Sensor Timing Synchronization Without Dedicated Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems, such as time of flight (TOF) cameras, experience interference due to overlapping operation timings, leading to inaccurate object detection, and require complex wiring for synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts sensor operation timings using shared time information and counter values within each sensor, eliminating the need for dedicated synchronization lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sensors operate simultaneously without timing adjustment, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from overlapping operations
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor performs self-adjustment of its operation timing by autonomously obtaining shared time information and its own counter value, then calculating the required timing adjustment. This eliminates the need for external control wiring while maintaining detection precision, as each sensor independently synchronizes itself to non-overlapping time slots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the counter value (which reflects actual operation timing) combined with shared time information to calculate and apply timing adjustments. This closed-loop approach ensures that sensors dynamically adapt their operation timings to prevent interference while maintaining system coordination without dedicated synchronization wiring.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated synchronization wiring is added, then measurement precision is improved by coordinating sensor operations, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical synchronization system (dedicated wiring) with an information-based system using shared time information and counter values. Sensors communicate timing coordination through data processing rather than physical signal transmission, eliminating the need for dedicated synchronization wiring while maintaining operational coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared time information and counter values serve multiple functions: they are used both for normal sensor operation control and for timing adjustment to prevent interference. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated synchronization wiring, as the existing timing signals serve dual purposes.
3Ease of operation
If sensor operation timings are not adjusted, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to interference causing inaccurate detections
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors automatically perform timing adjustment calculations using their own counter values and shared time information, requiring no manual configuration or external control. This self-service mechanism maintains detection reliability by preventing interference while preserving installation flexibility, as sensors autonomously coordinate without requiring complex setup procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system is included in each of sensors in a detection system that detects an object by using the sensors. The control system includes a counter, a first obtainer, a second obtainer, and a processing section. The counter generates an operation signal for causing a corresponding one of the sensors to operate in accordance with a counter value. The first obtainer obtains time information shared among the sensors. The second obtainer obtains the counter value of the counter at a time point when the first obtainer obtains the time information. Based on the time information obtained by the first obtainer and the counter value obtained by the second obtainer, the processing section performs adjustment processing for adjusting a timing at which an operation signal is generated.