ToF Distance Measuring Device with Real-Time Timing Deviation Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distance measuring devices using the time of flight method face accuracy issues due to deviations in light emission and reception timing, which are difficult to correct, especially in dynamic environments like vehicle use where the distance to objects constantly changes.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring device and method that include a light receiving unit, a control unit for managing light emission and reception timing signals, and a measuring unit to calculate the deviation time between light emission and reception, allowing for real-time correction of these signals to improve measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the timing of light emission or light reception deviates from ideal timing, then distance measurement accuracy deteriorates, but it is difficult to correct the deviation when the amount of deviation is unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the measured deviation time is used to correct the light emission timing signal and/or light reception timing signal. The control unit adjusts the timing signals based on the measured deviation, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves measurement accuracy by eliminating timing errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance measuring device performs self-calibration by using its own timing signals to measure the deviation and then automatically corrects its own timing errors. The device serves itself by generating correction values from its own operational data without requiring external calibration equipment or fixed-distance targets.
2Measurement precision
If a special environment with fixed-distance objects is prepared for correction, then timing deviation can be corrected, but the device cannot successively measure and correct deviation in dynamic environments where distance constantly changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static correction approach (requiring fixed-distance objects) into a dynamic correction system. The device continuously measures deviation time during normal operation in changing environments and dynamically adjusts timing signals in real-time, allowing correction to occur regardless of distance changes or environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance measuring device gains universal applicability by being able to perform both distance measurement and timing deviation correction in the same operational mode. The device can correct timing errors in various environments (static, dynamic, varying distances) without requiring special calibration setups, making it versatile for different application scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If timing deviation is not corrected, then device operation is simple, but distance measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the timing deviation measurement function with the existing distance measurement function. The same light emission unit, light receiving unit, and control unit are used for both measuring distance and detecting timing deviations. The correction process is integrated into the normal operational cycle, avoiding the need for separate correction hardware or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback loop is implemented where the measured deviation time automatically triggers correction of the timing signals. The control unit uses the measured deviation to adjust future light emission and/or reception timing, creating a self-correcting system that maintains accuracy without requiring complex manual intervention or additional computational overhead.
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 enhances the accuracy of distance measurements by enabling continuous correction of timing deviations, even in dynamic environments, thereby improving the reliability of distance measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit that emits light
Implementation Method 2
reflected light that is the irradiation light reflected on a substance (object) and returned
Implementation Method 3
a measuring unit that measures a deviation time between a light emission timing at which the light emitting unit emits the irradiation light and a light reception timing at which the light receiving unit receives the reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to a distance measuring device and a distance measuring method that can improve the accuracy of distance measurement.A control unit controls a light emitting operation by supplying a light emitting unit with a light emission timing signal for controlling the light emitting operation for emitting irradiation light and controls the light receiving operation by supplying a light receiving unit with a light reception timing signal for controlling the light receiving operation for receiving reflected light. A measuring unit measures a deviation time between the light emission timing at which the light emitting unit emits the irradiation light and the light reception timing at which the light receiving unit receives the reflected light, using the light emission timing signal and the light reception timing signal. The present technology can be applied, for example, to a case where distance measurement is performed by using the ToF method.