Distance Measurement Device Using Variable Intensity Light Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance measurement devices face accuracy issues when measuring short distances or high-luminance reflective objects, as the intensity of reflected light pulses can exceed the detection range of light receiving elements, leading to unclear peak detection and decreased measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The device emits light pulses with different intensities and periods per unit measurement time, allowing for the calculation of distance using detection timings of response pulses, even when one pulse is saturated or noisy, by utilizing a light emission controller, detection information acquirer, and distance calculator to process data from a light receiving unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light pulses with high intensity are emitted to improve detection signal strength, then the detection signal strength is improved, but the reflected light intensity may exceed the detection range of light receiving elements causing saturation and decreasing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into multiple segments by emitting multiple light pulses with different intensities instead of using a single high-intensity pulse. This segmentation allows the system to capture reflection data at different signal levels, preventing saturation while maintaining adequate signal strength for accurate peak detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the intensity parameter of the emitted light pulses across multiple measurements. By varying the light emission intensity among different pulses, the system ensures that at least some pulses produce reflected light signals within the optimal detection range of the light receiving elements, avoiding saturation while maintaining sufficient signal strength.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light pulses with different intensities are emitted to avoid saturation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by emitting multiple light pulses in sequence with different intensities during a measurement cycle. This periodic emission pattern allows the system to gather multiple reflection measurements with varying signal strengths, ensuring accurate peak detection while managing device complexity through systematic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emission controller dynamically adjusts the intensity of emitted light pulses based on measurement requirements. This dynamic control enables the system to adaptively select appropriate pulse intensities for different measurement conditions, improving accuracy while maintaining manageable device complexity through flexible control mechanisms.
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 enhances measurement accuracy by using clear detection timings of response pulses, reducing the impact of saturation and noise, and enabling precise distance calculation even in challenging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Conventional distance measurement devices use light pulses and measure a distance to a target object based on a time of flight (TOF) of the light pulses
Implementation Method 2
The distance calculator calculates the distance using detection timings of response pulses respectively generated by the light pulses being reflected from the target object
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measurement device is for irradiating a target region with light and measuring a distance to a target object present in the target region. The distance measurement device includes a light emission controller, a detection information acquirer, and a distance calculator. The light emission controller controls a light emitting unit, which emits light toward the target region. The detection information acquirer acquires detection information obtained by a light receiving unit, which detects light from the target region. The distance calculator calculates a distance to the target object using the detection information. The light emission controller controls the light emitting unit to emit light pulses respectively having different light emission intensities for different light emission periods per unit measurement time. The distance calculator calculates the distance using detection timings of response pulses respectively generated by the light pulses being reflected from the target object.