Photodetection Pulse Combining for Accurate Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photodetection devices face limitations in achieving high detection accuracy, particularly in distance measurement applications, due to challenges in processing and combining light signals from multiple light-receiving sections effectively.
Innovation Solution
A photodetection system comprising multiple light-receiving sections, an adder, a divider, counters, and a controller that generates and processes pulse signals through addition and division processing to enhance signal combination and accuracy, allowing for improved detection accuracy in distance measurement operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple light-receiving sections are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for processing and combining signals from multiple sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple first pulse signals from different light-receiving sections through addition processing in the adder circuit to generate a second pulse signal. This merging approach integrates information from multiple detectors while maintaining a unified signal processing path, thereby improving detection accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the second pulse signal into multiple third pulse signals through time-division multiplexing in the divider circuit. This segmentation allows sequential processing of combined signal data across multiple time slots, reducing the instantaneous processing burden and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high detection precision
2Measurement precision
If signal addition processing is performed to enhance detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases due to additional processing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements time-division multiplexing where the second pulse signal is divided into multiple third pulse signals that are processed sequentially in different time slots. This periodic action allows the system to perform addition processing only when necessary (when multiple first pulse signals are present), rather than continuously, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining high detection accuracy during active measurement periods
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 system significantly enhances detection accuracy by effectively processing and combining pulse signals from multiple light-receiving sections, reducing the likelihood of decreased accuracy and power supply issues, thereby improving the reliability of distance measurement operations.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of light-receiving sections includes a light-receiving element, and is configured to generate a first pulse signal including a pulse corresponding to a result of light reception by the light-receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
A photodetection device according to the present disclosure includes: a plurality of light-receiving sections that each includes a light-receiving element, and generates a first pulse signal including a pulse corresponding to a result of light reception by the light-receiving element; an adder that generates a second pulse signal by selecting one or more first pulse signals from a plurality of the first pulse signals generated by the plurality of light-receiving sections and performing addition processing on the basis of the one or more selected first pulse signals; a divider that performs division processing for dividing the second pulse signal into a plurality of third pulse signals in a time division manner on the basis of a clock signal; a plurality of counters that is provided corresponding to the plurality of third pulse signals, and each performs count processing on the basis of a corresponding one of the third pulse signals; and a controller that sets signal number of the one or more pulse signals to be subjected to the addition processing on the basis of respective count values of the plurality of counters.