Ranging System Overlapping Light Incident Ranges Temperature Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ranging systems using the time-of-flight method face challenges in accurately measuring distances due to deviations and temperature-related errors, particularly when multiple light-receiving units have overlapping measurement ranges, which can lead to inconsistencies in distance information.
Innovation Solution
A ranging system comprising multiple light-receiving elements with overlapping light incident ranges, where circuitry corrects distance information using outputs from these elements and temperature data from temperature sensors, ensuring accurate distance measurement by accounting for temperature-induced errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple light-receiving units are arranged with overlapping measurement ranges to extend coverage, then the measurement area is expanded, but deviations and inconsistencies in distance information occur across the overlapping regions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by comparing distance measurements from overlapping light-receiving units and automatically correcting deviations. The correction unit receives distance information from multiple units, identifies inconsistencies in overlapping regions, and applies corrections to maintain measurement consistency across the entire measurement area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by applying correction values to distance measurements based on temperature data and overlapping region analysis. By adjusting the distance information parameter using correction values derived from temperature sensors and comparison algorithms, the system maintains accuracy across expanded measurement areas.
2Measurement precision
If temperature compensation is applied to correct distance measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional temperature sensors and correction circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The light-receiving units serve multiple functions: they perform primary distance measurement and simultaneously provide data for temperature compensation and deviation correction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated temperature sensors and correction mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by utilizing the existing light-receiving units and their output signals to perform temperature compensation and deviation correction. The same hardware components that measure distance also provide the data needed for correction, eliminating the need for entirely separate correction subsystems.
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 enhances the accuracy of distance information by leveraging overlapping light incident ranges and temperature corrections, maintaining continuity and reducing errors across the measurement area.
Implementation Method 1
a ranging system, a ranging apparatus, and a ranging method employing a time-of-flight (ToF) method are known. The ToF method is a method for measuring the distance to an object based on the time from when light is projected to when the reflection light is received.
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor to measures temperature of at least one of the multiple light-receiving elements and outputs temperature information indicating the temperature of at least one of the multiple light-receiving elements
Data Source
AI summary
A ranging system includes a light projector to project projection light, multiple light-receiving elements to receive light including reflected light of the projection light reflected from an object, and circuitry. Each of the multiple light-receiving elements has a light incident range including an overlapping region overlapping the light incident range of another one of the multiple light-receiving elements. The number of multiple light-receiving elements is three or more, and the number of overlapping regions is two or more. The circuitry outputs distance information based on outputs from the multiple light-receiving elements, and corrects the distance information using outputs from light-receiving areas of the multiple light-receiving elements corresponding to the at least two overlapping regions.