Distance Measuring Device Pixel Division for Multi-Object Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distance measuring devices using the time of flight method face challenges in accurately identifying and measuring multiple objects within the same pixel, as the division of pixels based on object direction and area is crucial for correct disposition information, but existing methods struggle to appropriately divide pixels when objects have varying orientations, shapes, and sizes.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates an image processing unit that detects the direction of objects based on signal intensities and distances, and divides pixels accordingly to improve resolution, using an object direction detection unit and pixel division unit to allocate distance information to individual objects within a pixel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the optical signal is scanned to measure distances in a predetermined area, then a distance image can be generated covering the entire area, but multiple objects located in the same direction cannot be properly identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides pixels in the distance image into multiple regions based on object directions. When multiple objects are detected in the same pixel, the pixel is segmented into multiple division regions, each corresponding to a different object direction. This allows distance information to be separately assigned to each object, enabling accurate identification of multiple objects within the same pixel while maintaining comprehensive area coverage.
2Measurement precision
If pixels are divided to separate distance information of multiple objects, then object identification accuracy improves, but pixel division based on inappropriate directions fails to correctly measure object disposition information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically determines pixel division directions based on the actual orientations of detected objects. The image processing unit identifies multiple object directions within a pixel and adjusts the division direction accordingly. This dynamic adaptation ensures that pixels are divided along the correct orientation to separate multiple objects, accurately measuring both their identification and disposition information regardless of their specific orientations, shapes, or sizes.
3Device complexity
If conventional pixel division methods are used, then processing simplicity is maintained, but resolution of the distance image deteriorates when multiple objects are present in one pixel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pixel segmentation by dividing pixels into multiple division regions based on detected object directions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain relatively simple processing for single-object pixels while automatically applying division only to pixels containing multiple objects. The result is improved distance image resolution for multi-object scenarios without significantly increasing overall processing complexity, as the division is selectively applied only where needed.
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 the resolution of the distance image by accurately dividing pixels based on object direction and area, allowing for precise measurement of multiple objects within the same pixel, thereby improving the visibility and accuracy of the distance image without significantly increasing data volume.
Implementation Method 1
A distance measuring device using the time of flight (ToF) method is widely used in which a distance to an object is measured in a non-contact manner by radiating an optical signal to the object and receiving a reflected optical signal from the object.
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring device has a plurality of light receiving elements each of which receives a reflected optical signal reflected by an object, and an image processor that generates a distance image in accordance with distances to the object, based on signal intensities and light reception timings of the reflected optical signal received by the plurality of light receiving elements, wherein the image processor detects a direction of the object, based on at least either the signal intensities of the reflected optical signal received by the light receiving elements or the distances to the object measured based on the reflected optical signal, and divides at least one or some of pixels included in the distance image, based on the direction of the detected object.