Distance Measuring Device Segmentation for Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR distance measuring devices face challenges in achieving high-resolution distance images due to power limitations, which restrict the number of measurement points and frame rate, leading to inadequate performance when measuring both close and distant objects, especially in the presence of environmental noise.
Innovation Solution
The device intermittently emits light and segments sampling time points into distinct segments to accumulate and process signals differently for each segment, allowing for enhanced resolution and precision in distance measurement by adjusting emission counts and accumulation values based on distance and noise conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of measurement points is increased to improve resolution, then the frame rate must be lowered to stay within power limits, but this reduces productivity and makes long-distance measurement impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into multiple frames, where each frame measures only a subset of points. By accumulating data across multiple frames and synthesizing the final distance image, the system achieves high resolution without requiring all points to be measured simultaneously at high frame rates. This divides the total measurement task into manageable segments that can be completed within power constraints.
2Length of stationary object
If light power is increased to enable long-distance measurement, then the number of measurement points must be reduced, but this deteriorates distance image resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments both the measurement points and the frames. Each frame measures a subset of points with sufficient light power for long-distance detection. By accumulating results from multiple frames, the system achieves both long-distance measurement capability and high resolution, as each point is measured with adequate power across multiple opportunities rather than requiring all points to be measured simultaneously at low power.
3Productivity
If frame rate is increased to meet moving object measurement requirements, then light power per point must be reduced, but this makes long-distance measurement impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task across multiple frames, allowing each frame to operate at a lower frame rate with sufficient light power for long-distance measurement. The segmentation of measurement points across frames enables the system to maintain high overall productivity (effective frame rate for the complete image) while using lower instantaneous frame rates that allow adequate light power accumulation for distant targets.
4Measurement precision
If all measurement points are measured in each frame to maintain resolution, then power consumption increases, but this is restricted by safety limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the set of measurement points across multiple frames, so that not all points are measured in each frame. This segmentation reduces the instantaneous power requirement per frame while maintaining the ability to achieve high resolution through accumulation. Each frame measures a subset of points with moderate power, and the complete high-resolution image is reconstructed by combining results from multiple frames within safety power limits.
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 enables improved resolution for near objects and enhanced measurement precision for distant objects, preventing failures in long-distance measurements even in noisy environments, while optimizing power usage.
Implementation Method 1
the distance can be measured by using a time difference between a time point when the light source emits the light and a time point when the scattered light is detected
Implementation Method 2
scattered light scattered with the measured object is detected by an optical detector
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a distance measuring device measures a distance to the measured object base on light scattered on the measured object is detected. The distance measuring device includes an optical detector and a measurer. The optical detector detects the scattered light. The measurer has a sampler to sample a signal corresponding to an output signal of the optical detector every time when the light is emitted at a plurality of sampling time points and a storage to accumulate sampling values and store an accumulation value at each sampling time point. The measurer measures the distance based on a plurality of accumulation values at the sampling time points.