Distance Measurement Unit Solid Angle Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measurement units based on signal propagation time face challenges in achieving high resolution and signal-to-noise ratio due to the limited segmentation of the detection field, which affects the accuracy and reliability of distance measurements, particularly in applications requiring finer angular resolution and improved echo pulse detection.
Innovation Solution
A distance measurement unit with a segmented detection field, utilizing multiple emitters to emit pulses into solid angle segments, allowing for improved signal-to-noise ratio through sequential or simultaneous pulsing, and employing solid-angle resolving receiver units to assign echo pulses to specific segments, enabling enhanced spatial and temporal resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detection field is segmented into solid angle segments with multiple emitters, then the signal-to-noise ratio and measurement reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection field is segmented into multiple solid angle segments, with each segment assigned to one or more specific emitters. This segmentation allows the system to concentrate measurement energy in specific directions, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and measurement reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured division of the measurement space.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple emitters are configured to share common solid angle segments, allowing each emitter to serve multiple measurement functions. This multi-functionality improves reliability through redundant measurements while avoiding proportional increases in system complexity, as emitters can be time-multiplexed across different solid angle segments.
2Reliability
If multiple emitters are assigned to the same solid angle segment, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved through sequential pulsing, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple emitters pulse sequentially in periodic cycles, with each emitter transmitting pulses at different time intervals into the same solid angle segment. This periodic action allows the receiver to integrate signals from multiple emitters, improving the signal-to-noise ratio through temporal averaging while maintaining systematic data processing through regular pulse patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the receiver unit processes echo pulses from multiple emitters and provides information back to the control unit, which coordinates the sequential pulsing of emitters. This feedback loop optimizes the measurement process by adjusting pulse timing and selection based on detected signal quality, improving signal-to-noise ratio while automating the complexity management.
3Measurement precision
If the detection field is segmented into finer solid angle segments, then the angular resolution is improved, but the number of required emitters and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection field is divided into multiple solid angle segments with fine angular resolution, allowing precise directional measurement. By segmenting the field systematically, the system achieves high angular resolution without requiring a proportional increase in total emitter count, as each emitter can serve multiple segments through sequential operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns emitters to different solid angle segments based on measurement requirements, allowing a single emitter to serve multiple segments at different times. This dynamic allocation enables fine angular resolution across the entire detection field while reducing the total number of emitters needed compared to static one-to-one assignments.
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
The solution enhances the accuracy and reliability of distance measurements by improving the signal-to-noise ratio and enabling faster data refresh rates, making it suitable for applications like autonomous vehicles that require precise object detection and classification.
Implementation Method 1
The distance measurement in question is based on a propagation time measurement of emitted electromagnetic pulses
Implementation Method 2
If the pulse is transmitted at a time t0 and the echo pulse is detected at a later time t1, the distance d to the reflective surface of the object can be determined using the propagation time ΔtA=t1−t0
Implementation Method 3
For this purpose, for example, consecutively received echo pulses can be combined in a process of signal averaging
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measurement performing a signal propagation time-based measurement of a distance from an object located in a sensing field, the unit including an emitter unit having a plurality of emitters for emitting pulses and a receiver unit for receiving echo pulses. The distance measurement unit is configured for measurement such that the echo pulses are associated with the different solid angle segments and at least two of the emitters emit pulses into at least some of the solid angle segments.