Pulse Distance Measurement With Variable Gain Signal Normalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance measuring instruments face limitations in measurement accuracy, speed, and distance measuring range.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring instrument equipped with a variable gain amplifier and signal delay module, which adjusts gain based on detected signal intensity to maintain constant signal output, allowing for accurate analysis independent of signal intensity, combined with a doped fiber laser for precise light pulse emission timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed gain amplifier is used to amplify detected light signals, then the amplification process is simple and fast, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates when signal intensity varies by many orders of magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing a fixed gain amplifier with a variable gain amplifier that dynamically adjusts its amplification factor based on the detected signal intensity. The system measures the signal intensity first, then sets the gain accordingly to ensure the amplified signal falls within the optimal analysis range, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy across varying signal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by measuring the signal intensity before amplification and pre-calculating the appropriate gain value. This preliminary measurement and calculation are performed in advance of the actual amplification process, allowing the system to optimize the amplification parameters before the signal processing occurs, ensuring accurate results without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
2Measurement precision
If signal intensity is not normalized before analysis, then the analysis process is simpler, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to intensity variations from different distances and albedo
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the signal intensity and determining the appropriate gain value before the actual signal amplification and analysis takes place. This pre-measurement approach allows the system to prepare the optimal amplification parameters in advance, ensuring that when the signal is amplified, it will be within the ideal range for accurate analysis, thus maintaining both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the amplification gain parameter based on the detected signal intensity. The system changes the gain parameter according to the measured intensity level, ensuring that the amplified signal always falls within the optimal analysis range regardless of the original signal strength, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy across varying conditions.
3Reliability
If high gain is applied to all detected signals, then weak signals from distant objects can be detected, but strong signals from nearby objects become saturated and unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the amplification gain based on the detected signal intensity. For weak signals from distant objects, a higher gain is applied to bring them into the detectable range. For strong signals from nearby objects, a lower gain is used to prevent saturation. This adaptive parameter adjustment ensures optimal detection and measurement accuracy across all signal intensity conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the amplification gain a dynamic parameter rather than a fixed value. The system continuously adapts the gain level based on the real-time signal intensity, allowing it to optimize for both weak and strong signals appropriately. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the system to maintain high detection reliability for distant objects while preserving measurement accuracy for nearby objects.
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
Enhances measurement accuracy and speed by normalizing signal intensity, enabling precise distance calculations regardless of object distance or albedo variations.
Implementation Method 1
a variable gain amplifier for amplifying a detected signal, wherein a higher gain is applied when the detected signal has a low intensity and wherein a relatively lower gain is applied when the detected signal has a relatively higher intensity
Implementation Method 2
a signal delay module for delaying a first portion of a detected signal, wherein a first analysis of a second portion of the detected signal is performed while the first portion is delayed
Implementation Method 3
A distance measuring instrument comprises at least one light source; at least one light detector
Implementation Method 4
an output of the at least one light sensor is connected to an input of the signal delay module
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring method includes: emitting a pulse of measuring light towards an object; receiving a pulse measuring light from the object and generating a pulse signal corresponding to the pulse of measuring light received from the object; delaying a first portion of the generated pulse signal for a predetermined time; generating an intensity signal indicative of an intensity of the generated pulse signal, while delaying the first portion of the generated pulse signal; amplifying the delayed first portion of the generated pulse signal using a gain dependent on the generated intensity signal; and determining a value representing a distance based on the amplified delayed first portion of the generated pulse signal.