Time-of-Flight Distance Calculation Using Separated Light Sensor and Emitter Pods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional time-of-flight distance measurement technologies using light are limited by the need for a sensor to be located near the light emitter, which restricts the accuracy and resolution of distance calculations, especially in complex environments where noise and overlapping fields of view can affect data quality.
Innovation Solution
The use of separate light sensor pods synchronized with an emitter pod allows for more accurate time-of-flight distance calculations by capturing light emitted from a light emitter, enabling higher resolution and noise reduction through field-of-view overlap analysis and alternating light emitter usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sensor is located near the light emitter, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to restricted accuracy and resolution of distance calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into separate components: light emission (emitter pod) and light detection (sensor pod). The sensor pod is separated from the emitter pod, allowing each component to be optimized independently. This segmentation enables the sensor to be positioned at locations that maximize measurement precision without being constrained by the emitter's location, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a synchronization mechanism as an intermediary between the emitter pod and sensor pod. This intermediary coordinates the operation of separated components, ensuring that the sensor captures light at the correct time intervals despite the physical separation. The synchronization mechanism enables accurate time-of-flight measurements while maintaining manageable system complexity through coordinated operation of distributed components.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to improve resolution, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor pod is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can be deployed in multiple locations and configured for different measurement scenarios. Each sensor pod contains all necessary components (light detector, timing circuitry, synchronization interface) to function independently yet cooperatively with other sensor pods. This universal design allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through multiple sensors while managing complexity through standardized, interchangeable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action through synchronized light emission and detection cycles. The emitter pod emits light at regular intervals, and sensor pods detect reflected light during corresponding time windows. This periodic operation enables multiple sensors to coordinate their measurements without requiring complex continuous communication, achieving high measurement precision through time-synchronized periodic sampling while keeping device complexity manageable.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is separated from the emitter, then the measurement precision improves through better field-of-view coverage, but the device complexity increases due to distributed architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement function into separate emission and detection pods, allowing the sensor to be positioned at locations that maximize field-of-view coverage and measurement precision. The emitter pod contains the light source while sensor pods contain the detectors, enabling spatial separation that improves measurement capabilities without requiring a single complex integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through synchronization signals that coordinate between emitter and sensor pods. The emitter pod receives timing information from sensor pods and adjusts its emission schedule accordingly, while sensor pods use received synchronization signals to coordinate their detection windows. This feedback mechanism enables distributed components to operate coherently, achieving high measurement precision through coordinated feedback control while managing the complexity of the distributed architecture.
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 approach enhances the accuracy and resolution of distance measurements, allowing for better detection of surface profiles and object positions, even in environments with complex geometries and partial occlusions, by minimizing noise and improving data fidelity.
Implementation Method 1
A distance between objects can be measured by emitting light and measuring a time-of-flight of the light between the objects
Implementation Method 2
capturing light emitted from a light emitter and reflected off a surface
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, distances associated with a surface may be calculated using time-of-flight (ToF) of a plurality of pulses of light occurring at a predetermined frequency. Reflected light from a light emitter may be captured by two or more light sensors. At least one light sensor may be located in a sensor pod that is separate from the light emitter, which may be housed in an emitter pod with or without a light sensor. The sensor pod may be synchronized with the emitter pod to enable ToF of light distance calculations. The calculated distance may be used to determine movement of a surface and/or one or more pixels of a surface. In some instances, the calculated distance may be used to identify a profile of a surface, which may then be used associate the profile with an object, a command, or another association.