Sensor Device Reflectance-Independent Distance Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photoelectric sensors face challenges in accurately detecting targets due to dependence on reflectance, with existing solutions either relying heavily on reflectance for detection accuracy or requiring more precise measurements without considering reflectance variations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device incorporating a light emitter, light receiver, counter measurer, delay line, memories, integrator, and distance converter to generate and integrate binarization signals, allowing for accurate distance calculation and target detection regardless of reflectance, using first and second sets of integrated waveform data and potentially combining or averaging them for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If time-of-flight measurement is used to determine target distance, then detection speed is improved, but detection accuracy depends on target reflectance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into two distinct stages: rough measurement using time-of-flight for fast detection, and fine measurement using phase shift method for high accuracy. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both fast detection speed and high accuracy by appropriately combining two different measurement methods rather than relying on a single method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically switches between rough measurement and fine measurement modes based on the detection requirements. The system first performs rapid rough measurement to locate the target, then transitions to fine measurement for precise distance calculation, creating a dynamic measurement process that adapts to different detection phases.
2Measurement precision
If fine measurement is performed to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but more complex processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary rough measurement using the simple time-of-flight method before conducting fine measurement. This preliminary action provides an initial distance estimate that guides the subsequent fine measurement process, reducing the search space and making the complex fine measurement more efficient and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the measurement process into rough and fine stages, the patent reduces the overall processing complexity. Each stage has a specific, simplified function rather than attempting to achieve both speed and accuracy in a single complex operation.
3Device complexity
If single measurement method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy varies with reflectance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different measurement methods (time-of-flight and phase shift measurement) into a single integrated detection system. This combination allows the system to leverage the advantages of both methods: the speed of time-of-flight and the accuracy of phase shift measurement, achieving reflectance-independent detection without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both rough measurement and fine measurement using different principles. This universal design allows the same device to adapt to different measurement requirements and target conditions, providing accurate detection across various reflectance levels.
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 more accurate target detection by calculating measured distance values effectively, reducing errors at boundaries and improving measurement precision without increasing circuit complexity, and accommodating varying reflectance levels.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter configured to emit detection light toward a target; a light receiver configured to receive reflected light of the detection light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
To provide a sensor device (100) capable of more accurately detecting a target using rough measurement and fine measurement. A sensor device (100) includes: a light emitter (10) configured to emit detection light toward a target; a light receiver (20) configured to receive reflected light of the detection light and generates a binarization signal; a counter measurer (32) configured to generate first and second timings on a basis of the binarization signal; a delay line (33) configured to receive and propagate the binarization signal; first and second memories configured to record binarization signals propagated through the delay line (33) on a basis of the first and second timing, respectively, the binarization signals each being the binarization signal; an integrator (34) configured to generate first and second sets of integrated waveform data by integrating the binarization signals recorded in the first and second memories, respectively, corresponding to a plurality of times of light emission in the light emitter (10); a distance converter (38) configured to calculate a measured distance value to the target on a basis of the first and second sets of integrated waveform data; and a determiner (51) configured to determine presence or absence of the target on a basis of the measured distance value.