Distance Measuring Device Segmentation for High Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measuring devices using the time of flight (TOF) technique face limitations in achieving high resolution, particularly in distinguishing between continuous distance ranges, leading to inaccuracies in measuring distances to targets.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring device and system that utilize a wave transmitter and receiver to calculate distance based on the time interval between wave transmission and reception, dividing the measurable distance range into multiple ranges, and determining the target's presence across preceding and succeeding ranges by analyzing signal levels over specific periods, allowing for higher resolution and improved precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the measurable distance range is divided into multiple distance ranges to improve measurement precision, then the resolution of distance measurement is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to handle multiple ranges and their corresponding periods
Solution Approach 1:
The measurable distance range is divided into multiple distance ranges (first distance range, second distance range, etc.), each corresponding to a specific period (first period, second period, etc.). This segmentation allows the system to measure distances with higher precision by determining which distance range the target falls into based on the period in which the reflected wave is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines multiple distance ranges and their corresponding periods before measurement begins. The wave transmitter is configured to transmit measuring waves at specific timings corresponding to these pre-defined ranges, and the wave receiver is set to detect reflected waves during the corresponding periods. This preliminary configuration simplifies the measurement process by eliminating the need for real-time range adaptation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the target is present across multiple continuous distance ranges, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to ambiguity in determining the exact distance range
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the detection results from multiple periods to determine the presence of the target across different distance ranges. By analyzing which periods detect reflected waves and comparing the signal strengths across these periods, the system can accurately determine the target's distance even when it spans multiple ranges. The feedback from each period's detection helps refine the overall distance measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits measuring waves and detects reflected waves across multiple distance ranges even when the target might be present in only one range. This excessive action ensures that the target is detected regardless of its exact position, and the system then uses signal strength comparison to determine the precise distance range, thereby maintaining high measurement accuracy.
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 enables the device to measure distances with higher resolution and precision by accurately determining the target's location across multiple continuous distance ranges, reducing measurement errors and improving overall accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
measures the distance to a target of measurement (hereinafter simply referred to as a 'target') by the time of flight (TOF) technique
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring device is to be connected to a wave transmitter and a wave receiver. The distance measuring device includes a distance measuring unit, which calculates a distance to the target based on a time interval between transmission of a measuring wave from a wave transmitter and reception of the measuring wave at a wave receiver. The target may be present across a preceding distance range and a succeeding distance range which are continuous with each other and both of which belong to a plurality of distance ranges defined by dividing a measurable distance range. In such a situation, the distance measuring unit calculates the distance to the target based on respective amounts of a preceding wave received at the wave receiver over a period corresponding to the preceding distance range and a succeeding wave received at the wave receiver over a period corresponding to the succeeding distance range.