Distance Measurement Integrator Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measurement methods using time-of-flight techniques suffer from a worsening signal-to-noise ratio with increasing distance due to the square relationship between the intensity of the reflected light pulse and distance, and only a portion of the reflected light pulse is integrated, leading to reduced measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs two integrators that can be independently controlled to integrate the measurement signal over different integration times, allowing for a greater proportion of the reflected light pulse to be detected, thereby enhancing measurement accuracy and averaging out errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If only a portion of the reflected light pulse is integrated for distance determination, then the measurement process can be completed within a finite time, but the signal-to-noise ratio worsens due to reduced integrated signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integration process into multiple segments by using multiple integrators (first integrator, second integrator, and third integrator) that each integrate different portions of the reflected light pulse. This segmentation allows the system to capture the entire light pulse by combining results from multiple integration operations, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining finite measurement time.
2Measurement precision
If the integration time is extended to capture more of the reflected light pulse, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the measurement process requires longer time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by sequentially activating multiple integrators at different time intervals. The first integrator integrates during a first time period, the second integrator integrates during a second time period, and the third integrator integrates during a third time period. This periodic, sequential integration allows the system to capture the entire reflected light pulse without requiring any single integrator to operate for an extended continuous period, thus improving signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining efficient measurement time.
3Measurement precision
If multiple integrators are used to capture more of the reflected light pulse, then measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the multiple integrators to perform identical integration functions but at different time intervals. Each integrator (first, second, and third) is structurally the same and performs the same photoelectric current integration task, but they are activated sequentially to capture different portions of the reflected light pulse. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to improve measurement accuracy through multiple integration operations while using standardized, repeatable components rather than increasingly complex specialized devices.
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 improves the accuracy of distance measurement by utilizing a larger portion of the reflected light pulse energy and optimizing the use of photons, resulting in reduced measurement errors and enhanced signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
based on the principle of emitting a light pulse and measuring the transit time between the commencement of emission of the light pulse and the reception of the components of the light pulse, which are reflected by an object
Implementation Method 2
a measurement signal which is generated by the at least one photoelectric element of the receiver matrix in dependence on light incident thereon
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for determining distance comprising a transmitting unit for emitting a light pulse, a receiver matrix having at least one photoelectric element and a control unit, wherein the receiver matrix has a first and a second integrator which are connected to the photoelectric element, which are activatable independently of each other and which are each adapted to integrate a measurement signal outputted by photoelectric element over a period of time predetermined by the control unit and thereby to form an integrator state and to output the integrator state as an output signal.