Depth Sensing Synchronization via Time-Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth sensing apparatuses face challenges in accurately obtaining and synchronizing depth information due to optical signal collisions when multiple devices operate simultaneously, leading to degraded quality of 3D content in applications like games and education.
Innovation Solution
A synchronization method is introduced where depth sensing apparatuses transmit optical signals encoded with synchronization information, allowing them to determine optimal time points and cycles for re-transmission, preventing collisions and enhancing depth sensing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple depth sensing apparatuses operate simultaneously to capture 3D content, then the coverage and quality of depth information can be improved, but optical signal collisions occur leading to degraded sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing where depth sensing apparatuses transmit optical signals in alternating time slots rather than simultaneously. The controlling apparatus coordinates transmission cycles, allowing one apparatus to transmit during its assigned time window while others remain silent, thereby eliminating optical signal collisions while maintaining continuous depth sensing coverage across multiple devices.
2Productivity
If depth sensing apparatuses transmit optical signals continuously to maintain high frame rates, then the productivity of depth information acquisition is improved, but signal collisions increase causing loss of depth information
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling apparatus performs preliminary coordination by pre-assigning transmission time slots to each depth sensing apparatus before the sensing operation begins. This preliminary scheduling ensures that each apparatus knows in advance when it should transmit optical signals, allowing the system to maintain high frame rates without collisions by systematically rotating transmission opportunities among multiple apparatuses.
3Device complexity
If depth sensing apparatuses operate independently without synchronization, then the device complexity is reduced, but the quality and consistency of 3D content deteriorates due to uncoordinated signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlling apparatus as an intermediary that manages synchronization between multiple depth sensing apparatuses. This central coordinator receives status information from each apparatus, determines optimal transmission timing, and sends control signals to coordinate their operations. This intermediary approach maintains 3D content quality consistency through centralized scheduling while keeping individual apparatuses relatively simple in design.
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronization method of a first depth sensing apparatus includes: transmitting a first optical signal to measure a distance to an object; receiving the first optical signal reflected by the object; when recognition of the received first optical signal fails, stopping transmission of the first optical signal and generating first synchronization information for synchronization with at least one second depth sensing apparatus; receiving a third optical signal for synchronization with the first depth sensing apparatus, which is transmitted by the at least one second depth sensing apparatus, and decoding the received third optical signal to extract at least one piece of second synchronization information; determining a time point at which and a cycle in which to re-transmit the first optical signal, based on the first synchronization information and the at least one piece of second synchronization information; and re-transmitting the first optical signal at the determined time point and cycle.