Multimedia System ToF Ranging Protocol

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Solution Overview

Problem

In virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) systems, the calculation and transmission of distance information between wearable electronic devices require significant data processing and transmission time, leading to delays and resource occupation in main control servers.

Innovation Solution

A multimedia system employing time of flight (ToF) ranging with each electronic device equipped with a processing module, a ToF module, and a communication module, allowing for sequential ToF ranging operations through indirect or direct ToF methods, with unique identifiers and operation protocols to prevent signal collisions and misinterpretations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If each electronic device transmits positioning data to a main control server for analysis and calculation, then distance information can be obtained, but data calculation time and data transmission time increase, leading to delays and resource occupation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance information accuracyVSAvoiddata calculation time and data transmission time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Each electronic device performs ToF ranging operations independently using its own ToF module to calculate distance information locally, eliminating the need to transmit positioning data to a main control server for processing. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate distance measurement without incurring data transmission and centralized calculation delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The distance calculation function is extracted from the main control server and distributed to individual electronic devices. Each device now independently performs the ranging operation and calculates its own distance information, removing the time-consuming data transmission and centralized processing steps while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Speed

If multiple electronic devices perform ToF ranging operations simultaneously, then distance information can be obtained quickly, but signal collision and misinterpretation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveranging operation speedVSAvoidsignal accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple electronic devices perform ToF ranging operations in sequentially allocated time slots rather than simultaneously. The operation protocol assigns specific time windows to different devices, ensuring that only one device transmits ranging signals at a time. This periodic, time-division approach maintains fast ranging operations while preventing signal collision and ensuring signal accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If electronic devices use unique identifiers and operation protocols for sequential ToF ranging, then signal collision is prevented, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal collision preventionVSAvoidoperation protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ranging operation is segmented into distinct time slots, with each electronic device assigned a unique identifier and specific time window. This segmentation approach prevents signal collision by ensuring only one device operates at a time, while the protocol complexity is managed through systematic allocation rather than complex coordination mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient and instantaneous distance measurement between electronic devices, reducing delays and resource occupation by allowing sequential ToF ranging operations without signal collisions, thus facilitating timely and accurate interactive operations.

Implementation Method 1

a ToF module (120), configured to perform a time of flight (ToF) ranging operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS11418274B2Multimedia system applying time of flight ranging and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 GUANGZHOU TYRAFOS SEMICON TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A multimedia system applying ToF ranging and its operating method are provided. The multimedia system includes a plurality of electronic devices. Each of the electronic devices includes a processing module, a ToF module, and a communication module. The ToF module is configured to perform a ToF operation. The communication module is configured to perform wireless communication. The electronic devices communicate via respective communication modules to formulate an operation protocol and respective UIDs and to perform a time slot synchronization between different electronic devices. The electronic devices sequentially perform the ToF ranging operation according to the operation protocol and the respective UIDs.