Optical Distance Measurement Alignment Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical distance measuring technologies face accuracy issues due to misalignment of the optical system with the light detection region, caused by manufacturing variations, distortions, and temperature changes, leading to erroneous distance measurements and difficulty in estimating the state of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a light receiving unit with a plurality of light receiving elements that output intensity signals based on return light, an identifying unit to determine the light receiving area, and an estimating unit to assess the state of the optical system based on the geometry of the light receiving area, allowing for improved alignment and accuracy in distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical system is manufactured and assembled, then the distance measurement function is achieved, but misalignment between the optical system and light detection region occurs due to manufacturing variations and distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of the light receiving area and estimation of the optical system state before actual distance measurement. By pre-characterizing the alignment relationships and storing this information, the system compensates for manufacturing variations and distortions that occur during assembly, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring perfect manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the identified light receiving area geometry as feedback to estimate the state of the optical system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect and compensate for misalignment issues, maintaining accurate distance measurements despite manufacturing variations and environmental distortions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical system operates under varying temperature conditions, then environmental adaptability is improved, but misalignment and measurement errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic estimation process that continuously assesses the state of the optical system based on the light receiving area geometry. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to temperature changes and environmental variations, maintaining measurement accuracy by compensating for thermal expansion and contraction effects that cause misalignment
3Ease of operation
If conventional optical measurement methods are used, then the measurement process is simple, but alignment errors and measurement inaccuracies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically identifying the light receiving area and estimating its own optical system state. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external alignment procedures while maintaining high measurement accuracy, as the system uses its own operational data to correct for manufacturing variations and environmental effects
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 solution enhances the accuracy of distance measurements by identifying the light receiving area and estimating the state of the optical system, reducing errors caused by misalignment and environmental factors, thereby improving the reliability of optical distance measurement systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light receiving elements to which return light from a measurement space is incident. Each of the plurality of light receiving elements is configured to output an intensity signal based on a corresponding intensity of the return light
Data Source
AI summary
In an apparatus, each of light receiving elements outputs an intensity signal based on a corresponding intensity of return light from a measurement space. The return light includes reflected light reflected based on reflection of the measurement light by a target object. An identifying unit identifies a light receiving area in the light detection region as a function of the intensity signals of the respective light receiving elements. The light receiving area is based on specified light receiving elements in the plurality of light receiving elements. The specified light receiving elements are arranged to receive the reflected light. An estimating unit estimates, based on a geometry of the light receiving area, a state of the apparatus including a state of the optical system.