Multi-Pixel Optical Distance Sensor Background Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical distance measuring sensors face measurement errors due to background interference when measuring distances to objects, especially when only one light receiving element is used.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pixel light receiving part with a configurable optical system, including a zoom lens and replacement mechanism, allows multiple light receiving elements to receive reflected light, enabling accurate distance measurement by determining the shortest distance among multiple signals and adapting to various object sizes and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light receiving element is used to measure distance, then the device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to background interference
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving element is divided into multiple pixels, where each pixel can independently detect reflected light from different spatial positions. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between light reflected from the target object and light reflected from the background, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a multi-point spatial distribution approach by arranging multiple pixels in specific geometric patterns. This dimensional expansion in the detection space enables the system to capture spatial information about reflected light sources, allowing differentiation between object and background reflections
2Measurement precision
If multiple light receiving elements are used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different pixels within the light receiving element are assigned specific spatial positions and detection functions. Each pixel's local characteristics (position, orientation, detection angle) are optimized for its specific role in detecting reflected light from particular directions, allowing the system to achieve high measurement precision through specialized local detection capabilities rather than uniform general-purpose detection
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-pixel light receiving element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects reflected light intensity, determines spatial distribution of light sources, distinguishes between object and background reflections, and provides redundancy for robust measurement. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated component, preventing excessive increase in device complexity
3Device complexity
If the optical system is configured for a fixed minimum object size, then the device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates when measuring different object sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is designed with adjustable parameters including zoom lens capability and focus adjustment mechanisms. These dynamic elements allow the system to adapt its field of view, magnification, and focal plane according to the size and distance of the measurement target, enabling the same device to accurately measure both small nearby objects and large distant objects without requiring multiple fixed configurations
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 configuration ensures accurate distance measurement to objects without background interference, allowing for reliable detection and avoidance of collisions, and flexibility in handling different measurement scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
measures a distance to an object arranged in an area within a predetermined maximum measurement distance by projecting light to the object and receiving reflected light thereof
Data Source
Figure 1~2(b)
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AI summary
The disclosure is provided to accurately measure a distance to an object. An optical distance measuring sensor (1) includes a light receiving part (30) having a plurality of light receiving elements and receiving reflected light (L2) via an optical system (20). The optical system (20) is configured such that, in the case where an object (P1) having a size of a minimum value is arranged in an area within a maximum measurement distance (D1), two or more of the light receiving elements receive the reflected light (L2) from the object (P1).