Level Detector Gain Switching for Laser Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional level detectors have complex and expensive circuits due to the need for multiple amplifiers and comparators, and face issues with gain settings that lead to signal saturation across varying distances and power supply voltages, particularly when using laser light for distance measurement.
Innovation Solution
A level detector with a simplified gain switching device that adjusts amplifier gains based on the distance between the detector and the rotation laser device, using a combination of amplifier circuits, peak hold circuits, and an arithmetic control device to analyze the light receiving position, allowing for efficient gain switching even at low power supply voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gain of the amplifier circuits is increased to amplify weak light receiving signals at large distances, then the signal amplification is improved, but signal saturation occurs when measuring at small distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gain switching by detecting the peak value of the light receiving signal and automatically selecting appropriate gain stages (first gain stage for large distances, second gain stage for small distances). This dynamic adjustment prevents signal saturation while ensuring sufficient amplification for weak signals, resolving the contradiction between reliable signal amplification and avoiding harmful saturation effects.
2Measurement precision
If multiple amplifiers and comparators are provided for each light receiving element, then the measurement precision is improved, but the circuit complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signal processing functions by providing only one amplifier and one comparator for the entire light receiving element unit rather than for each individual element. The peak hold circuit captures the peak signal value, and the arithmetic control device determines the light receiving position based on this peak value. This merging approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing circuit complexity and cost.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the power supply voltage is reduced to extend battery life, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the gain switching range is limited and saturation occurs more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gain switching into multiple distinct stages (first gain stage and second gain stage) with different gain values. This segmentation allows the system to operate reliably across a wider range of light receiving signal strengths even with reduced power supply voltage, as each stage can be optimized for specific distance ranges. The peak hold circuit enables automatic selection of the appropriate gain stage, maintaining reliability while extending battery life.
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 enables a level detector with a simpler gain switching structure, preventing signal saturation across different distances and power levels, while maintaining accuracy and extending battery life, by using multiple stages of gain switching to optimize signal amplification and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving position of laser light received by a light receiving unit is obtained based on a light receiving signal of the light receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
A level detector includes a light receiving element unit having a plurality of light receiving elements; a first amplifier circuit configured to amplify a light receiving signal; a first gain switching circuit; a first peak hold circuit; an arithmetic control device configured to analyze a light receiving position of the position detection unit; a second amplifier circuit; and a second gain switching circuit configured to switch and set a gain of the second amplifier circuit, the arithmetic control device analyzes the light receiving position of laser light received by the position detection unit, based on a signal output from the second amplifier circuit.