Active Optical Sensing with Hybrid Pulse Widths for Noise-Robust Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active optical sensor systems face challenges in minimizing noise effects while maintaining sensitivity and effective range, as threshold values for pulse width determination significantly impact the quality and reliability of point clouds.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a hybrid point cloud generation by categorizing signal pulses into different categories based on predefined amplitude limits, using distinct pulse widths for each category, thereby reducing noise influence and maintaining sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive optical sensors (cameras) are used for object recognition, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but the sensors cannot actively influence the light situation and are dependent on ambient light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines passive optical sensors (camera) with active optical sensors (light source and detector) into a unified sensor system. The camera captures reflected light from the object, while the active sensor system emits and detects light directly, allowing the system to function independently of ambient light conditions and providing both simple imaging and active light-based detection capabilities.
2Reliability
If active optical sensors are used to emit and detect light, then object recognition is possible independent of ambient light, but the system becomes more complex with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: the camera provides passive optical imaging for object recognition, while the integrated light source and detector enable active optical sensing. This multi-functional design allows a single system to achieve reliable object recognition both with and without ambient light, reducing the need for separate sensor systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated for comprehensive object recognition, then detection capability improves, but data fusion and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a processing circuit as an intermediary that receives and integrates data from both the camera and the active optical sensor. This intermediary component coordinates the data fusion process, combining information from passive and active sensors to achieve comprehensive object recognition while managing the complexity of processing multiple data streams through a centralized control mechanism.
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 enhances the reliability and sensitivity of object detection while optimizing storage requirements by minimizing noise effects and maintaining effective range, thus improving the accuracy of object recognition and classification.
Implementation Method 1
an active optical sensor system comprising a light source arranged to emit light towards an object, and a detector arranged to detect light from the object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
According to a method for object recognition by an active optical sensor system (2), a detector unit (2b) detects light (3b) reflected off an object (4) and generates a sensor signal (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) on the basis thereof. A computing unit (2c) ascertains a first pulse width (D1) defined by a predetermined first limit value (G1) for an amplitude of the sensor signal (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) as well as a second pulse width (D2) defined by a predetermined second limit value (G2). The signal pulse is assigned to one of at least two categories according to at least one predefined signal pulse parameter, and a scatter plot for object recognition is generated, said scatter plot containing exactly one entry for the signal pulse, said entry corresponding to the first pulse width (D1) or to the second pulse width (D2) according to the category to which the signal pulse belongs.