Global Shutter Obstacle Detection via Dynamic Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current obstacle detection systems using global shutter image sensors are limited to detecting objects within a fixed distance, which restricts their application in dynamic environments such as robots and drones, and do not effectively adapt to varying distances.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an infrared emitter and receiver with a timer to control the emission and exposure duration of infrared pulses, allowing for simultaneous initiation of pulse emission and exposure, enabling the determination of object distances by adjusting the exposure duration based on received reflections, and employing a second pulse with a longer exposure duration to further refine distance calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed exposure duration is used in obstacle detection, then the system structure remains simple, but the detection distance cannot be adjusted to varying ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the exposure duration adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the exposure duration parameter to adapt to different detection distance requirements, allowing the system to detect objects at varying ranges by synchronizing the infrared pulse emission duration with the exposure duration of the image sensor.
2Length of stationary object
If the exposure duration is extended to detect distant objects, then the detection range increases, but the precision of distance measurement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the exposure duration based on the detected distance. When objects are far away, a longer exposure duration is used to capture sufficient reflected infrared energy. When objects are closer, the exposure duration is shortened to maintain measurement precision. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between detection range and measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple infrared pulses are emitted to improve detection accuracy, then the detection precision improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically determines the number of infrared pulses to emit based on the current detection requirements and distance. Rather than continuously emitting multiple pulses, the system adjusts the pulse emission count adaptively, emitting more pulses only when necessary to achieve the required detection accuracy, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining detection precision.
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
Enables accurate detection of objects at varying distances, enhancing the system's adaptability and effectiveness in dynamic environments by precisely determining object positions using controlled infrared pulse emissions and exposures.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared receiver aligned with the infrared emitter so as to receive a reflection of the infrared pulse
Implementation Method 2
determining a distance of an object reflecting the emitted infrared pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A system to avoid obstacles, having an infrared emitter emitting an infrared pulse, an infrared receiver aligned with the infrared emitter so as to receive a reflection of the infrared pulse, a timer coupled to the infrared emitter and infrared receiver, the timer controlling a length of time the infrared emitter emits the infrared pulse and an exposure duration of the infrared receiver, the timer simultaneously initiates the emitting of the infrared pulse and an initiation of the exposure duration of the infrared receiver, and a controller coupled to the timer, the infrared emitter and the infrared receiver to adjust the exposure duration of the infrared receiver to determine a distance of an object reflecting the emitted infrared pulse.