ToF Distance Measurement Device Temperature Drift Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distance measurement devices, such as ToF type distance measurement cameras, face challenges with temperature drift, which affects measurement accuracy and requires time for temperature stabilization, making quick and accurate measurements difficult.

Innovation Solution

A distance measurement device that includes a ToF type distance measurement camera and a processor, which calculates a correction coefficient based on measurement values from a reference object and corrects measurements of a measurement object using this coefficient, allowing for quick and accurate measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature stabilization is performed before measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing correction coefficients for temperature drift before actual measurement occurs. The system prepares correction data in advance based on predetermined temperature conditions, allowing immediate application during measurement without requiring physical temperature stabilization. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating the time-consuming stabilization process while maintaining accuracy through computational correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of temperature stabilization with a computational correction system. Instead of physically waiting for the device to reach thermal equilibrium, the system uses algorithms to calculate and apply correction coefficients that compensate for temperature drift effects. This substitution eliminates the time delay inherent in thermal stabilization while achieving the same accuracy goal through mathematical correction rather than physical waiting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If temperature correction is performed using sensor temperature measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using predetermined correction coefficients as mediators between temperature drift and measurement accuracy. Instead of directly measuring and correcting based on actual sensor temperature (which would require complex real-time computation and additional sensors), the system uses pre-calculated correction coefficients that capture temperature drift characteristics. These coefficients act as intermediaries that simplify the correction process while maintaining accuracy, avoiding the need for complex real-time temperature measurement and processing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If ambient temperature measurement is used for correction, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by creating a simplified model of temperature drift effects through predetermined correction coefficients. These coefficients are derived by copying the essential characteristics of temperature drift behavior under various conditions, rather than requiring direct measurement of actual sensor temperature. The correction coefficients replicate the effect of actual temperature correction without needing complex measurement systems, achieving a balance between simplicity and accuracy by capturing the essential drift patterns through pre-computed data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 quick and accurate distance measurements by correcting for temperature drift, allowing for rapid setup and operation without the need for extensive temperature stabilization.

Implementation Method 1

a ToF type distance measurement camera that measures a distance to a measurement object and a distance to a reference object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20250110063A1Distance measurement device, radiography system, operation method of distance measurement device, and operation program

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

The distance measurement device includes a ToF type distance measurement camera that measures a distance to a measurement object and a distance to a reference object of which the distance is known, and a processor. The processor calculates a correction coefficient on the basis of a first measurement value that is a measurement value of a distance from the distance measurement camera to the reference object obtained by the distance measurement camera and a known distance from the distance measurement camera to the reference object, and corrects a second measurement value that is a measurement value of a distance from the distance measurement camera to the measurement object obtained by the distance measurement camera or a calculation value calculated using the second measurement value.