Passive Imaging Distance Determination System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance determination systems using active sensors are costly, bulky, and complex, making them undesirable for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A distance determining system that uses passive imaging sensors to capture images of objects and calculates distance based on angles and movement vectors, eliminating the need for active sensors by employing a digital signal processor to process image data and determine range through geometric calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active sensors are used to determine distance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active distance measurement sensors (mechanical/electronic ranging systems) with a passive imaging system combined with geometric calculation. The system uses an imaging sensor to capture images of the object, extracts position information from the images, and calculates distance through geometric relationships involving the camera's focal length and the object's position in the image plane, thereby eliminating complex active sensing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image data as an intermediary between the imaging sensor and the distance measurement function. Instead of directly measuring distance, the system captures images, processes the image data to extract position coordinates, and then uses these coordinates as intermediate information to calculate the final distance, simplifying the overall measurement system.
2Measurement precision
If active sensors are used to determine distance, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky active distance measurement sensors with a compact passive imaging sensor and computational algorithm. The imaging sensor captures visual information, and the system uses image processing and geometric calculations to derive distance, significantly reducing the physical size of the ranging system while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If active sensors are used to determine distance, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive active distance measurement sensors (such as LIDAR or time-of-flight sensors) with a more economical passive imaging sensor and computational processing system. The imaging sensor is typically less costly, and the distance calculation is performed through software algorithms, reducing overall system cost while achieving the desired measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If active sensors are used to determine distance, then measurement precision is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy active distance measurement sensors with a lightweight passive imaging sensor and computational system. The imaging sensor and associated processing electronics weigh significantly less than active ranging systems, reducing the overall weight of the distance measurement subsystem while maintaining measurement accuracy through image-based geometric calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
A distance determining system for use in a movable device. The system comprises circuitry for capturing an image of an object external from the movable device. The system also comprises circuitry, responsive to the image, for determining an angle between a direction of movement of the movable device and the object. Lastly, the system also comprises circuitry for determining a distance to the object in response to at least the angle.