Ranging System Calibration Using Peripheral Reflection Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ranging systems require dedicated devices and significant time for calibration, leading to high costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A ranging system that includes a light source unit, a sensor unit, a determination unit, and a generation unit, which determines whether a peripheral object is usable as a reflection object and generates a correction table to correct offset values between true and measured range values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated calibration device is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling peripheral objects (such as walls, furniture, or other environmental structures) to serve as reflection objects for calibration purposes. This eliminates the need for dedicated calibration devices, as common environmental objects are utilized instead. The system can perform calibration functions using any object within the measurement range that reflects light, making the calibration process universal and device-agnostic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically detecting and selecting suitable peripheral objects as reflection objects without requiring manual setup or specialized equipment. The calibration process is performed autonomously using the sensor unit to identify appropriate objects in the environment, eliminating the need for external calibration devices and reducing operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If sufficient measurement time is allocated, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing calibration measurements using readily available peripheral objects rather than requiring exhaustive measurement procedures. The system captures sufficient calibration data from environmental reflection objects without needing to perform extensive or prolonged measurements, achieving adequate calibration accuracy more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by continuously or periodically performing calibration using peripheral objects in the environment. Rather than requiring dedicated calibration time slots or extensive measurement sessions, the calibration can be performed opportunistically using available reflection objects, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If dedicated calibration devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by utilizing inexpensive, readily available peripheral objects as reflection objects for calibration. Instead of investing in expensive dedicated calibration devices, the system uses common environmental objects (walls, furniture, etc.) that are already present and serve the calibration function, thereby significantly reducing calibration costs while maintaining adequate measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies universality by making the calibration process independent of specialized equipment. Any object in the environment that reflects light can serve as a calibration target, eliminating the need to manufacture or acquire dedicated calibration devices. This universal approach reduces costs while preserving the ability to achieve accurate calibration measurements.
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
Enables calibration at a lower cost without the need for dedicated devices or extensive measurement time, allowing for efficient and cost-effective calibration of ranging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit that detects reflection light of light emitted from the light source unit and reflected on a target object
Data Source
AI summary
Ranging systems, calibration methods, programs, and electronic apparatus with lower cost calibration are disclosed. In one example, a ranging system includes a light source, a sensor that detects reflection light of light emitted from the light source and reflected on a target object, a determination unit that determines whether or not a peripheral object is usable as a reflection object on the basis of a predetermined determination condition, and a generation unit that generates a correction table for correcting an offset value between a true value of a range value and a measured value on the basis of a detection result received from the sensor and obtained by detecting reflection light of light applied from the light source to a target object usable as the reflection object in a case where the peripheral object is determined to be usable as the reflection object.