to improve distance measurement accuracy, then measurement accuracy is improved, but data update time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic switching between measurement modes that have different characteristics. The first mode prioritizes scanning angle resolution with faster updates, while the second mode prioritizes distance measurement accuracy. This dynamic approach allows the system to balance accuracy requirements against time constraints.
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 allows for improved accuracy and scanning angle resolution in a distance measurement apparatus with a simple circuit, reducing costs and avoiding delays in data updates, while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The distance to an object may be calculated using either one of the one-dimensional scanning scheme and the two-dimensional scanning scheme by, for example, measuring the time of flight (TOF), which is the round-trip time taken for a projected laser beam to reach a target, be reflected, and return
Implementation Method 2
A laser measurement apparatus (for example, a laser radar), which is an example of a distance measurement apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measurement method, includes measuring a distance to an object by means of a distance measurement circuit of a distance measurement apparatus and by scanning a light beam; designating a first mode which controls a projection angle of the light beam so that sampling positions in a given number of successive scans do not overlap, when the distance to the object is greater than or equal to a threshold value, by using the processor; and designating a second mode which controls the projection angle of the light beam so that the sampling positions overlap in each scan, when the distance to the object is less than the threshold value, by using the processor.