Distance Measuring Unit With Oblique Pixel Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distance measurement technologies based on time-of-flight of electromagnetic pulses face challenges in achieving high resolution and accurate object differentiation due to limitations in solid angle segmentation and sensor pixel configuration, particularly in automotive applications where precise detection of objects like pedestrians or vehicles is required.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring unit that subdivides the detection field into emitter and receiver solid angle segments, using a solid angle-selective emitter unit and imaging optics to image these segments onto a sensor face divided into pixels, with an oblique separating line between pixels, allowing for improved resolution and position determination by analyzing signal components from different emitter segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detection field is subdivided into multiple emitter solid angle segments and imaged onto sensor pixels, then the measurement precision and object differentiation capability are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for imaging optics and oblique separating line configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The detection field is subdivided into multiple emitter solid angle segments that are sequentially scanned. Each segment is imaged onto a corresponding region of the sensor face, enabling spatial resolution and object differentiation without requiring a complex multi-element sensor array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an oblique separating line between pixels that is angled relative to the scan line. This oblique orientation in a second dimension (perpendicular to the scan direction) enables differentiation of objects within the same solid angle segment by detecting signal components from different emitter segments, thereby improving measurement precision without adding more segments.
2Manufacturing precision
If the first sensor face is subdivided into multiple pixels with an oblique separating line, then the resolution and object differentiation are improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separating line between pixels is configured obliquely rather than parallel to the scan line. This asymmetric configuration creates distinct signal component patterns for objects at different positions within solid angle segments, improving object differentiation capability while maintaining feasible manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system analyzes signal components from different pixels to determine object position and characteristics. The evaluation unit processes the differential signals from pixels separated by the oblique line to extract spatial information, providing feedback that enhances measurement precision without requiring ultra-precise pixel alignment.
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 configuration enhances the resolution and accuracy of distance measurement by enabling differentiation of objects within solid angle segments and monitoring the function of the emitter unit, such as a tiltable mirror, while reducing the risk of photobiological hazards and improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
distance measurement based on signal time of flight
Implementation Method 2
If these strike an object, the pulse is partially reflected on its surface back to the distance measuring unit and can be recorded as an echo pulse
Implementation Method 3
imaging optics which image the detection field onto the first sensor face, and specifically each of the emitter solid angle segments onto a respective region of the first sensor face
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring unit for measurement, based on signal time of flight, of a distance to an object, includes: an emitter configured for the emission of electromagnetic pulses, and sequentially into different emitter solid angle segments of the detection field, a receiver having a first face for detecting electromagnetic radiation, and imaging optics which image the detection field onto the first sensor face, and specifically each of the emitter solid angle segments onto a respective region of the first sensor face. The emitter solid angle segments follow one another along a scan axis, and correspondingly the regions of the first sensor face also follow one another along a first scan line. The first sensor face is subdivided into at least two pixels which adjoin one another on a first separating line. The first separating line extends at least in sections obliquely with respect to the first scan line.