Multi-tap Time-of-Flight Sensor for Versatile Sensing Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors have limited functionality and cannot perform various operations beyond distance detection, such as object detection, motion detection, and wide dynamic range sensing, due to their fixed operational modes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tap structured ToF sensor with a light source that can operate in multiple modes by determining the operation mode and controlling the taps and light source to generate sample data specific to each mode, allowing for additional functions like object detection, motion detection, and wide dynamic range sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ToF sensor is designed with fixed operational modes for distance detection, then the circuit configuration remains simple, but the sensor cannot perform additional functions such as object detection, motion detection, and wide dynamic range sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the ToF sensor to operate in multiple modes (distance detection, object detection, motion detection, wide dynamic range sensing) through configurable operational parameters. The sensor uses a single integrated circuit that can be programmed to perform different sensing functions by adjusting control signals and integration periods, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor's operational characteristics configurable and changeable during operation. The integration period is divided into different shot periods that can be selectively activated based on the desired function, allowing the sensor to dynamically adapt its behavior. The light source illumination patterns and tap activation sequences are made variable to support different sensing modes without requiring hardware changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensors are added to an electronic device to provide various sensing functions, then functional versatility is improved, but the size of the electronic device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into a single ToF sensor integrated circuit. By combining distance detection, object detection, motion detection, and wide dynamic range sensing capabilities into one sensor module, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors, thereby reducing the overall device area while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed as a universal sensing platform that can perform multiple sensing tasks through software configuration rather than hardware multiplication. The same physical sensor array and readout circuitry are reused across different sensing modes, maximizing space efficiency while providing diverse sensing capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the integration period is divided into multiple shot periods with selective activation, then additional sensing functions are enabled, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integration period into multiple shot periods, with each shot period dedicated to specific sensing operations. This temporal segmentation allows different sensing functions to be performed in sequence using the same hardware resources. The control signals are structured to activate specific taps during specific shot periods, creating a systematic approach to managing complexity through time-based division of labor.
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
Enables the ToF sensor to perform a range of functions beyond basic distance detection, enhancing its utility in applications requiring multiple sensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode PD having a cathode receiving the incident light and an anode opposite to the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor including at least one depth pixel having a multi-tap structure and a light source illuminating a transmission light to an object is provided. An operation mode of a ToF sensor is determined among a distance detection mode to sense a distance to an object and a plurality of additional operation modes. A plurality of taps of a depth pixel and a light source are controlled based on the determined operation mode such that the plurality of taps generate a plurality of sample data corresponding to the determined operation mode. A sensing result corresponding to the selected operation mode is determined based on the plurality of sample data. A plurality of functions, in addition to a function of the ToF sensor to measure a distance to an object, may be performed efficiently by controlling the plurality of taps of the depth pixel and the light source depending on the operation modes.