Gray Code Distance Counter for Extended Range Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measurement methods using gray codes face issues with increased power consumption and decreased frame rates due to the need for longer counters and bit depth expansion when measuring distances slightly beyond a certain count value, especially as bit depth increases.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring device employing a first counter that transitions between binary codes, an encoder that converts these codes to gray codes, and a second counter that counts light receptions, allowing for accurate distance measurement with reduced power consumption and improved frame rates by utilizing a gray code that minimizes simultaneous bit transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the gray code bit depth is increased to measure distances beyond the original range, then the measurable distance range is improved, but the counter length must be doubled which increases power consumption and decreases frame rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the distance measurement range into multiple segments, each handled by a fixed-bit gray code counter. Instead of using a single long counter for the entire range, the measurement space is segmented into intervals that can be covered by shorter counters, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining extended measurement capability through multiple measurement cycles or ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic range selection where the system can switch between different measurement ranges based on the actual distance being measured. By dynamically adjusting the active measurement range rather than always using the maximum range, the system maintains adaptability while optimizing power consumption for each specific measurement scenario.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gray code bit depth is increased to measure distances beyond the original range, then the measurable distance range is improved, but the frame rate decreases due to longer counter cycles
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the measurement range into smaller intervals that fit within fixed-bit counter capacities, the patent enables faster counting cycles for each segment. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high frame rates within each range while still achieving extended overall measurement capability through multiple ranges or cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic measurement cycles where the system can quickly complete measurements within a fixed range and then transition to the next range. This periodic action within segmented ranges allows the system to maintain high frame rates for individual measurements while covering extended distances over multiple periodic cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a longer counter is used to cover extended distance ranges, then the measurable distance range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the counter functionality into multiple fixed-length counters rather than using a single long counter. Each counter handles a specific range segment, which simplifies the design of individual counter units while collectively covering the extended measurement range through coordinated operation of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal fixed-bit counter units that can be reused across multiple measurement ranges. Each counter unit serves multiple functions by handling different segments of the overall measurement range, reducing device complexity through component reuse rather than requiring dedicated long counters for each possible range.
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 effectively suppresses measurement errors and maintains a small distance measurement error while reducing power consumption and improving frame rates by using a gray code that transitions one bit at a time, even with slight timing errors in light reception.
Implementation Method 1
light from the one or the plurality of light emitting elements reflected on a target
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of light receiving elements receives light from the one or the plurality of light emitting elements reflected on a target
Data Source
AI summary
A gray code is controlled suitably for a range.A distance measuring device includes one or a plurality of light emitting elements, a plurality of light receiving elements, a first counter, an encoder, a decoder, a second counter, and a distance extraction circuit. The plurality of light receiving elements receives light from the one or the plurality of light emitting elements reflected on a target. The first counter is a binary code of n digits from a first value to a second value of 2nā1ā(the first value), and performs, at every predetermined time, state transition of a first binary code in which a value next to the second value is set as the first value. The encoder converts the first binary code into a gray code of n digits. The decoder acquires the second binary code of n digits from the gray code based on a light reception timing of the light receiving elements. The second counter counts the number of times of light reception in the plurality of light receiving elements corresponding to each of the second binary codes. The distance extraction circuit measures a distance to the target on the basis of a discrete value acquired by the second counter.