MEMS Light Adjustment for Depth Resolution in TOF Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The time-of-flight (TOF) method for extracting depth information faces challenges in achieving desired resolution, particularly when dealing with moving objects or smaller areas of interest, as the resolution decreases when the area of interest is smaller than the object's front surface or is far away from the camera.
Innovation Solution
A device that adjusts the angle of infrared light to scan both a larger initial region and a smaller secondary region within the object, using a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) actuator to control the light scanning, allowing for precise extraction of depth information from the flight time of light reflected from the secondary region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the light scans the entire front surface of the object, then the coverage area is maximized, but the resolution of a specific area of interest decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning process into two segments: first scanning the entire front surface to identify the area of interest, then scanning only that specific area with higher resolution. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both broad coverage and high precision by allocating scanning resources dynamically to different regions based on their importance.
2Measurement precision
If the light scans a smaller area of interest multiple times, then the depth resolution is improved, but the time required for scanning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary scan of the entire front surface to identify and locate the area of interest before performing multiple scans on that specific area. This preliminary action allows the system to avoid unnecessary repeated scans of the entire surface, thereby reducing total scanning time while still achieving high resolution for the critical area.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of scanning the entire surface with equal intensity, the system applies partial action by concentrating multiple scans only on the identified area of interest. This excessive action is applied selectively where needed, achieving high resolution for the critical region without wasting time on areas that do not require such precision.
3Length of stationary object
If the area of interest is far away from the camera, then the field of view is expanded, but the resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic light adjustment to change the scanning angle and focus on distant areas of interest. By dynamically adjusting the light direction based on the identified area of interest, the system can maintain high resolution for distant objects even when they are far from the camera, overcoming the natural resolution loss with distance.
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 approach enables the extraction of depth information with improved resolution and reduced power consumption, allowing for precise distance measurement from objects while reducing the number of operations required.
Implementation Method 1
a time-of-flight (TOF) method, a distance from an object is calculated by measuring a flight time, i.e., a time taken for emitted light to be reflected
Implementation Method 2
light output from the light output unit and reflected from the object
Implementation Method 3
The light adjustment unit may include a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) actuator that adjusts the angle of light
Data Source
AI summary
A device for extracting depth information, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a light output unit for outputting infrared (IR) light; a light adjustment unit for adjusting an angle of the light outputted from the light output unit such that the light scans a first region including an object, and then adjusting the angle of the light such that the light scans a second region, which is a portion of the first region; a light input unit in which the light outputted from the light output unit and reflected from the object is inputted; and a control unit for extracting depth information of the second region by using the flight time taken up until the light outputted from the light output unit is inputted into the light input unit after being scanned to and reflected from the second region.