Velocity Determination Using Two Photosensor Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining relative velocity between a surface and an object without physical contact are resource intensive due to the need for capturing and processing digital image information.
Innovation Solution
A technique involving two photosensor arrays that capture and compare pixel-specific outputs to determine a satisfactory match, using the elapsed time between captures to calculate relative velocity based on a known separation distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If digital image frames are captured and cross-correlated to determine relative velocity, then velocity determination without physical contact is achieved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing task into separate operations performed by different processors: a first processor captures and initially processes image frames, while a second processor performs cross-correlation analysis. This segmentation distributes computational load and enables parallel processing, reducing overall resource consumption while maintaining velocity determination accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where image frames are captured and pre-processed before being passed to the cross-correlation stage. This intermediary processing step prepares the data in an optimized format that reduces the computational burden on the main velocity calculation processor, thereby reducing total resource consumption
2Reliability
If digital image frames are captured and cross-correlated to determine relative velocity, then non-contact velocity measurement is achieved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex image processing workflow into distinct functional blocks: frame capture, initial processing, cross-correlation, and velocity calculation. Each block is handled by specialized processor components, which simplifies the overall system architecture by breaking down complexity into manageable, independent modules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the computationally intensive cross-correlation operation from the main processing flow and assigns it to a dedicated second processor. This extraction isolates the complex operation, allowing it to be optimized independently and reducing the complexity burden on the main control processor
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 method reduces resource intensity by simplifying the calculation of relative velocity through pixel-by-pixel comparison and threshold matching, providing an efficient means to determine velocity without physical contact.
Implementation Method 1
Each pixel generates a pixel-specific output in response to detected light
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for relative velocity determination between a surface and a velocity determination system involves capturing a set of outputs from a first photosensor array and then comparing subsequently captured sets of outputs from a second photosensor array to the set of outputs from the first photosensor array until a satisfactory match is found between the outputs. Once a satisfactory match is found, the elapsed time between the capture of the two sets of outputs represents the time to travel the known separation distance between the two photosensor arrays. Given the known distance of travel and the elapsed time to travel the distance, the relative velocity is a simple calculation of the distance traveled divided by the time to travel the distance.