Active Optical Sensing with Hybrid Pulse Widths for Noise-Robust Recognition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Active optical sensor systems face challenges in reducing noise effects while maintaining or increasing sensitivity, which affects the accuracy of object recognition and classification.
Innovation Solution
The method generates a hybrid point cloud by categorizing signal pulses based on predefined parameters, such as radial distance, and assigning them to either a first or second pulse width, corresponding to different amplitude limit values, thereby reducing noise influence and enhancing sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the limit value is selected to be higher, then the sensitivity of the sensor system is improved, but the effective range decreases since only objects relatively close to the sensor system are reproduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the limit value adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adapts the limit value based on the radial distance to the object: using a first (lower) limit value for distant objects to maintain sensitivity and effective range, and a second (higher) limit value for close objects to reduce noise influence. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between sensitivity and effective range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the limit value based on the radial distance parameter. By switching between different limit value settings (first limit value for远距离, second limit value for近距离), the system optimizes the balance between sensitivity and noise reduction for different operating conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and effective range.
2Length of stationary object
If the limit value is selected to be lower, then the effective range of the sensor system is improved, but the influence of noise effects increases potentially leading to false entries in the point cloud
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the limit value based on the radial distance. For close objects where noise is more problematic, a higher second limit value is used to filter out noise effects. For distant objects where sensitivity is more critical, a lower first limit value is used to maintain effective range. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between effective range and noise influence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different limit value settings for different spatial regions (different radial distances). Instead of using a uniform limit value throughout the entire measurement range, the system applies appropriate limit values locally: first limit value for distant regions and second limit value for close regions, thereby optimizing both effective range and noise reduction in their respective domains.
3Device complexity
If a single limit value is used for all signal pulses, then the device complexity is reduced, but the object recognition accuracy decreases due to inability to adapt to different distances
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a dynamic selection mechanism that chooses between first and second limit values based on the radial distance of the object. This dynamic approach maintains relatively simple device architecture while significantly improving object recognition accuracy by adapting the limit value to the specific measurement scenario, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
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 reduces the impact of noise on object recognition, increases the sensitivity of the sensor system, and optimizes memory usage by storing only one entry per signal pulse in the point cloud.
Implementation Method 1
Light reflected by an object in an environment of the sensor system is registered by means of a detector unit of the sensor system and a sensor signal is generated by means of the detector unit on the basis of the registered light
Data Source
AI summary
According to a method for object recognition by an active optical sensor system (2), a detector unit (2b) detects light (3b) reflected off an object (4) and generates a sensor signal (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) on the basis thereof. A computing unit (2c) ascertains a first pulse width (D1) defined by a predetermined first limit value (G1) for an amplitude of the sensor signal (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) as well as a second pulse width (D2) defined by a predetermined second limit value (G2). The signal pulse is assigned to one of at least two categories according to at least one predefined signal pulse parameter, and a scatter plot for object recognition is generated, said scatter plot containing exactly one entry for the signal pulse, said entry corresponding to the first pulse width (D1) or to the second pulse width (D2) according to the category to which the signal pulse belongs.