Ranging Sensor Integrating Direct and Indirect ToF Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The combination of direct and indirect time-of-flight (ToF) ranging sensors in a single device results in increased device size and cost, necessitating an efficient arrangement of circuits to implement both methods effectively.
Innovation Solution
A ranging sensor system where a light emission control circuit, a pixel modulation unit for charge distribution, and a Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) are strategically arranged to control light emission timing and measure flight time, allowing for efficient implementation of both direct and indirect ToF methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple ranging sensors of different ranging methods are combined, then ranging range coverage and accuracy are improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines direct ToF and indirect ToF ranging circuits into a single integrated sensor device, merging previously separate ranging functions into one unified structure. This allows both ranging methods to coexist in a compact form, improving ranging accuracy across different distances while controlling device size through integration rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The ranging sensor is designed with multi-functional capability to perform both direct ToF and indirect ToF measurements using shared components such as the pixel array, readout circuits, and processing unit. This universal design enables the single device to cover wide ranging ranges with high accuracy without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each method
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ranging sensors of different ranging methods are combined, then ranging range coverage and accuracy are improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges direct ToF and indirect ToF circuits into a single integrated sensor, reducing the total component count and assembly complexity. This integration approach lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for separate sensor modules, reducing assembly steps, and enabling batch production of unified ranging sensors with multi-method capability
Solution Approach 2:
The universal ranging sensor design uses shared hardware resources and processing pipelines for both direct and indirect ToF operations, reducing the overall bill of materials and manufacturing complexity. This multi-functional architecture enables cost-effective production while maintaining versatility across different ranging applications
3Area of stationary object
If light emission control circuit, pixel modulation unit, and TDC are strategically arranged, then device size is reduced, but circuit arrangement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a stacked three-dimensional architecture where the light emission control circuit, pixel modulation unit, and TDC are arranged in vertical layers rather than spread out horizontally. This dimensional transition from 2D planar layout to 3D stacked configuration reduces the footprint area while organizing complex circuits through vertical integration and inter-layer connections
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 configuration enables efficient arrangement of circuits for both direct and indirect ToF methods, reducing device size and cost while maintaining accurate distance measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel modulation unit that performs charge distribution control in a pixel by a first ToF method
Implementation Method 2
a TDC that generates a count value corresponding to a flight time of the irradiation light by a second ToF method
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to a ranging sensor, a ranging system, and an electronic device capable of efficiently arranging circuits that implement ranging by different ranging methods. A ranging sensor includes a light emission control circuit that generates a light emission pulse that controls a light emission timing of irradiation light, a pixel modulation unit that performs charge distribution control in a pixel by an indirect ToF method, and a TDC that generates a count value corresponding to a flight time of the irradiation light by a direct ToF method, in which the light emission control circuit is arranged adjacent to the pixel modulation unit and the TDC. The present technology is applicable to, for example, a ranging sensor that measures a distance to a subject.