Distance Sensor Grid Pattern Trajectory Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance sensors face challenges in accurately calculating distances due to increased overlap of projection artifact trajectories as the number of beams projected from each projection point increases, complicating distance measurements while maintaining spatial coverage and minimizing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A beam arrangement for distance sensors that minimizes overlap of projection artifact trajectories by projecting beams symmetrically from each projection point, adjusting the angle of projection patterns to maintain a rectangular grid shape, and rotating latitude and longitude lines to accommodate spherical or flat surfaces, ensuring non-overlapping trajectories for accurate distance calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the number of beams projected from each projection point is increased to improve spatial coverage, then measurement coverage is improved, but trajectory overlap increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using different projection angles for different beams. Specifically, at least one beam is projected at a first angle while another beam is projected at a second angle that is different from the first angle. This asymmetric angular distribution prevents trajectory overlap while maintaining comprehensive spatial coverage, resolving the contradiction between coverage and precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple beams are projected to improve distance measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but trajectory overlap increases and device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter of beam projection to resolve the contradiction. By projecting beams at different angles (first angle vs. second angle), the system achieves better measurement precision through multiple beams while avoiding trajectory overlap. This parameter variation simplifies the overall system design compared to more complex multi-projection-point configurations.
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 accuracy of distance measurements by reducing trajectory overlap, maintaining spatial coverage, and optimizing sensor design for cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The distance sensors described in these applications include light sources (e.g., lasers), diffractive optical elements, and/or other components which cooperate to project beams of light that create a pattern
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
Figure 3D
AI summary
A projection pattern is projected onto a surface of an object from a projection point of a distance by projecting a plurality of beams of light from the projection point. The plurality of beams of light creates a plurality of projection artifacts that is arranged in a grid on the surface of the object. A center projection artifact lies at an intersection of a grid longitude line and a grid latitude line. A projection of the plurality of beams is adjusted so that the longitude line and/or the latitude line is rotated by a predetermined amount from an original position to a new position, resulting in an adjusted projection pattern on the surface of the object. An image of the object, including at least a portion of the adjusted projection pattern, is captured. A distance from the distance sensor to the object is calculated using information from the image.