Optical Distance Measurement with Range-Adaptive Reference Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Time of Flight (ToF) method in optical distance measurement devices faces challenges in achieving desired reception sensitivity due to varying measurement conditions, particularly when measuring objects at different distances, leading to issues with power consumption and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
The optical distance measurement device employs intensity modulation of reference light based on the distance measurement range, generating reference light pulses to improve reception sensitivity without increasing power consumption by using a light amplifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ToF method is used to measure distance by time period from transmission to detection of reflected light pulse, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but reception sensitivity cannot be optimized for different measurement conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The reference light intensity is dynamically adjusted based on the distance measurement range. The modulation unit changes the intensity of reference light according to the selected measurement range, allowing the system to adapt to different measurement conditions and optimize reception sensitivity for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the intensity parameter of reference light based on the distance measurement range. By modulating the reference light intensity to match the measurement range, the system achieves optimal reception sensitivity for near, middle, and far distance measurements without requiring multiple fixed-intensity light sources.
2Measurement precision
If reference light intensity is increased to improve reception sensitivity, then measurement sensitivity improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference light intensity is dynamically adjusted based on the distance measurement range. The modulation unit changes the intensity of reference light according to the selected measurement range, allowing the system to adapt to different measurement conditions and optimize reception sensitivity for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the intensity parameter of reference light based on the distance measurement range. By modulating the reference light intensity to match the measurement range, the system achieves optimal reception sensitivity for near, middle, and far distance measurements without requiring multiple fixed-intensity light sources.
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 approach enhances reception sensitivity across varying distances while maintaining consistent average power, allowing for accurate distance measurements over a wide range without excessive power usage.
Implementation Method 1
generating reference light acquired by performing intensity modulation on a light source according to a distance measurement range
Implementation Method 2
generating a reception signal by causing the received reflected light and the generated reference light to interfere with each other
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical distance measurement device (10) includes a light transmission unit (11) that transmits distance measurement light to a measurement object, a light reception unit (12) that receives reflected light being reflected from the measurement object by the transmitted distance measurement light, a modulation unit (13) that generates reference light acquired by performing intensity modulation on a light source according to a distance measurement range, a detection unit (14) that generates a reception signal by causing the received reflected light and the generated reference light to interfere with each other, and a distance calculation unit (15) that calculates a distance to the measurement object, based on the transmitted distance measurement light and the generated reception signal.