Hybrid TOF Structured Light Optoelectronic Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optoelectronic modules face challenges in achieving precise distance measurements over a range of short to long distances while maintaining a small footprint and mitigating multi-path distance errors, particularly in miniaturized consumer technologies like smartphones.

Innovation Solution

The development of an optoelectronic module that combines time of flight (TOF) and structured light (SL) techniques using a hybrid sensor with demodulation pixels, allowing for dynamic binning and varying modulation frequencies to enhance precision and reduce multi-path errors, enabling accurate distance and three-dimensional data capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If triangulation technique with large baseline is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement precisionVSAvoidmodule footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines TOF and structured light techniques into a single hybrid optoelectronic module, merging the advantages of both methods (precision over range and short distance accuracy) while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for mobile devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid module performs multiple functions simultaneously: TOF measurements for long-range precision, structured light for short-range accuracy, and background light suppression, all within a single integrated device footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If TOF technique is used, then measurement precision over long distances is improved, but multi-path errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong distance measurement precisionVSAvoiddistance measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by comparing and fusing data from both TOF and structured light techniques, allowing the more accurate measurement method to compensate for and correct errors in the other method under different conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite measurement approach by fusing data from two different measurement techniques (TOF and structured light), similar to how composite materials combine properties of different materials to achieve superior overall performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If structured light technique is used, then measurement precision at short distances is improved, but background light interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshort distance measurement precisionVSAvoidbackground light interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses modulated light as an intermediary carrier that encodes distance information, allowing the system to distinguish structured light from background light through frequency modulation and demodulation processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 hybrid approach provides precise measurements over a wide range of distances, suppresses background light, and reduces multi-path errors by simultaneously collecting data from TOF and SL techniques, improving the accuracy and reliability of distance measurements in optoelectronic modules.

Implementation Method 1

Optoelectronic modules using time of flight (TOF) technology are suitable for measuring the distance of scenes at long/far distances. TOF requires a modulated light emitter to direct modulated light onto an object/scene, and an imager (TOF imager) including an optical assembly and sensor. The sensor includes de-modulation pixels (TOF pixels) that may derive distance information from the change in phase of modulated light reflected by a scene.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

The sensor includes de-modulation pixels (TOF pixels) that may derive distance information from the change in phase of modulated light reflected by a scene.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS10677923B2Optoelectronic modules for distance measurements and/or multi-dimensional imaging

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 AMS OSRAM ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure describes optoelectronic modules that, in some implementations, address the need to combine precise measurements of scenes over a range of near and far distances. For example, an optoelectronic module can include a light emitter operable to direct modulated structured light onto a scene. The module includes an imager to receive reflected light signals from the scene. The imager includes demodulation pixels operable to provide amplitude and phase information based on the reflected light signals. Various techniques can be used to derive distance or three-dimensional information about the scene based on the signals from the pixels.