Image Sensor Laser Ranging via Geometric Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation technologies rely on time-of-flight measurements, which may not provide accurate distance calculations using image-based methods.
Innovation Solution
An image-based positioning method using an image-capturing device with a focused-radiation source and processor, capturing images, directing a focused ray of radiation, detecting return signals, and processing them to determine distance to an object within its field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time-of-flight measurements are used for distance calculation, then distance measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-of-flight measurement methodology with image-based geometric triangulation. Instead of measuring the time for light to travel to and from the target, the system uses a laser pointer to define a known baseline and an image sensor to capture the angular position of the reflected laser spot, calculating distance through geometric relationships rather than temporal measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from time-based (time-of-flight) to spatial-based (image coordinates and laser position). By measuring the position of the laser spot on the image sensor and knowing the baseline distance between the laser source and sensor, the system calculates distance through geometric parameters rather than temporal parameters.
2Measurement precision
If traditional time-of-flight methods are used, then distance measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser ranging function with the existing image capturing device. The laser pointer, image sensor, and processor are integrated into a single unit that simultaneously performs imaging and distance measurement, eliminating the need for separate time-of-flight measurement hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor serves dual purposes: capturing visual images of the environment and detecting the position of the laser spot for distance measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated ranging sensors, simplifying the device architecture while maintaining measurement capabilities.
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 method allows for accurate distance measurement from the camera to an object, offering a more precise and potentially less bulky alternative to traditional time-of-flight methods, capable of measuring distances over various ranges with high precision.
Implementation Method 1
detecting at least one return signal generated by reflection of the focused ray of radiation from the object
Implementation Method 2
directing a focused ray of radiation generated by the focused-radiation source
Data Source
AI summary
A method of image-based positioning is provided. The method comprises: (A) providing an image-capturing device integrated with a focused-radiation source and a processor; the image-capturing device further comprises an image sensor; (B) capturing an image of an object located in a field of view (FOV) of the image-capturing device by using the image sensor; (C) directing a focused ray of radiation generated by the focused-radiation source to the object located in the (FOV) of the image-capturing device; (D) detecting at least one return signal generated by reflection of the focused ray of radiation from the object located in FOV of the image-capturing device by using the image sensor; (E) characterizing the object located in a field of view (FOV) of the image-capturing device by using each return signal; and (F) processing each return signal in order to determine a distance from the object located in the FOV to the image-capturing device.