Pattern-Light Range Finding Alignment for Aging and Temperature Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light range finding apparatuses face challenges in maintaining accurate distance measurements due to positional misalignment of the light receiving position with respect to the light receiving sensor, which can be exacerbated by aging or temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a positional alignment section that adjusts the position of the auxiliary optical system or light emitting system, using actuators or control circuits to ensure accurate alignment, even in the presence of shifts caused by aging or temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light receiving optical system is fixed without adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to positional misalignment caused by aging or temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable auxiliary optical system that can be dynamically adjusted relative to the light receiving sensor. The auxiliary optical system includes a movable component (such as a movable lens or mirror) that can be repositioned along the optical axis to compensate for positional misalignment. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain accurate distance measurements despite aging or temperature variations, while the movable component can be reset to a predetermined position when alignment is restored.
2Reliability
If the light receiving position is fixed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to positional shifts from aging or temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-alignment mechanism where the auxiliary optical system automatically adjusts its position to compensate for misalignment. The system includes a detection unit that monitors the alignment status and a drive unit that actuates the movable component to restore proper alignment. This self-service capability maintains high measurement reliability without requiring manual intervention, as the system autonomously corrects positional shifts caused by aging or temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback control mechanism where the alignment status is continuously monitored and used to adjust the auxiliary optical system. The detection unit provides feedback signals to the control unit, which then actuates the drive unit to reposition the movable component. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the light receiving position remains accurately aligned with the light emitting position, maintaining measurement reliability while simplifying operation through automated control.
3Measurement precision
If the auxiliary optical system is made movable for alignment adjustment, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light receiving optical system into separate functional components: a fixed light receiving sensor, a movable auxiliary optical system, and a control mechanism. The auxiliary optical system is segmented into a movable component (lens or mirror) that can be independently adjusted relative to the sensor. This segmentation allows the movable component to be optimized for alignment adjustment without complicating the entire optical system, as each component can be designed and manufactured separately with specific functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary optical system is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a light transmitting component and an alignment adjustment mechanism. The movable component can be positioned to transmit light from the light emitting optical system to the light receiving sensor, and simultaneously it can be adjusted to compensate for positional misalignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high 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 ensures precise range finding capabilities over extended periods and in outdoor conditions by correcting positional shifts, enhancing measurement accuracy and expanding the dynamic range of the light receiving sensor.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting optical system that projects a pattern light having an irradiation region and a non-irradiation region
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving optical system that receives a reflected light of the pattern light and enlarges a portion of the reflected light corresponding to the irradiation region
Implementation Method 3
a light receiving sensor including an arrayed light receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
A light range finding apparatus is provided with a light emitting optical system that projects a pattern light having an irradiation region and a non-irradiation region; a light receiving sensor including an arrayed light receiving element; a light receiving optical system that receives a reflected light of the pattern light and enlarges a portion of the reflected light corresponding to the irradiation region to be larger than a single light receiving element and causes the enlarged reflected light to be incident on the light receiving sensor; a distance measurement unit that measures a distance to the object based on an output of the light receiving sensor; and a positional alignment section that performs, based on the output of the light receiving sensor, a positional alignment of at least a part of the light emitting optical system and the light receiving optical system.