Pixel Array Division Driving for Simultaneous Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the division driving method for distance measurement using a pixel array, there is a challenge in securing simultaneity of distance measurement results across the entire pixel array due to significant time differences between processing the lower and upper regions of the array, making it difficult to accurately measure targets with high-speed distance changes.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus that includes a light reception section with a group of light reception elements, a control section that reads out two groups of light reception elements during different periods, and a signal processing section that processes signals from these elements to achieve simultaneous distance measurement across the pixel array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a pixel array is divided into plural regions and driven sequentially to perform distance measurement, then power consumption and communication bandwidth are reduced, but the time difference between processing different regions increases, making it difficult to secure simultaneity of distance measurement results
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple regions (e.g., first region and second region) that can be processed independently. The control unit sequentially controls the light reception elements in each region to perform distance measurement, allowing parallel processing of different regions while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit alternates between controlling different regions in a periodic manner. During a first period, light reception elements in the first region are controlled to perform distance measurement; during a second period, light reception elements in the second region are controlled. This periodic switching enables efficient resource utilization while maintaining simultaneity of measurement results across regions.
2Measurement precision
If all light reception elements are driven simultaneously to perform distance measurement, then simultaneity of measurement results is secured, but power consumption and communication bandwidth requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of driving all light reception elements simultaneously, the system segments them into multiple regions and drives each region in sequence. This reduces the instantaneous power consumption and communication bandwidth requirements while the control unit ensures that measurement results from different regions are synchronized through coordinated control timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts the driving timing of different regions based on the measurement requirements. By flexibly controlling when each region performs measurement and how results are synchronized, the system achieves simultaneity of results without requiring simultaneous driving of all elements, thus optimizing power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If regions are processed sequentially to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the circuit scale and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls light reception elements in different regions, manages the timing of measurements, and synchronizes results from different regions. This multi-functional approach allows the system to process multiple regions sequentially with reduced power consumption without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each region, thus avoiding increased circuit scale.
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 enables higher accuracy in distance measurement by ensuring simultaneity across the pixel array, even for targets with rapid distance changes, while also reducing power consumption and communication bandwidth.
Implementation Method 1
reflected light originating from light emitted from a light source and reflected by a measurement target is received by a light reception element
Implementation Method 2
the distance to the target is measured on the basis of a time period from emission of light to reception of the light as reflected light
Data Source
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AI summary
A measurement apparatus includes a light reception section (100) including a light reception element group including plural light reception elements (10) included in a target region, a controlling section (102) that controls a first light reception element group and a second light reception element group included in the light reception element group, so as to read out the first light reception element group and the second light reception element group during periods different from each other, and a signal processing section (112) that performs signal processing on the basis of a signal read out from at least one of the first light reception element group and the second light reception element group. A sum set of the first light reception element group and the second light reception element group includes all of the plural light reception elements, and at least part of the first light reception element group is not included in the second light reception element group.