Segmented TOF Sensing Module for High-Resolution Depth Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Time of Flight ranging devices are limited by low resolution and working distance, with larger sizes and slower response times, and face challenges in complying with laser safety regulations.
Innovation Solution
A sensing module comprising an illumination device that provides structured light to multiple non-overlapping sub-sensing areas and a sensing device that receives reflected beams to generate high-resolution depth signals, utilizing optical elements like diffractive or light modulating components to enhance resolution and working distance while maintaining a compact size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the resolution of the Time of Flight ranging sensor is increased to improve sensing resolution, then the sensing resolution is improved, but the device size becomes larger and the response time becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing area is divided into multiple sub-sensing areas, and the illumination beam is divided into multiple sub-beams corresponding to each sub-sensing area. By segmenting the sensing process into multiple smaller regions, the system achieves higher overall resolution without requiring a single large high-resolution sensor, thus maintaining a compact device size while improving sensing resolution.
2Measurement precision
If the resolution of the Time of Flight ranging sensor is increased to improve sensing resolution, then the sensing resolution is improved, but the response time becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing area is divided into multiple sub-sensing areas that can be illuminated and sensed simultaneously or in rapid sequence. This segmentation allows the system to process the sensing area in smaller units, reducing the time required for each measurement cycle while maintaining high overall resolution through the combination of multiple sub-area measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device sequentially provides sub-beams to different sub-sensing areas in a periodic manner. This periodic illumination approach allows for rapid cycling through multiple sub-areas, maintaining high response time by keeping each individual measurement brief while achieving high resolution through the aggregation of multiple quick measurements.
3Length of stationary object
If the energy of the laser is increased to extend the working distance, then the working distance is extended, but the device may not comply with laser safety regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The total illumination energy is divided and distributed across multiple sub-beams that illuminate different sub-sensing areas. By segmenting the energy distribution, the system extends the working distance through cumulative sensing from multiple lower-energy sub-beams, avoiding the need for a single high-energy beam that would violate laser safety regulations.
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
The module achieves improved sensing resolution and working distance while maintaining a smaller form factor, enabling applications in various fields including geomorphological exploration, intelligent machinery, and vehicle-assisted driving.
Implementation Method 1
the optical element includes an optical diffractive element
Implementation Method 2
the light modulating element includes a scanning mirror
Implementation Method 3
A Time of Flight (TOF) ranging device is used in the general application of three-dimensional depth sensing technology
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing module including an illumination device and a sensing device is disclosed. The illumination device is configured to provide an illumination beam or sequentially provide multiple sub-beams having directivity to a sensing area respectively, and the sensing area includes multiple different sub-sensing areas. The sensing device is configured to receive multiple reflected beams from the sub-sensing areas to respectively obtain multiple sub-depth signals, and generate a depth signal according to the sub-depth signals.