Range-Information Acquiring Apparatus Using Multi-Distribution Light Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current range-information acquiring technologies face challenges in efficiently generating range information with low energy usage, particularly in scanning a scene with both short and long-range distances simultaneously, as they often require separate and time-consuming processes for each distance range.
Innovation Solution
A range-information acquiring apparatus comprising a light source, a photodetector device, and signal processing circuit that emits first and second light beams with different spatial distributions, allowing simultaneous detection of reflected light in the same exposure period, and uses compressed sensing to generate range data, enabling efficient energy usage and reduced time for ranging across various distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate processes are used for short-range and long-range distance measurement, then measurement precision for each range can be maintained, but time consumption and energy usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges short-range and long-range measurement processes into a single simultaneous operation. The light source emits light that covers both distance ranges, and the photodetector device captures reflected light from both ranges in the same exposure period, eliminating the need for separate measurement processes and reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement process by using different spatial distributions of emitted light to target different distance ranges. The light source is configured to emit light with specific spatial distributions that can be differentiated by the photodetector device, allowing simultaneous measurement of short and long ranges through segmented detection channels.
2Measurement precision
If separate processes are used for short-range and long-range distance measurement, then measurement precision for each range can be maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single operational framework. By using a unified light emission and detection system that handles both short-range and long-range measurements simultaneously, the system avoids the redundant energy consumption of running separate measurement processes sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source and photodetector device are designed with multi-functionality to handle both short-range and long-range measurements. The light source can emit light with different spatial distributions, and the photodetector device can detect reflected light from various distances, making the system universal and reducing the need for specialized equipment for each range.
3Productivity
If multiple light beams with different spatial distributions are emitted simultaneously, then ranging efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple specialized devices into a single integrated system. The light source incorporates multiple emission patterns, and the photodetector device integrates multiple detection capabilities, reducing the overall system complexity compared to using separate devices for each measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of light emission patterns and detection parameters. The light source can adjust its spatial distribution dynamically, and the photodetector device can adapt its detection settings, allowing the system to optimize performance for different ranging scenarios without requiring multiple fixed-configuration devices.
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 allows for the acquisition of range information with reduced energy consumption and shortened ranging times, enabling simultaneous measurement of both short and long-range distances, improving the efficiency and precision of range imaging.
Implementation Method 1
the first reflected light being caused by reflection of the first light from the scene, the second reflected light being caused by reflection of the second light from the scene
Data Source
AI summary
A range-information acquiring apparatus includes a light source, an image sensor, a control circuit, and a signal processing circuit. The control circuit causes the light source to emit first light toward a scene and subsequently emit second light toward the scene, the first light having a first spatial distribution, the second light having a second spatial distribution. The control circuit causes at least a portion of plural photodetector elements of the photodetector device to detect first reflected light and second reflected light in the same exposure period, the first reflected light being caused by reflection of the first light from the scene, the second reflected light being caused by reflection of the second light from the scene. The signal processing circuit generates range data based on photodetection data output from the photodetector elements of the photodetector device.