Distance Measuring Device Multi-Sensor Switching Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measuring devices face challenges in expanding the irradiation range of laser light in the vertical direction without increasing noise in the time-series luminance signal, particularly when using a one-dimensional quick scan method.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring device that employs a plurality of sensors with different light receiving positions and a switching circuit to output signals from these sensors, allowing for the expansion of the laser light irradiation range in the vertical direction while suppressing noise in the time-series luminance signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the irradiation range of laser light is expanded in the vertical direction, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the light reception range of the sensor expands and noise of the time-series luminance signal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor output is divided into multiple channels corresponding to different light receiving positions. The switching circuit selectively outputs signals from specific sensor channels rather than all sensors simultaneously, effectively segmenting the light reception to match the expanded irradiation range while suppressing noise from irrelevant directions
Solution Approach 2:
The switching circuit dynamically selects which sensor channels to activate based on the current irradiation pattern. As the laser light irradiation range changes in the vertical direction, the switching circuit adapts by switching between different sensor channels, maintaining optimal signal-to-noise ratio throughout the scanning process
2Speed
If one-dimensional quick scanning is used, then the scanning speed is improved, but the noise suppression becomes more difficult when irradiation range is expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple sensor channels at different light receiving positions before scanning begins. The switching circuit is prepared to rapidly switch between these pre-positioned sensors, enabling quick scanning while maintaining the ability to suppress noise through selective channel activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical noise filtering with an electronic switching system. Instead of using mechanical shutters or physical barriers to control light reception, the system uses electronic switching between sensor channels, enabling faster response times and better noise suppression during quick scanning operations
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 effectively expands the irradiation range of laser light while reducing noise, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of distance measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that converts reflected light of laser light received via a light-receiving optical system into an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring device according to this embodiment includes a plurality of sensors, a switching circuit, and a distance measurement circuit. The plurality of sensors that convert reflected light of laser light received via a light-receiving optical system into an electric signal. The plurality of sensors respectively have different light receiving positions with respect to the light-receiving optical system. The switching circuit switches and outputs an output signal output from a first sensor used for measurement and an output signal output from a second sensor used for measurement after the measurement by the first sensor among the plurality of sensors. The distance measurement circuit measures the distance to a measurement target object on the basis of a time difference between light emission timing of the laser light and timing of a peak position of a time-series luminance signal based on the output signal of the switching circuit.