Distance Sensor Dual Detector Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance sensors face challenges in accurately determining the distance of objects, especially at short distances due to non-linear signal intensity behavior and low spatial resolution at greater distances, leading to ambiguity in measurement results.
Innovation Solution
The design of a distance sensor with two detectors at different distances from a light emitter unit, allowing for different intensity distributions of reflected light components, enabling precise distance determination through analytical calculations without iterative processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single detector is used for distance measurement, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to non-linear signal behavior at short distances and low spatial resolution at greater distances
Solution Approach 1:
The single detector is segmented into multiple detectors (first detector and second detector) positioned at different distances from the light emitter unit. Each detector captures light intensity at its specific distance, allowing the system to resolve the non-linearity issue by comparing intensities from multiple positions rather than relying on a single detector's ambiguous readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-detector one-dimensional measurement to a multi-detector two-dimensional measurement space. By introducing the spatial dimension of detector positioning, the system gains additional information about light intensity distribution, which enables accurate distance determination across the entire range without iterative calculations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detectors are placed at different distances from the light emitter unit, then measurement precision improves over a wider range, but device complexity increases due to additional detectors and evaluation circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple detectors serve universal functionality across different distance ranges. The first detector, positioned closer to the light emitter unit, handles short-distance measurements, while the second detector, positioned farther away, handles medium-to-long distance measurements. Both detectors work together to provide universal coverage across the entire operating range without requiring separate specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameter of detector positioning to optimize performance across different ranges. By strategically placing detectors at specific distances from the light emitter unit, the system creates distinct intensity distribution patterns that enable accurate measurements throughout the operating range, transforming a single-parameter measurement into a multi-parameter solution.
3Measurement precision
If iterative procedures are used for distance calculation, then measurement precision can be improved, but computing effort and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the geometric relationship between detectors and the light emitter unit. This preliminary configuration allows the evaluation circuit to directly calculate distance using the recorded light intensities and known geometric parameters, eliminating the need for iterative procedures during actual measurement and significantly reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the iterative computational process with a direct analytical calculation based on geometric principles. By substituting the mechanical/iterative search process with a mathematical model that directly relates detector positions, light intensities, and distance, the system achieves the same measurement precision without the time cost of iteration.
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 allows for accurate distance measurement over a wider range, particularly at short distances, by compensating for non-linear signal behavior and improving spatial resolution, thus reducing ambiguity in measurement results.
Implementation Method 1
the object reflects a part of a light signal emitted by the distance sensor or proximity detector
Implementation Method 2
a corresponding curve in a photodetector often exhibits non-linear behavior
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a distance sensor for detecting an object in a detection range of the distance sensor. The distance sensor comprises a sensor housing with a plurality of connection areas, a light emitter unit for generating light of at least a first wavelength, at least one first detector for receiving a light intensity, which is arranged at a first distance from the emitter, and at least one second detector for receiving a light intensity, which is arranged at a second distance from the emitter. In addition, an evaluation circuit is provided, which is connected to the first and second detectors and is configured to determine a distance to an object positioned in the detection range of the distance sensor from signals corresponding to the detected light intensities and the first and second distance.