Matrix Array Sensor for Simultaneous 3D Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electro-optical distance measuring methods are inefficient for measuring distances across multiple points simultaneously, requiring sequential measurements and resulting in lengthy processes, even with multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
An electro-optical distance measuring device with a matrix array sensor that simultaneously receives and processes photodetection signals from multiple pixels, using a sinusoidally-modulated light source and phase difference detection to calculate distances for each pixel in real-time, enabling rapid acquisition of image and distance data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electro-optical distance measuring method is used with sequential measurement for each point, then measurement precision can be maintained, but measurement time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the measurement field into multiple pixels in a matrix array sensor, with each pixel independently measuring distance for its corresponding object point. This segmentation enables simultaneous measurement across thousands of points rather than sequential measurement, dramatically reducing measurement time while maintaining precision through phase-based detection at each pixel
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional sequential measurement to two-dimensional matrix array measurement. By arranging photodetection elements in a matrix configuration, the system measures distances across both horizontal and vertical dimensions simultaneously, enabling real-time capture of three-dimensional object shapes without increasing measurement time
2Productivity
If multiple measuring devices are used to reduce measurement time, then measurement speed may improve, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple measurement functions into a single device by integrating a matrix array sensor that contains thousands of photodetection elements. This consolidation allows one device to perform measurements that would otherwise require multiple separate devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining high measurement speed through parallel processing of signals from all pixels
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix array sensor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it captures images, measures distances for each pixel, and reconstructs three-dimensional object shapes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate imaging devices and distance measurement devices, simplifying the overall system while improving productivity
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 fast and accurate measurement of distances for each pixel in an image, reducing measurement time and improving the efficiency of capturing three-dimensional object shapes without distortion or error.
Implementation Method 1
light reflected from the object to be measured is converted into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optical distance measuring device, comprising a projection unit for modulating a distance measuring light to a predetermined frequency and for irradiating the modulated light toward an object to be measured, a photodetection unit for receiving a reflected distance measuring light from the object to be measured, a signal processing unit for storing a photodetection signal from the photodetection unit, an arithmetic processing unit for calculating a distance to the object to be measured based on the photodetection signal stored in the signal processing unit, and a signal processing control unit for controlling the photodetection unit and the signal processing unit and for acquiring the photodetection signal in order to calculate the distance for each pixel, wherein the photodetection unit comprises a plurality of pixels arranged in a predetermined arrangement and an output unit being provided corresponding to each of the pixels, for accumulating the photodetection signal from each of the pixels, for detecting a photodetection amount of the photodetection signal corresponding to one division among divisions to which one cycle is divided by predetermined number and for outputting a detection result on the time series, wherein the signal processing unit has a storage unit for storing the detection result in correspondence with each of the pixels, wherein the signal processing control unit sequentially changes a position of the division for every cycle wave at which the photodetection amount is detected and continues detections until a detected range becomes at least for one cycle or more, and wherein the arithmetic processing unit calculates a waveform for at least one cycle wave based on the detection result of at least one cycle stored in the storage unit for each pixel, obtains a phase difference of the waveform with respect to the irradiated distance measuring light, and calculates the distance based on the phase difference.