Bound-Mode Angular ToF Sensor Array for Wide Field Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time-of-flight sensors are limited by their single-channel design, making them unsuitable for applications requiring multiple-direction sensing or large field of view, such as autonomous vehicle lidar and people counting, which necessitate a high angular resolution and wide coverage.
Innovation Solution
An angular sensitive time-of-flight position sensor device comprising a planar waveguide structure with grating patterns to couple incident light, detectors outside the collection area, and output couplers to direct light to detectors, integrated with electronics for time-of-flight detection and communication, allowing scalable manufacturing and reduced form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed angle sensors are used to achieve wide field of view and multi-directional sensing, then angular coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single integrated sensor device. Multiple detection elements are arranged in an array on a common substrate, each capable of detecting light from different angles simultaneously. This merging approach achieves wide angular coverage without requiring multiple separate sensor assemblies, thereby reducing device complexity and installation cost while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-channel time-of-flight sensor to a multi-element array configuration. By adding the spatial dimension of multiple detection elements arranged in an array, the device can sense multiple directions simultaneously. This dimensional expansion enables wide field of view coverage without proportionally increasing system complexity, as all elements share common control and processing electronics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If actively rotating frameworks are used for autonomous vehicle lidar, then multi-directional sensing capability is improved, but reliability and size increase issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function across multiple stationary detection elements rather than using a single rotating sensor. Each detection element in the array is fixed in position and detects a specific angular sector. This segmentation eliminates the need for moving parts and rotating mechanisms, significantly improving reliability while maintaining multi-directional sensing capability through the collective coverage of all array elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating a single sensor to scan multiple directions, the patent inverts the approach by having multiple fixed sensors simultaneously cover different directions. This static array configuration replaces the dynamic scanning mechanism, eliminating mechanical complexity and improving reliability for autonomous vehicle applications where failure is not an option.
3Device complexity
If a single channel time-of-flight sensor is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but angular sensitivity and field of view are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the spatial dimension by arranging multiple detection elements in an array configuration. Each element detects light from a specific angular direction, and the collective array provides both wide field of view and angular sensitivity. This dimensional expansion from single-channel to multi-element array achieves enhanced measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as all elements share common control electronics and processing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sensor device that performs both distance measurement and angular sensing functions simultaneously. The multi-element array structure enables the device to detect both the time-of-flight (distance) and the angle of incidence (direction) of incoming light. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated device rather than requiring separate sensors for range and angle measurements.
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
The device provides both color and angular sensitivity, achieving high resolution and wide field of view with efficient manufacturing, suitable for applications like autonomous vehicle lidar and people counting.
Implementation Method 1
a collection area with a grating pattern at a specific periodicity to couple incident light into the planar waveguide structure
Implementation Method 2
a planar waveguide structure... to direct the light from planar waveguide to the at least one detector
Data Source
AI summary
An angular sensitive time-of-flight position sensor device is provided and includes an array of pixels each comprising: a planar waveguide structure; a collection area with a grating pattern at a specific periodicity to couple incident light into the planar waveguide structure; at least one detector placed outside of the collection area and in a plane different from that of the planar waveguide structure; an output coupler to direct the light from planar waveguide to the at least one detector; a mask to shield the at least one detector from direct illumination; a narrow band light source that illuminates a field-of-view; a first electronics configured to detect the time-of-flight of light retroreflected, scattered, or both incident onto the position sensor and configured to provide distance ranging information; and a second electronics configured to interpret and retain time-of-flight information and configured to communicate with external electronics for system applications.