Method and device for obstacle detection and distance measurement by infrared radiation
First Claim
1. Method for the detection and measurement of the distance between a first object (1) and a second object (2), the said method being such that it includes the following steps:
- a) The step of emitting an infrared radiation (3) from an emitter (4) affixed to the said first object (1) and fed by an electric emission signal, and b) the step of detecting the return of the said infrared radiation to a receiver (5), after the said infrared radiation has been reflected by the said second object (2);
the said receiver (5) being affixed to the said first object (1) close to the said emitter (4) and producing an electrical signal of reception;
the said process being characterized in that it furthermore includes the following steps;
c) the step of gradually varying the infrared radiation power emitted by the said emitter (4) by controlling the said electrical emission signal, until the power of the infrared radiation emitted attains a detection power (PS) such that, for this detection power (PS) the infrared radiation is detected by the said receiver (5) after reflection by the second object, d) the step of calculating the distance (D) between the said first object (1) and the said second object (2) starting out from the value of the said detection power (PS), by establishing a correlation, particularly by calibration, between the said distance (D) and the said detection power.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention concerns a method for measuring distance between a first object (1) and a second object (2) which consists in: a) emitting an infrared wave radiation (3) from an emitter (4) fixed on the first object (1), said radiation (3) being emitted towards said second object (2); and b) detecting the return of said radiation after it has been reflected by said second object (2) on a receiver (5) fixed on said first object (1) proximate to said emitter (4). The inventive method is characterized in that it consists in: 1/gradually varying the power of the infrared radiation emitted by said emitter (1) until it reaches a detection power (Ps) corresponding to the power of the wave emitted as from which the radiation reflected by said second object is detected by said receiver; and 2/calculating the distance (D) between said first object (1) and said second object (2) from the value of said detection power, by establishing an equating correlation between said distance (D) and said detection power. The invention also concerns a device for detection and distance measurements.
197 Citations
24 Claims
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1. Method for the detection and measurement of the distance between a first object (1) and a second object (2), the said method being such that it includes the following steps:
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a) The step of emitting an infrared radiation (3) from an emitter (4) affixed to the said first object (1) and fed by an electric emission signal, and b) the step of detecting the return of the said infrared radiation to a receiver (5), after the said infrared radiation has been reflected by the said second object (2);
the said receiver (5) being affixed to the said first object (1) close to the said emitter (4) and producing an electrical signal of reception;
the said process being characterized in that it furthermore includes the following steps;
c) the step of gradually varying the infrared radiation power emitted by the said emitter (4) by controlling the said electrical emission signal, until the power of the infrared radiation emitted attains a detection power (PS) such that, for this detection power (PS) the infrared radiation is detected by the said receiver (5) after reflection by the second object, d) the step of calculating the distance (D) between the said first object (1) and the said second object (2) starting out from the value of the said detection power (PS), by establishing a correlation, particularly by calibration, between the said distance (D) and the said detection power. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 22)
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9. Method for detection and measurement of distance between a first object (1) and a second object (2), the said device containing:
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an emitter (4) of infrared radiation affixed to the said first object (1) and supplied with an electrical emission signal, a receiver (5) detecting the return of the said infrared radiation after the said infrared radiation has been reflected by the said second object (2);
the said receiver (5) being affixed to the said first object (1) close to the said emitter (4) and producing an electrical signal of reception;
the said device being characterized in that it includes;
1/means of control (8) of the said electrical signal enabling the gradual variation of the power of the infrared radiation emitted by the said emitter (4), by controlling the said electrical emission signal until the power of the infrared radiation emitted attains a power of detection (PS) such that, for this power of detection (PS) the infrared radiation is detected by the said receiver (5) after reflection by the said second object (2), 2/means for calculation (9) of the distance (D) between the said first object (1) and the said second object (2), setting out from the value of the said detection power (PS), utilizing correlations previously established particularly by calibration, between the said distance (D) and the said detection power (PS). - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24)
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23. Vehicle (1), characterized in that it includes:
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at least two infrared pickups fixedly mounted on the said vehicle, each pickup containing an emitter able to emit infrared radiation in a first portion of the space surrounding the vehicle, and containing a receiver sensitive to any infrared radiation received from a second portion of the space surrounding the vehicle, electronic means (8) of control of the power fed to the emitter, adapted to vary, regularly and cyclically, the power of the current supplied to the emitter so as to bring about a step-by-step increase of the radiation emitted by the emitter of each pickup, electronic means (9) for detection of an obstacle and/or for measurement of a distance (D) separating the vehicle from an object (2), setting out on the one hand from signals delivered by the said receivers from the said pickups, and on the other hand from signals or data delivered by the said electronic means (8) for controlling the power supplied to the emitter of the pickups.
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Specification