Distance Sensor Parallel Projection Beams
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance sensors used in unmanned vehicles are bulky, expensive, and have limited field of view, making them unsuitable for compact vehicles and effective obstacle detection in computer vision systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact distance sensor design utilizing a single light source and diffractive optical elements to generate multiple projection points around a lens, allowing for wide-angle projection patterns and efficient distance calculation within a 360-degree field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional distance sensors are used, then distance measurement capability is provided, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple projection points and their associated projection beams into a single integrated distance sensor device. The sensor array includes multiple sensors positioned at different locations, each projecting beams from multiple projection points, merging their functions into one compact unit that achieves accurate distance measurement without requiring separate bulky components
Solution Approach 2:
The distance sensor device performs multiple functions: it projects projection beams from multiple projection points, captures images of projection patterns on objects, calculates distances to multiple objects simultaneously, and provides wide-field coverage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If conventional distance sensors are used, then distance measurement is possible, but the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple individual sensors positioned at different locations within the device. Each sensor has its own projection points and projection beams, allowing each segment to cover a specific angular range. The combined field of view of all segments provides wide coverage while each segment maintains sufficient resolution for accurate distance measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the measurement capability from a single line or narrow plane to a three-dimensional space by arranging projection points at multiple locations and angles. The projection beams emanate from different spatial positions, creating projection patterns that cover a wide solid angle, enabling accurate distance measurement across a broad field of view simultaneously
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projection points are used around the lens, then wide field of view is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex optical system, the patent creates multiple simplified copies of the basic sensor-projection unit. Each sensor has its own projection points and beams, but all follow the same simple optical configuration. This modular copying approach achieves wide field coverage through multiple units while keeping each unit's optical system simple and easy to manufacture
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 accurate and efficient distance measurement within a wide field of view, maintaining a compact form factor and reducing manufacturing costs while enhancing obstacle detection capabilities in unmanned vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
capturing an image of the field of view, wherein the object is visible in the image and a projection pattern generated by the at least two beams of the plurality of projection beams is also visible in the image
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calculating a distance to an object includes projecting a plurality of projection beams from each of a plurality of projection points, wherein the plurality of projection points is arranged around a lens of an image capturing device, and wherein at least two beams of the plurality of projection beams are parallel to each other, capturing an image of the field of view, wherein the object is visible in the image and a projection pattern generated by the at least two beams of the plurality of projection beams is also visible in the image, and calculating the distance to the object using information in the image.