Distance Measuring Apparatus Using Complementary Transfer Gates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measuring apparatuses lack reliability, resulting in significant measurement errors, which hinders their usefulness in real-life and industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring apparatus comprising an image sensor with a photodiode, first and second capacitors, and transfer gates, where the image sensor driver complementarily drives the transfer gates to control voltage changes based on light intensity and time elapsed, allowing for precise distance measurement using the voltages of the capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional distance measuring apparatus is used, then the device can measure distance, but the measurement reliability is low and errors are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into multiple segments by using multiple capacitors (first capacitor, second capacitor, third capacitor) to capture different aspects of the light signal independently. Each capacitor stores voltage information from the photodiode at different times, and these segmented measurements are then combined to calculate the final distance, improving overall measurement reliability and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using multiple capacitors with different characteristics to measure different parameters (voltage levels at different times). By measuring multiple parameters (V1, V2, V3) and combining them through a calculated formula, the system achieves higher measurement precision and reliability compared to single-parameter measurement
2Measurement precision
If multiple pixels are used to capture target object with angular difference, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single pixel structure multi-functional by equipping it with multiple capacitors that can perform different measurement functions. The first capacitor captures initial voltage, the second capacitor captures voltage at a different time, and the third capacitor provides reference voltage. This universal pixel structure achieves stereo vision capability without requiring multiple separate pixels, thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple pixels into a single pixel by combining multiple capacitors within one pixel structure. Instead of using separate pixels for different measurement functions, the patent integrates multiple capacitive measurement elements into one unified pixel, achieving the same measurement capability with reduced structural complexity
3Measurement precision
If time of flight measurement is used, then distance measurement is achieved, but measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the reference capacitor (third capacitor) to provide a stable reference voltage that compensates for variations in the measurement process. The reference voltage serves as a feedback mechanism to correct and stabilize the measurements from the other capacitors, thereby improving both precision and reliability of the distance measurement
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 solution enhances the reliability of distance measurements by accurately capturing light intensity and time-of-flight data, reducing noise and improving the precision of calculated distances.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor and an image sensor driver. The image sensor includes a photodiode
Implementation Method 2
a first capacitor and a second capacitor, and a first transfer gate and a second transfer gate configured to transmit an output of the photodiode to the respective first and second capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measuring apparatus includes an image sensor and an image sensor driver. The image sensor includes a photodiode, a first capacitor and a second capacitor, and a first transfer gate and a second transfer gate configured to transmit an output of the photodiode to the respective first and second capacitors. The image sensor driver is configured to complementarily drive the first transfer gate and the second transfer gate.