Pulsed-Light Distance Measurement With Optical Path Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement technologies using pulsed light, such as dual comb and TOF, suffer from reduced accuracy due to distortion of the time waveform or phase spectrum based on the position of pulsed light in the sampling period, leading to inaccurate distance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A measurement device and method that includes a control circuit to adjust the optical path length by controlling a driver, synchronizing the sampling period with the emission timing of pulsed light, and adjusting the peak position of reflected pulsed light within optimal ranges to enhance measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the position of pulsed light in the sampling period is not optimized, then measurement speed is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to waveform distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical path length adjustable and controllable during measurement. The optical path lengthening mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of the light travel distance, enabling optimization of the pulsed light position within the sampling period to achieve accurate measurements while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by adjusting the optical path length to control the timing and position of reflected pulsed light within the sampling period. This parameter adjustment transforms the measurement system from a fixed configuration to one where timing parameters can be optimized for accuracy
2Measurement precision
If existing detection methods are used without optical path adjustment, then device complexity is low, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to timing jitter and instrument resolution limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the optical path length before measurement to optimize the position of reflected pulsed light within the sampling period. This preliminary configuration ensures that measurements are taken at optimal timing points, reducing the need for repeated measurements and minimizing time loss
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 solution allows for high-accuracy distance measurement by minimizing the impact of timing jitter and instrument resolution on measurement results, thereby improving precision and reducing measurement time.
Implementation Method 1
a first photodetector that detects reflected pulsed light that is generated when the first pulsed light is reflected by an object and that outputs a first electric signal in accordance with a detection result of the reflected pulsed light
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement device includes: a first light source that repeatedly emits first pulsed light; a first photodetector that detects reflected pulsed light that is generated when the first pulsed light is reflected by an object and outputs a first electric signal in accordance with a detection result of the reflected pulsed light; a signal processing circuit that calculates a distance from the measurement device to the object based on the first electric signal in a sampling period; and a control circuit that controls a driver that varies an optical path length from the first light source to the first photodetector via the object. The control circuit changes a position of a peak of the reflected pulsed light in the first electric signal in the sampling period by controlling the driver. The sampling period is synchronized with a timing at which the first light source emits the first pulsed light.