Multi-Wavelength Distance Detection Using Single 2D Scanner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distance detecting devices face challenges in accurately measuring distances from external targets, particularly in creating high-resolution 3D images, due to limitations in scanning frequency and cost-effectiveness, and the need for multiple scanners.

Innovation Solution

A distance detecting device utilizing a single 2D scanner with multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths for directional scanning, which converts received beams into electric signals to calculate distance information, allowing for miniaturization and reduced manufacturing costs while improving resolution and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple scanners are used to improve measurement precision, then device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement precisionVSAvoidscanner quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths into a single scanning system. The single scanner sequentially scans multiple wavelengths of light toward the target, eliminating the need for multiple separate scanners while maintaining the capability to perform distance measurements across different spectral bands, thus reducing device complexity while preserving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single scanner is designed to handle multiple wavelengths of light from different light sources, making it a multi-functional device. This universal scanner can process various wavelengths sequentially, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized scanners, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used to improve depth detection resolution, then manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth detection resolutionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple light sources with different wavelengths into a single integrated distance detection device. By combining the light sources, scanner, and detection components into one unified system, the patent achieves high-depth resolution through multi-wavelength scanning while avoiding the higher costs associated with procuring and integrating multiple separate scanning devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in light wavelength as a key parameter to improve depth detection resolution. By employing multiple light sources that emit different wavelengths and scanning them sequentially through a single scanner, the system achieves enhanced depth resolution without the proportional cost increase that would result from using multiple complete scanning systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If scanning frequency is increased to improve productivity, then device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning speedVSAvoidscanner configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic scanning action where the single scanner sequentially scans multiple wavelengths in a repeating cycle. This periodic scanning approach maintains high productivity by systematically covering all required wavelengths over time, while avoiding the complexity of simultaneous multi-scanner operations. The sequential periodic scanning achieves comprehensive coverage without requiring complex parallel scanning architectures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 high-resolution depth detection without increasing scanning frequency, reducing costs, and enhancing accuracy by using a single scanner with multiple light sources, effectively supporting the creation of detailed 3D images.

Implementation Method 1

a first detecting unit to convert a first received beam corresponding to the first output beam into a first electric signal, a second detecting unit to convert a second received beam corresponding to the second output beam into a second electric signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2696216B1Distance detecting device and image processing apparatus including the same
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2696216B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2696216B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2696216B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A distance detecting device and an image processing apparatus including the same are disclosed. The distance detecting device includes a first light source to output a first output beam and a second light source to output a second output beam having a wavelength different from that of the first output beam, a scanner to progressively perform first directional scanning and second directional scanning to output the first output beam and the second output beam to an outside, a first detecting unit to convert a first received beam corresponding to the first output beam into a first electric signal, a second detecting unit to convert a second received beam corresponding to the second output beam into a second electric signal, and a controller to detect a distance from an external target based on the first electric signal and the second electric signal.