Optical Distance Sensing From Phase-Amplitude Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex industrial barcode scanners require additional autofocus assemblies, leading to higher manufacturing costs and increased system complexity due to separate circuit paths for grayscale and distance measurement, resulting in unreliable alignment of grayscale and distance values.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine distance and optical properties using a complex-valued data signal, converting the received optical signal into amplitude and phase, allowing for autofocus functionality and eliminating the need for separate signal paths by implementing signal processing in software or digital components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate circuit paths are used for grayscale processing and distance measurement, then each function can be independently optimized, but system complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines grayscale processing and distance measurement into a single circuit path that processes a combined signal. The system uses a single optical sensor and signal processing chain to simultaneously extract both grayscale information and distance information, eliminating the need for separate circuit paths while maintaining functional independence through software-based separation of processing tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The single circuit path is designed to perform multiple functions - it processes both grayscale data and distance measurement data through the same hardware infrastructure. The system uses a universal signal processing approach where the same circuit handles both types of information extraction, making the system more compact and cost-effective while reducing overall complexity.
2Productivity
If separate signal paths are used for grayscale and distance measurement, then independent processing is enabled, but temporal discrepancies and propagation delay occur
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both grayscale and distance measurement into a single signal path, the system ensures that both types of information are processed simultaneously and arrive at the same time. This eliminates temporal discrepancies and propagation delay issues that occur when separate circuit paths are used, as there is only one signal flow path for both processing tasks.
3Measurement precision
If autofocus assembly is added to enable long distance scanning, then reading capability over large distances is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical autofocus assembly with a software-based distance measurement approach. Instead of using physical focus adjustment mechanisms, the system uses signal processing algorithms to determine distance information from the optical signal, eliminating the need for additional mechanical components and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining distance measurement capability.
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 autofocus capabilities, reduces manufacturing costs and system complexity, and ensures accurate alignment of grayscale and distance values without additional hardware, facilitating compact design and efficient processing of 3D objects.
Implementation Method 1
converting the received emitted optical signal into a complex-valued digital signal
Implementation Method 2
determining the distance of the object based on the phase
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining the distance to an object and an optical property of the object comprises the following steps: emitting an optical signal; receiving the optical signal emitted by the object; converting the received emitted optical signal into a complex-valued digital signal; determining the phase and amplitude of the complex-valued data signal; determining the distance to the object based on the phase; and determining the optical property of the object based on the amplitude.