Distance Measuring Device with Dual Sensor Condition Relaxation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance measuring devices restrict distance measurement situations due to imposed conditions, leading to unreliable measurements unless specific conditions are met, limiting their operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring device comprising a first and second distance measurer, along with circuitry, where the first measurer outputs a predetermined value under unsatisfactory conditions, and the second measurer's valid measurements relax these conditions, allowing the first measurer to retry measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If distance measurement conditions are imposed to secure reliability, then measurement reliability is improved, but the situations in which distance measurement can be performed are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of distance measurement conditions based on environmental context. The control unit changes measurement conditions according to the detected situation, allowing the system to adapt between high reliability mode (when conditions are favorable) and high adaptability mode (when conditions are unfavorable), thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes measurement parameters dynamically by switching between different distance measurement units based on situation. When the first distance measurement unit cannot measure under current conditions, the system switches to the second distance measurement unit with different measurement parameters, thereby expanding the range of measurable situations while maintaining reliability through selective use of appropriate measurement modes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distance measuring units are used to extend measurement situations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the distance measurement function into multiple specialized units: a first distance measurement unit for normal conditions and a second distance measurement unit for unfavorable conditions. Each unit is optimized for specific measurement scenarios, allowing the system to achieve broad adaptability while keeping each individual unit relatively simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of coordinating multiple distance measurement units. It automatically selects which unit to use based on current conditions, shielding the user from the underlying complexity while enabling the system to leverage multiple measurement capabilities for extended adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring device includes a first measurer, a second distance measurer, and circuitry. The first distance measurer measures a distance to a target object; and outputs first distance information indicating a measured distance when the distance measurement is performed under a condition that satisfies a distance measurement condition, but outputs the first distance information indicating a predetermined value when the distance measurement is performed under a condition that does not satisfy the distance measurement condition. The second distance measurer measures a distance to the target object and outputs second distance information indicating the measured distance. When the first distance information indicates the predetermined value and the second distance information satisfies a predetermined condition, the circuitry makes alteration such that the distance measurement condition is relaxed. When the distance measurement condition is altered, the first distance measurer measures a distance to the target object again.