Vehicle Ranging Device Internal Reflection Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ranging devices mounted on vehicles face challenges in improving measurement accuracy due to internal reflection from the translucent cover, which affects the calculation of distances to objects.
Innovation Solution
A ranging device configuration that includes a light emitting element, a light receiving element covered by a translucent cover forming part of the vehicle's outer surface, and a processor that calculates distance based on a time period after the internally reflected light is incident on the light receiving element, eliminating the influence of internal reflection and enhancing measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the light emitting element and light receiving element are covered by a translucent cover forming part of the vehicle outer surface, then the integration with vehicle structure is improved, but internal reflection occurs causing measurement accuracy to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary time measurement to calculate the time period for internally reflected light to reach the light receiving element. Based on this pre-calculated time period, the processor delays starting distance measurements until after this period has elapsed, thereby preventing internal reflection from interfering with the measurements.
2Productivity
If the processor calculates distance based on received light signals, then distance measurement function is achieved, but internal reflected light causes false object detection reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The processor performs preliminary calculation of the time period required for internally reflected light to travel from the light emitting element to the light receiving element via the inner surface of the translucent cover. Distance measurements are then delayed until this calculated time period has elapsed, ensuring internal reflections do not cause false object detections.
3Speed
If time measurement starts immediately upon light emission, then measurement speed is improved, but internal reflection interference reduces measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the time period for internal reflection in advance. The actual distance measurement then starts after this pre-calculated delay, optimizing both speed (by not delaying unnecessarily) and accuracy (by eliminating internal reflection interference).
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own structural parameters (refractive index of the translucent cover, geometry of the light path) to self-calculate the internal reflection time period. This self-derived information is then used to optimally time the start of distance measurements without requiring external calibration or adjustment.
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 configuration effectively eliminates the impact of internal reflection, leading to improved measurement accuracy and reduced processing load by starting time measurement only after the elapsed time period, allowing for more precise distance calculations.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element configured to emit detecting light
Implementation Method 2
the detecting light emitted from the light emitting element may be partially reflected by an inner surface of the translucent cover and incident on the light receiving element as internally reflected light
Implementation Method 3
a processor configured to calculate a distance to an object that generated reflected light based on a time period from time when the detecting light is emitted from the light emitting element to time when the reflected light is incident on the light receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
A translucent cover forms a part of an outer surface of the vehicle and covers a light emitting element and a light receiving element. A processor calculates a distance to an object that generated reflected light based on a time period from time when detecting light is emitted from the light emitting element to time when the reflected light is incident on the light receiving element, at least after it is elapsed a time period from the time when the detecting light is emitted to time when reflected light generated by an inner surface of the translucent cover is incident on the light receiving element.