Surround Sensing System Using Pulsed VCSEL and Synchronized CMOS Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for scanning the 3D profile of objects, especially in outdoor environments, face challenges such as poor angular and depth resolution, limited range, and sensitivity to light conditions, making them unsuitable for robust and high-resolution scanning over long ranges.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mountable system using a pulsed radiation pattern with a VCSEL array and CMOS or CCD detectors, capable of emitting monochromatic light with high intensity and precision, combined with triangulation and stereovision principles, to achieve robust and high-resolution scanning over a range of 1 to 200 meters, resistant to varying light conditions and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If radar based systems are used, then sensing range is improved, but angular and depth resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radar technology with optical sensing systems to merge the long-range capability of radar with the high-resolution profiling capability of optical sensors. The radar provides rough positioning and range information, while optical sensors capture detailed surface profiles, achieving both long range and high resolution simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system is divided into multiple functional components: radar subsystem for range detection, optical sensing subsystem for profile measurement, and integration layer for data fusion. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while contributing to the overall system performance of achieving both long range and high resolution.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasound based systems are used, then short range sensing capability is improved, but sensing range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the short-range high-precision measurement capability from ultrasound systems and integrates it with optical sensing. The ultrasound provides complementary data for very close-range objects, while optical sensors handle mid-to-far range detection, achieving extended effective sensing range with maintained precision.
3Measurement precision
If triangulation based systems are used, then depth sensitivity is improved, but robustness against sunlight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsed illumination instead of continuous light projection. By emitting light in short pulses and synchronizing the detector to capture only during these pulses, the system achieves high depth sensitivity while rejecting continuous sunlight background, as the detector ignores non-pulsed ambient light.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary time-synchronization between the pulsed light source and detector before actual measurement. This preliminary action ensures that the detector is activated only during the pulse window, preemptively blocking sunlight interference before it can affect the measurement, thereby maintaining depth sensitivity in outdoor conditions.
4Ease of manufacture
If stereovision based systems are used, then existing camera set-ups can be utilized, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from ambient light reliance (stereovision) to active pulsed illumination. This parameter change enables the system to use standard cameras while achieving superior depth sensitivity through controlled lighting conditions, maintaining ease of manufacture with off-the-shelf components while dramatically improving measurement precision.
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 provides precise 3D profiling with sub-pixel accuracy, robustness against environmental conditions, and low power consumption, enabling reliable operation in diverse weather and lighting conditions, suitable for autonomous vehicles and road surface monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
processing the data from the detector for determining a property of the object or the scene
Implementation Method 2
A vehicle-mountable system using a pulsed radiation pattern with a VCSEL array and CMOS or CCD detectors, capable of emitting monochromatic light with high intensity and precision
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system (100) for detecting the profile of an object. The system (100) comprises a radiation source (101) for generating a radiation pattern. The system (100) also comprises a detector (102) which has a plurality of pixels and a processor (103) for processing data from the detector (102) when radiation from the radiation source is reflected by an object and detected by the detector (102). The system also comprises a synchronization means (104) interfacing between the detector (102) and the radiation source (101). The radiation source (101) is designed for operating in pulsed mode and the synchronization means (104) can synchronize the pulses of the radiation source (101) with the sampling of the detector (102).