Distance Measurement Device With Variable Pixel Pitch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance measurement devices using two-dimensional array sensors have uniform pixel pitches, leading to reduced sensitivity at the peripheral portions, limiting the measurable distance and viewing angle due to narrower incident angles and decreased light incidence.
Innovation Solution
The pitch of unit pixels in the light receiving element varies with location, being wider at the peripheral portions, allowing for reduced sensitivity differences between central and peripheral areas, thereby achieving a wider viewing angle for measurable distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pitch of unit pixels is uniform across the light receiving element, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the sensitivity at peripheral portions decreases due to narrower incident angles and reduced light incidence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the pitch of unit pixels according to their location on the light receiving element. Specifically, the pitch is set to be larger at peripheral portions and smaller at central portions, optimizing each region's pixel density to match the incident angle characteristics and light incidence amounts at those locations, thereby improving sensitivity uniformly across the entire element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of pixel pitch from a uniform value to a location-dependent value. The pitch is designed to increase toward the peripheral portions of the light receiving element, compensating for the reduced light incidence and narrower incident angles at those locations, thus balancing sensitivity across the sensor surface.
2Device complexity
If the pitch of unit pixels is uniform across the light receiving element, then the device structure is simplified, but the measurable viewing angle becomes narrower due to reduced sensitivity at peripheral portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by designing different pixel pitches for different regions of the light receiving element. The peripheral portions have larger pitches that accommodate wider incident angles, enabling the sensor to capture light from broader viewing angles, while central portions maintain smaller pitches for high-resolution measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability in the pixel arrangement by varying the pitch according to location, allowing the light receiving element to effectively handle a range of incident angles from different directions, thus expanding the measurable viewing angle without requiring mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If the pitch of unit pixels is uniform across the light receiving element, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the sensitivity difference between central and peripheral portions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing a non-uniform pixel pitch distribution that compensates for the inherent sensitivity differences in the optical path. The pitch is optimized at each location to account for variations in incident angle and light incidence amount, ensuring uniform sensitivity across the entire light receiving element despite the manufacturing complexity.
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 variation in pixel pitch reduces sensitivity differences, enabling a wider viewing angle and longer measurable distances by compensating for light incidence decreases at peripheral areas.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving element that receives the laser light reflected by the measurement target on a pixel-by-pixel basis
Implementation Method 2
a laser irradiation unit that irradiates a measurement target with laser light
Implementation Method 3
the time that elapses before laser light emitted toward a measurement target is reflected by the measurement target and returns
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measurement device according to the present disclosure includes: a laser irradiation unit that irradiates a measurement target with laser light; and a laser light receiving unit including a light receiving element that receives the laser light reflected by the measurement target on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Furthermore, the pitch of the unit pixels of the light receiving element varies with location in a light receiving pixel area. A mobile apparatus according to the present disclosure is equipped with a distance measurement device having the above configuration.