Pixelated Radiation Source for 2D Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical distance measuring devices are either bulky, costly, or limited in resolution and temporal precision due to the use of complex components like lasers, scanners, and time-of-flight sensors, and they often require mechanically movable parts, which complicates their application in mobile and cost-effective scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A compact, cost-effective optical distance measuring device utilizing a pixelated radiation source with multiple pixels, a radiation detector, and a control unit that illuminates multiple measuring regions simultaneously with electromagnetic radiation of different properties, allowing for two-dimensional distance measurement without mechanically movable components, and enabling high temporal resolution and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex components like lasers, scanners, and time-of-flight sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radiation source into multiple independently controllable pixels that can be operated separately. Each pixel can illuminate different measuring regions with distinct temporal patterns, enabling parallel distance measurements across multiple regions without requiring complex mechanical scanners or multiple sensor arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsing of individual pixels at different frequencies or phases. By modulating the radiation emission in time and detecting the reflected signals with corresponding temporal resolution, the system achieves precise distance measurement through time-of-flight calculation without needing complex optical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanically movable parts are used, then measurement capability is improved, but reliability and longevity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with an electronically controlled pixelated radiation source. The pixels can be activated in different sequences and patterns through electrical control, providing the same adaptability and versatility of mechanical systems without any moving parts, thereby significantly improving reliability and longevity.
3Productivity
If multiple measuring regions are illuminated simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the radiation source into multiple pixels that can be independently controlled. By activating multiple pixels simultaneously or in rapid succession with different temporal patterns, the system achieves parallel measurement of multiple measuring regions, greatly improving productivity while keeping the device structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns specific temporal patterns or modulation frequencies to different pixels in advance. This preliminary configuration allows the system to simultaneously illuminate multiple measuring regions with distinct temporal signatures, enabling parallel processing and high-speed measurement without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms.
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 solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and robust optical distance measuring device capable of high-resolution, two-dimensional distance measurement with short measuring times, suitable for mobile applications, by eliminating the need for complex components and allowing simultaneous illumination of multiple regions, thus enhancing longevity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the radiation source comprises one or more light-emitting semiconductor chips
Implementation Method 2
the distance measuring device is configured to generate and emit electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
the optical distance measuring device may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 4
the distance measuring device is configured to measure a distance by means of a transit time measurement, in particular a so-called time-of-flight measurement
Data Source
AI summary
An optical distance measuring device and a method for operating an optical distance measuring device are disclosed. In an embodiment an optical distance measuring device includes a pixelated radiation source with at least two pixels, a radiation detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source and reflected in measuring regions and a control unit configured to operate the radiation source and to receive electrical signals from the radiation detector, wherein the pixelated radiation source is configured to illuminate different measuring regions with electromagnetic radiation with pairwise different properties.