Dual-Light Object Sensing for Accurate Distance Differentiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses using multiple light sources to sense objects often mistakenly recognize multiple objects when the reflected light is actually from a single object, leading to inaccurate distance calculations.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs two light sources irradiating light in different directions, with a processor using distinct calculation methods to determine distances based on the received reflected lights, distinguishing between objects using a first and second algorithm depending on the pixel regions in the sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple light sources are used to sense objects, then object detection capability is improved, but false recognition of multiple objects from single object reflections occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject detection accuracyVSAvoidobject recognition accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sensor output by dividing pixels into different regions (first region for first light source reflections, second region for second light source reflections). This segmentation allows the system to process reflections from different light sources separately, preventing false recognition of multiple objects when a single object reflects multiple light sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different processing methods to different regions of the sensor. The first calculation method is applied to pixel regions receiving reflections from the first light source, while the second calculation method is applied to pixel regions receiving reflections from the second light source. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by treating each light source's reflections appropriately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a single calculation method is used for all reflected light, then processing is simplified, but distance calculation accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalculation processing complexityVSAvoiddistance calculation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensor pixels into different regions based on which light source they receive reflections from. This segmentation enables the application of different calculation methods to different regions, improving distance calculation accuracy for each light source while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by applying the first calculation method to the first region and the second calculation method to the second region. This localized approach optimizes distance calculation accuracy for each light source's specific characteristics without requiring a completely complex unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If reflected light from different directions is combined, then object coverage is improved, but false object recognition increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject detection coverageVSAvoidobject recognition reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sensor's field of view into different regions corresponding to different light source directions. By assigning specific pixel regions to specific light sources, the system can combine coverage from multiple directions while maintaining reliable object recognition through region-specific processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different processing strategies to different spatial regions. The first calculation method handles reflections from the first light source's direction, while the second calculation method handles reflections from the second light source's direction, ensuring reliable recognition across the entire coverage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Accurately calculates distances to multiple objects by differentiating between reflections from separate objects, enhancing the precision of object detection and collision avoidance.

Implementation Method 1

based on first and second reflected lights being received by the sensor as the first and second lights are reflected by an object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250383445A1Electronic apparatus and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus includes a sensor, a first light source configured to irradiate a first light, a second light source configured to irradiate a second light in a direction different from the first light, and a processor configured to, based on first and second reflected lights being received by the sensor as the first and second lights are reflected by an object, calculate a first distance between the electronic apparatus and an object reflecting the first light and a second distance between the electronic apparatus and an object reflecting the second light using different calculation methods.