Optical Distance Measurement with Temperature-Adaptive Light Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical distance measuring devices face performance deterioration due to changes in light receiving positions on the light receiving surface caused by temperature variations, leading to inadequate reception of reflected light.
Innovation Solution
The device includes a light receiving unit that changes the light receiving position to multiple positions and/or adjusts the irradiation azimuth to improve light reception, ensuring consistent distance measurement performance despite temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light receiving position is fixed on the light receiving surface, then the device structure is simple, but temperature variations cause performance deterioration due to inadequate reception of reflected light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable light receiving position mechanism where the light receiving unit can dynamically change which light receiving elements are active. The control unit selectively activates different light receiving elements based on temperature conditions or detected light positions, transforming the static light receiving array into a dynamic system that adapts to environmental changes, thereby maintaining measurement reliability without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the light receiving unit by modifying which light receiving elements are active. The control unit adjusts the light receiving position parameters in response to temperature variations or detected light positions, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions. This parameter-based adaptation maintains reliable distance measurement without adding mechanical complexity to the device structure
2Measurement precision
If the light receiving position is changed to multiple positions to compensate for temperature variations, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit monitors the position of incident reflected light and automatically adjusts which light receiving elements are active. This closed-loop feedback system detects deviations in light position caused by temperature variations and compensates by activating appropriate light receiving elements, thereby maintaining measurement precision while keeping the control logic relatively simple and integrated within the existing device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The light receiving unit performs self-adjustment by automatically selecting which light receiving elements to activate based on the detected light position. The system serves itself by using the detected light position information to determine the optimal light receiving configuration, eliminating the need for external manual adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
3Reliability
If the irradiation azimuth is adjusted to move reflected light on the light receiving surface, then light reception is improved, but the light source unit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable irradiation azimuth mechanism where the light source unit can dynamically change the angle or direction of light emission. The control unit adjusts the irradiation azimuth to shift the reflected light position on the light receiving surface, transforming the static light source into a dynamic system that can compensate for temperature-induced misalignments, thereby improving reflected light reception without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the irradiation parameters by adjusting the azimuth angle of the light source. The control unit modifies the light emission direction parameters in response to temperature variations or detected light positions, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions. This parameter-based adjustment improves light reception while keeping the light source unit structure relatively simple and integrated within the existing device architecture
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
Enhances the reception of reflected light, maintaining accurate distance measurements by adapting the light receiving position and irradiation azimuth, thereby reducing power consumption and minimizing disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
reflected light from a range including the measurement region corresponding to irradiation with the irradiation light
Implementation Method 2
measures a distance to an object in the measurement region by using the signal outputted from the light receiving unit
Data Source
AI summary
An optical distance measuring device includes: a light source unit that irradiates a measurement region with irradiation light; a light receiving unit that has a light receiving surface including a plurality of light receiving elements capable of receiving reflected light from a range including the measurement region corresponding to irradiation with the irradiation light and outputs a signal corresponding to a light receiving state of the reflected light for each of the light receiving elements; and a measurement unit that measures a distance to an object in the measurement region by using the signal outputted from the light receiving unit. The light receiving unit has a function of selecting a light receiving element that outputs the signal so that a light receiving position at which the reflected light is received is variable, and the light receiving unit changes the light receiving position to a plurality of positions with respect to a position of the reflected light.