Matrix Light Emitter Array for Wide-Area Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measurement technologies using the time-of-flight method face challenges in efficiently obtaining accurate distance data across a wide area due to light diffusion, leading to reduced light intensity per unit solid angle, and require mechanical scanning, which is time-consuming and prone to detection errors.
Innovation Solution
A distance measurement apparatus with a two-dimensionally arranged plurality of light emitters, using a fish-eye lens or wide-angle lens, projects light across a wide area without mechanical scanning, and divides light emitters into groups for sequential emission to suppress heat generation and enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If light is projected across a wide area using a single light emitter, then the coverage area is improved, but the light intensity per unit solid angle is reduced due to light diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single light emitter into multiple light emitters arranged in a matrix configuration. Each light emitter projects light to a specific region, and collectively they cover a wide area while maintaining high light intensity in each direction. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing the coverage area across multiple sources rather than relying on a single source to cover the entire area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple light emitters to work together as a unified system. By merging the output of multiple light emitters, the system achieves both wide area coverage and high light intensity per unit solid angle, as each emitter contributes to the overall coverage while maintaining its own intensity in its designated direction.
2Productivity
If all light emitters emit light simultaneously, then the distance data acquisition speed is improved, but heat generation increases causing light intensity reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by sequentially controlling light emitters to emit light in different groups across multiple frames rather than having all emit simultaneously. This allows heat to dissipate between emissions while still achieving rapid distance data acquisition through the coordinated sequential operation of multiple emitters. The periodic emission pattern maintains productivity while managing heat generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the light emitters into multiple groups that emit light in different time periods. This segmentation of the emission process allows the system to maintain high productivity through parallel group operation while preventing excessive heat accumulation that would occur with simultaneous emission of all emitters.
3Area of stationary object
If mechanical scanning is used to change light projection direction, then the imaging angle of view is improved, but the measurement time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with an electronic control system that sequentially activates different light emitters in a matrix array. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical delays, allowing instant switching between different projection directions through electronic control signals, thereby maintaining a wide imaging angle of view while dramatically reducing measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using electronic control to dynamically switch between different light emitter groups without mechanical movement. The system can rapidly change the active light projection direction through electrical signals, providing dynamic adaptability that is much faster than mechanical scanning while maintaining comprehensive area coverage.
4Area of stationary object
If mechanical scanning is used to obtain distance data, then the coverage area is improved, but detection accuracy is reduced due to time-consuming measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning with an electronic matrix array system that can rapidly switch between different light projection directions without mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates the time delays inherent in mechanical scanning, allowing accurate distance measurements to be taken across the entire coverage area before the target object can move, thereby maintaining both wide coverage and high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing rapid sequential emission of light emitter groups in a coordinated manner. This periodic operation allows the system to cycle through different regions of the coverage area quickly, capturing distance data from all areas within a time frame that prevents target object movement, thus maintaining measurement precision while achieving comprehensive coverage.
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 allows for rapid and accurate acquisition of distance data across a wide area, suppressing heat-related light reduction and maintaining detection accuracy equivalent to simultaneous emission of all light emitters.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor to receive light projected from the light projector and reflected from a target object, photoelectrically convert the received light to an electrical signal, and obtain a plurality of phase signals from the electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
One known distance measurement technique for measuring the distance to a target object is to project light toward the target object to calculate the distance to the target object using the time difference between the projection of light and its reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measurement apparatus includes: a light projector; a sensor to receive light projected from the light projector and reflected from a target object, photoelectrically convert the received light to an electrical signal, and obtain a plurality of phase signals from the electrical signal; and an interface to output distance data indicating a distance to the target object, the distance data being obtained based on the plurality of phase signals. The light projector includes: a plurality of light emitters that are arranged two-dimensionally; and circuitry configured to cause the plurality of light emitters to emit light a plurality of times while shifting positions of the plurality of light emitters.