Telemetry System Using Imager and Photodiode Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser pulse telemeters face limitations in measuring distances to small, distant targets due to limited sensitivity and range, primarily restricted by the capacity of temporal detection, which is noise-limited and lacks precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a pulse emitter and a matrix detector with spatial mini-detectors coupled to capacitors, where the duration of integration is controlled by polarization, allowing for dichotomous reduction of integration period and position variations to enhance sensitivity and alignment, thereby increasing the telemetry range and providing deviometry parameters for target pursuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the flux of the emitter is increased to illuminate the target better, then the illumination of the target is improved, but the ocular safety constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into spatial and temporal components. The spatial detection uses an imager to provide precise alignment information, while the temporal detection uses a photodiode for distance measurement. This segmentation allows the system to use lower flux levels while maintaining detection capability through improved spatial targeting and integration time optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the integration time of the photodiode based on the detected signal strength and the known relationship between integration time and noise. By making the integration time adaptive rather than fixed, the system optimizes the signal-to-noise ratio without requiring excessive flux, thereby satisfying ocular safety constraints while maintaining illumination effectiveness.
2Measurement precision
If the divergence of the emission is reduced to improve alignment precision, then the alignment precision is improved, but the emission flux is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the functions of alignment and distance measurement. The imager provides spatial detection for precise alignment, while the photodiode handles temporal detection for distance. This functional separation allows the emission beam to have appropriate divergence for flux delivery while achieving precise alignment through image processing rather than beam control alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical beam alignment control with optical imaging and electronic signal processing. Instead of mechanically controlling beam divergence and alignment, the system uses an imager to detect the target position and processes the image data to determine the correct measurement region, substituting mechanical precision with electronic processing capability.
3Reliability
If the integration time is increased to improve detection sensitivity, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the temporal resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two independent parts: spatial detection using an imager with long integration time for high sensitivity and low noise, and temporal detection using a photodiode for precise time measurement. The spatial detection handles the sensitivity requirement through extended integration, while the temporal detection maintains precision through dedicated fast-response electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage that receives data from both the imager and photodiode. This intermediary integrates the spatial and temporal information, using the imager's high-sensitivity detection to guide the photodiode measurements, thereby achieving both high sensitivity and temporal resolution through coordinated operation of the two detectors.
4Device complexity
If a photodiode with transimpedance circuit is used for detection, then the detection circuit is simple, but the sensitivity is insufficient compared to an imager
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into two independent detection paths: one using an imager for spatial detection with high sensitivity, and another using a photodiode with transimpedance circuit for temporal detection. Each detector is optimized for its specific function, allowing the imager to provide high sensitivity for alignment while the photodiode circuit remains simple for rapid temporal measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the detection system multi-functional by using both imager and photodiode detectors simultaneously. The imager provides spatial information and high sensitivity detection, while the photodiode provides temporal information and distance measurement. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high sensitivity without requiring the entire detection circuit to be complex.
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 significantly enhances the sensitivity and range of distance measurement, allowing for precise alignment and increased illumination of the target, leading to improved detection of echoes and extended telemetry range, even for targets beyond 100 meters.
Implementation Method 1
A fraction of the light emitted is backscattered toward the system. The system detects this light
Implementation Method 2
spatial mini-detectors coupled to capacitors whose duration of integration is controlled by a polarization of the mini-detectors
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring distance of a target by a pulse emitter and a matrix detector includes spatial mini-detectors coupled to capacitors whose duration of integration is controlled by a polarization of the mini-detectors. The method includes: A) determination of the direction of the target with respect to a known direction of the emitted pulses, and of a first integration period during which an echo of a pulse backscattered by the target is detected by the detector, determining a first distance slice in which the target is situated, B) reduction of the first distance slice in the course of successive telemetry iterations, that is to say emission of a pulse by the emitter and testing of detection of an echo by the detector, which are carried out: on the basis of the first integration period, by dichotomy of the duration of integration, and based on the detection of an echo of the target, a second distance slice in which the target is situated and included in the first distance slice, being determined on completion of this step, C) reduction of the second distance slice in the course of successive telemetry iterations which are carried out: on the basis of the integration period arising from step B, by variations of the position of the integration period, with constant durations of integration, and based on the detection of an echo of the target, a third distance slice in which the target is situated and included in the second distance slice, being determined on completion of this step.