Range Finding Apparatus Using Variable Pulse Widths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional range finding technologies face challenges in achieving both high-resolution distance measurement and broad distance range detection simultaneously, failing to improve measurement precision and detect distances effectively from near to far ranges.
Innovation Solution
A range finding apparatus and method that utilize a light emission unit with drive pulses of different pulse widths and patterns, where a sine wave pattern is used for shorter pulses and a rectangular wave pattern for longer pulses, allowing for higher-resolution and broader range detection by calculating the time difference between light emission and reflection, enhancing detection precision and range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single pulse width is used for range finding, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot achieve both high-resolution and broad-range detection simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the range finding process into multiple segments by using different pulse widths for different distance ranges. Short pulse widths are used for near-distance high-resolution detection, while long pulse widths are used for far-distance broad-range detection. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high precision and broad range without requiring complex hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between different pulse width modes based on detection requirements. The control unit selectively applies short pulse widths when high resolution is needed and long pulse widths when broad range coverage is required. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to varying detection scenarios without increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a single pulse width is used for range finding, then the control process is simple, but it cannot achieve both high-resolution and broad-range detection simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The control process is segmented into different pulse width selection stages. The control unit divides the detection task into short-pulse mode for high precision and long-pulse mode for broad range, managing each stage with appropriate pulse width parameters. This segmented control approach maintains relative simplicity while achieving dual objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The control process dynamically adjusts pulse width parameters based on detection needs. The control unit selectively switches between short and long pulse widths, creating a flexible but manageable control flow that resolves the contradiction between precision and range requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single pulse width method is used, then the measurement process is simple, but it fails to improve measurement precision and detect broader distance range simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection capability into multiple ranges by using different pulse widths. Short pulse widths provide high precision for near distances, while long pulse widths extend detection to far distances. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to various detection scenarios with both precision and broad range coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The range finding apparatus achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple pulse width modes within a single device. The system can perform both high-resolution near-distance measurement and broad-range far-distance detection using the same hardware platform, enhancing adaptability without sacrificing precision in either mode.
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 concurrent high-resolution and broad-range detection, improving measurement precision and extending the range from near to far distances, while reducing error levels and ambient light interference.
Implementation Method 1
a light emission unit including a light source and a light source driver, the light source driver to supply a plurality of drive pulses including a first drive pulse having a first pulse width to the light source
Implementation Method 2
the range can be detected based on a time difference between one time point when a pulse light is emitted from a light source and another time point when light reflected from object is received by a light receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
A range finding apparatus includes a light emission unit including a light source and a light source driver, a light detection unit, and circuitry. The light source driver supplies a plurality of drive pulses having different pulse width at different time periods. The light detection unit receives the light emitted from the light emission unit and then reflected from an object. The circuitry calculates a range to the object based on a time difference between one time point when a pulse light is emitted from the light source and another time point when light reflected from the object is received by the light detection unit. One of the drive pulses set with a smaller pulse width is set with a sine wave pattern, and another one of the drive pulses set with a greater pulse width is set with a rectangular wave pattern.