Object Detection Device Using Waveform Analysis for Boundary Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object detection systems rely heavily on the integration of detection elements to determine object boundaries, which can lead to inaccuracies in detecting multiple objects at different depth positions or a single object's continuous presence, especially when depth values are slightly different.
Innovation Solution
An object detection device that uses a light output unit, multiple light detection units, and an object information determining unit to analyze detection signal waveforms over time, determining whether multiple light detection units correspond to the same or different objects based on waveform patterns and timing of intensity maxima, allowing for accurate distance and arrangement state determination without relying on detection element integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If object detection relies on integration of detection elements to determine object boundaries, then detection can be performed with standard sensor integration, but detection accuracy of object boundaries deteriorates when depth values are slightly different or when multiple objects are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial integration of detection elements to temporal analysis of detection signal waveforms. By examining the time-domain characteristics and waveform patterns of detection signals, the system can distinguish between multiple objects and determine object boundaries without relying on the spatial density of detection elements, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple light detection units are used to improve detection coverage, then the observed area increases, but determining whether multiple detection units correspond to the same object or different objects becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback through waveform comparison. Detection signal waveforms from multiple light detection units are compared against each other, and the temporal characteristics and waveform patterns provide feedback information that enables deterministic identification of whether multiple detection units are observing the same object or different objects, even across large observed areas.
3Reliability
If detection element integration is increased to improve boundary detection, then more objects can be resolved, but the system becomes dependent on detection element density rather than actual object characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/spatial approach of increasing detection element integration with a signal processing approach based on temporal waveform analysis. By substituting the reliance on physical detection element density with analysis of detection signal waveform characteristics in the time domain, the system achieves reliable object detection that is independent of detection element integration levels.
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 device achieves high accuracy in detecting object positions and arrangement states, effectively distinguishing between multiple objects and determining object boundaries without being dependent on the density of detection elements, thereby improving the reliability of object detection in varying depth scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a light output unit that outputs a first signal toward an object; each of the plurality of light detection units detects a second signal as a signal representing a distance to an object present in an observed area and a shape of the object, the second signal being a signal generated when the first signal is reflected by the object
Data Source
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AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to detect positions and arrangement states of objects which are not dependent on the integration degree or the like of detection elements of sensors, in an object detection device. This object detection device 100 is provided with: an output unit 141; a plurality of detection units 143-1-143-n; a data acquisition unit 152; and an object information confirmation unit 153. The output unit 141 outputs measurement light Lm towards an object O. Each of the plurality of detection units 143-1-143-n detects, as a signal representing the distance to the object O present in an observed area and the shape of the object O, the reflected light Lr generated as a result of the measurement light Lm being reflected by the object O. The data acquisition unit 152 acquires detection signal waveforms W representing changes in the intensities of second signals over time. The object information confirmation unit 153 confirms the range of the presence of the object O by determining that any two or more of the detection units 143-1-143-n correspond to the same object, or correspond to different objects, on the basis of the detection signal waveforms W.