Stereo Distance Recognition Using Patterned IR Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared (IR) distance recognition systems face errors due to interference from visible IR rays, particularly under sunlight or lighting conditions, leading to inaccurate distance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A stereo type distance recognition apparatus and method that transmits multiple IR signals with inserted patterns, extracts and compares reflected patterns to cancel interference signals, and computes distance based on signals with higher magnitudes or lower loss rates, effectively eliminating interference from visible IR rays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single IR signal is transmitted for distance measurement, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from visible IR rays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by transmitting multiple IR signals at different time points and using periodic pattern insertion. The communication unit inserts a first pattern into each IR signal before transmission, and the processor extracts the corresponding second pattern from reflected signals at specific time points. This periodic signal structure enables the system to distinguish transmitted signals from interference signals (such as sunlight IR rays) by comparing pattern matches, thereby improving distance measurement accuracy without requiring overly complex hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by comparing the extracted second pattern from reflected signals with the original first pattern that was inserted into the transmitted signal. The processor uses this pattern comparison feedback to determine whether a received signal is a valid reflected signal or an interference signal. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically filter out interference from visible IR rays (such as sunlight) and select only the valid reflected signals for distance calculation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple IR signals are transmitted to cancel interference, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to multiple transmissions and comparisons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-inserting the first pattern into the IR signals before transmission. This preliminary encoding allows the receiver to quickly identify and validate reflected signals through simple pattern matching, rather than requiring complex real-time analysis. The processor extracts the second pattern from reflected signals and compares it with the pre-stored first pattern, enabling rapid interference rejection and distance calculation. This preliminary action reduces the time required for signal processing while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or hardware-based interference filtering mechanisms with a signal processing approach using pattern recognition. Instead of using physical filters or complex hardware to block interference from visible IR rays, the system uses software-based pattern matching to distinguish valid reflected signals from interference signals. This substitution reduces processing time and complexity while achieving the same goal of improving measurement precision
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 accurate distance measurement by reducing interference errors, resulting in more precise calculations of object distances using IR signals.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sensors to generate a plurality of IR signals
Implementation Method 2
to transmit the IR signals to an object and to receive signals reflected from the object by the plurality of IR signals
Data Source
AI summary
A stereo type distance recognition apparatus and method are provided. The stereo type distance recognition apparatus may include a plurality of sensors to generate a plurality of infrared (IR) signals, a communication unit to insert a set first pattern into each of the plurality of generated IR signals and to transmit the IR signals to an object, and a processor to extract a second pattern from each of signals reflected from the object by the plurality of IR signals, to cancel an interference signal from each of the reflected signals based on a result of a comparison between the first pattern and the second pattern, and to compute a distance from the object based on signals from which the interference signal is cancelled.