Imaging System Distance Vector Trigger Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for determining vehicle parameters, such as traffic volume and speed, require multiple sensors and physical adjustments, making them complex and inflexible, and are prone to false triggers from environmental changes like rain or shadows.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional array imaging system that uses light pulses and photo elements to determine distance vectors, forming a coordinate image and outputting a trigger signal when an object is within a defined volume, allowing for flexible volume adjustments without physical displacement and avoiding false triggers from environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (laser scanner, video camera) are used to determine vehicle parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (distance measurement, position detection, and image capture) into a single imaging system using a two-dimensional array of photo elements. The system simultaneously performs triangulation-based distance measurement and visual recording using one integrated device, eliminating the need for separate laser scanners and video cameras while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system serves multiple functions: it acts as both a distance measurement device (through triangulation with the light source) and an imaging device (capturing vehicle images). The same photo element array used for detecting light intensity variations also captures visual information, making the system universal and reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If physical adjustment of the laser scanner is required to change the predefined location, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the predefined detection location through electronic reconfiguration of the photo element array's field of view rather than physical movement. The control unit can electronically shift which photo elements are active or adjust the imaging parameters to change the monitored area, allowing flexible repositioning without mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the imaging system uses intensity changes to detect objects, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to false triggers from environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a light source as an intermediary that actively illuminates the scene and enables active illumination-based detection. By using controlled light emission and measuring the reflected light's time of flight and intensity, the system can distinguish between actual objects and environmental artifacts like rain or shadows, as these do not reflect the emitted light in the same manner. The coordinate image processing further acts as an intermediary layer that filters false triggers.
4Reliability
If a fixed volume is defined for triggering, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic modification of the trigger volume parameters (position, size, shape) through software configuration rather than physical reconfiguration. The control unit can adjust the coordinate thresholds and logical relations that define the trigger volume, enabling the same hardware to adapt to different monitoring scenarios (e.g., different vehicle types, different locations) while maintaining reliable trigger signal generation based on the defined parameters.
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 efficient and flexible monitoring of vehicle parameters, capturing moving objects while avoiding false triggers from environmental factors, and allowing for remote reconfiguration and cost-effective use in various situations.
Implementation Method 1
determine for each of the picture elements a distance between the respective picture element and a surface of an object located in the field of view by light emitted by the imaging system into the field of view and subsequently arriving on the picture elements
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system is provided for monitoring a field of view with a two-dimensional array of photo elements on which the field of view is imaged. The imaging system determines for each photo element a distance between the photo element and a surface of an object in the field of view by light emitted into the field of view and subsequently arriving on the photo elements and to determine a distance vector to form a coordinate image that includes the distance vector. A first memory unit stores the coordinate image, a second memory unit stores logical relations for the photo elements. A processing unit determines for each of the photo elements whether a logical relation is fulfilled and outputs a trigger signal when at least one of the logical relations is fulfilled.