Event-Based Proximity Sensor Using Reflection Point Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional proximity sensors are sensitive to environmental noise and fail to accurately measure distance due to their reliance on the total sum of reflected light, which can be affected by other light sources, leading to reduced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An event-based vision sensor system that uses a focused light source, such as a LASER, to determine distance by identifying the point of reflection and distinguishing it from noise through pattern detection and image processing, allowing for precise distance measurement even in noisy environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional proximity sensors use the sum total of reflected light for proximity determination, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision is reduced due to sensitivity to environmental noise and other light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reflected light detection into two distinct components: the sum total of reflected light (for proximity determination) and the position of the reflection point (for distance measurement). This segmentation allows the system to use different detection methods for different measurement purposes, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through specialized processing units for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sum-total light detection to two-dimensional position information detection by identifying the reflection point coordinates (x, y) on the sensor array. This dimensional expansion provides additional measurement data that enables accurate distance calculation and noise rejection, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Reliability
If conventional proximity sensors rely on the sum total of reflected light, then the device structure remains simple, but the reliability is reduced due to interference from other light sources such as the sun or fluorescent lamps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the reflection point position as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the reflected light signal and the final proximity/distance measurement. By using the position information as an intermediate step, the system can distinguish between reflected light from the intended target and interference from other light sources, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through structured signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the reflection point position and using this information to validate and adjust the proximity determination. The feedback mechanism allows the sensor to distinguish between valid reflected light signals and noise from other sources, improving reliability through adaptive signal verification without requiring overly complex external filtering systems
3Loss of information
If conventional proximity sensors use sum total of reflected light, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of information occurs as distance measurement capability is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical information detection into two independent measurement channels: one for proximity (using sum total of reflected light) and one for distance (using reflection point position). This segmentation preserves both types of information simultaneously by processing them through separate computational paths, reducing information loss while keeping each processing stream manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures two-dimensional position information (x, y coordinates of reflection point) in addition to the one-dimensional sum-total light intensity. This dimensional expansion preserves distance information that would otherwise be lost, enabling the system to calculate both proximity and distance measurements from the same optical input without requiring additional sensors or overly complex processing
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 system effectively filters out noise and accurately measures distance by identifying the reflection point and distinguishing it from environmental noise, enhancing the accuracy of proximity detection.
Implementation Method 1
determining a position in which an output light from a light source is reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
an event-based vision sensor, such as a design vision sensor (DVS), to determine a position
Implementation Method 3
measuring a distance between the object and the proximity sensor based on the determined position
Data Source
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AI summary
A proximity sensor and a proximity sensing method using an event-based vision sensor are provided. The proximity sensor may include a point identification (ID) unit which identifies a point at which an output light output from a focused light source is reflected from an object in an image taken by the proximity sensor; and a distance determination unit which determines a distance between the object and the proximity sensor based on a position of the point.