Distance Sensor Power Cycling for False Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Distance measurement sensors in information processing apparatuses are prone to false detection due to external noise, leading to unnecessary power activation, which wastes energy and can cause operational inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a control unit that intermittently supplies power to the distance measurement sensor, performs false detection determination processing by stopping power supply after preset periods, and re-evaluates the output voltage to differentiate between genuine and false detections, thereby preventing false power activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the distance measurement sensor is supplied with power continuously, then the detection responsiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases and false detection due to external noise occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection responsivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by supplying power to the distance measurement sensor in intermittent cycles rather than continuously. The control unit supplies power for a first period, stops power supply, then supplies power again for a second period, creating a periodic power supply pattern that reduces energy consumption while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing false detection determination processing before activating the apparatus based on sensor output. The control unit determines whether the output voltage is a falsely detected value due to external noise before proceeding with apparatus activation, preventing unnecessary power activation and energy waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the distance measurement sensor is supplied with power continuously, then the detection accuracy is improved, but false detection due to external noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidfalse detection rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by having the control unit monitor the output voltage from the distance measurement sensor and use this information to determine whether to activate the apparatus. The control unit compares the output voltage against threshold values and uses the results of false detection determination processing to feedback control the power activation state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the control unit frequently re-evaluates the output voltage, then the false detection rate is reduced, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefalse detection rateVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by performing false detection determination processing at specific intervals during power supply periods rather than continuously. The control unit determines whether the output voltage is a falsely detected value at predetermined timing points during the first and second periods, reducing processing time while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively reduces false detection occurrences, conserves energy by minimizing unnecessary power activation, and ensures accurate detection of the measurement object's approach, enhancing the operational efficiency of the apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a distance measurement sensor that outputs a voltage according to a distance to a measurement object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS10801832B1Information processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: a distance measurement sensor that outputs a voltage according to a distance to a measurement object; and a control unit that supplies power to the distance measurement sensor at preset intervals and stops the power supply after a preset first period has elapsed. When performing control to determine that the measurement object has approached the apparatus in a state where an output voltage from the distance measurement sensor is equal to or higher than a preset threshold value, the control unit supplies power again and stops the power supply after a preset second period has elapsed, and then performs control to determine that the output voltage from the distance measurement sensor is a falsely detected output voltage when the output voltage during the power supply is equal to or higher than a preset voltage.