Shape Measurement Sensor Pixel Pair Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the surface shape of objects using line-shaped or spot-shaped light are limited by slow detection speeds and low definition due to the need for reading out electric signals from two-dimensionally arranged pixels in image-capturing elements.
Innovation Solution
A shape measurement sensor with a light-receiving unit comprising pixel pairs, where each pair includes a first and second pixel generating electric signals based on incident light, allowing for the detection of two-dimensional position information without separate signal generation for the second direction, thereby reducing the number of electric signals and reading-out time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-dimensional image capturing elements with multiple pixels are used to detect reflected light position, then measurement definition is improved, but signal reading-out time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-receiving unit is segmented into pixel pairs, where each pair consists of a first pixel and a second pixel arranged side by side. This segmentation allows the system to process position information in paired units rather than individually processing all pixels, reducing the overall reading-out time while maintaining two-dimensional position detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first pixel and second pixel in each pair are merged to detect position information in the second direction. By combining the output signals from both pixels and comparing their intensities, the system can determine the incident light position without requiring separate reading-out operations for each pixel, thus reducing time loss.
2Speed
If pixel pairs with intensity variation are used to detect incident position, then position detection speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first pixel and second pixel are designed with different local qualities regarding light reception. The first pixel has a light-receiving surface that receives incident light, while the second pixel has a light-receiving surface that does not receive incident light directly. This local quality difference creates intensity variations in the output signals based on the incident light position, enabling fast detection through simple intensity comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light-receiving surface configuration between the first and second pixels. By varying which pixel receives incident light and which does not, the system creates a parameter difference (light intensity) that can be used to determine position quickly through signal intensity comparison rather than complex coordinate processing.
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 high-speed detection of reflected light positions and measurement of three-dimensional surface shapes with improved definition, reducing measurement time and enhancing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first pixel that generates a first electric signal corresponding to an incident light amount of the light and a second pixel that is disposed side by side with the first pixel along a first direction intersecting the irradiation direction and generates a second electric signal corresponding to an incident light amount of the light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a shape measurement sensor including a light-receiving unit and a calculation unit. The light-receiving unit includes a plurality of pixel pairs. Each of the pixel pairs includes a first pixel and a second pixel that is disposed side by side with the first pixel along a first direction. In the first pixel, as an incident position is closer to one end of the light-receiving unit in a second direction, an intensity of a first electric signals decreases. In the second pixel, as the incident position is closer to the one end, an intensity of a second electric signal increases. The calculation unit calculates the incident position in the second direction for each of the pixel pairs on the basis of the intensity of the first electric signal and the intensity of the acquired second electric signal.