Spot ToF Data Pairing Across Multi-Configuration Depth Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time-of-flight (ToF) devices, particularly spot ToF devices, are constrained by limitations such as saturation and phase wrapping (aliasing), which affect the accuracy and range of distance measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for processing spot time-of-flight data using multiple measurement configurations, including pixel-wise spot matching and combining data frames with different modulation frequencies and integration times to disambiguate phase measurements and extend dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spot time-of-flight data is processed using conventional techniques, then the measurement process is simple, but saturation and phase wrapping limitations constrain measurement accuracy and range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into multiple frames with different modulation frequencies and integration times. Each frame captures specific depth information, and the system processes these segmented frames separately before combining results, thereby reducing saturation and phase wrapping effects while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional dimensions to the measurement process by using multiple modulation frequencies and integration times simultaneously. This multi-dimensional approach allows the system to overcome the limitations of single-frame measurements and achieve more accurate distance measurements across extended ranges.
2Reliability
If multiple measurement configurations are used to address saturation and phase wrapping, then measurement accuracy and range are improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple frames with different modulation frequencies and integration times before final processing. This allows the system to prepare and organize measurement data in advance, making the subsequent processing more efficient and reliable while reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to evaluate the quality of measurements from different frames and selectively use or discard data based on reliability criteria. This feedback loop ensures that only valid measurements are processed further, improving overall measurement reliability while managing processing complexity through intelligent data selection.
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
Improves the accuracy and range of distance measurements by effectively addressing saturation and phase wrapping issues, enabling precise depth mapping and distance determination.
Implementation Method 1
time-of-flight (ToF) devices are known which are used for determining a distance to or a depth map of (objects in) a scene that is illuminated with light based on the round-trip time/phase of the emitted light reflected from the scene
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor configured to detect spotted light reflected from the scene
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device for processing spot time-of-flight data acquired by a spot time-of-flight device in a time-of-flight measurement, the spot time-of-flight device including a spot illuminator configured to illuminate a scene with spotted light and an image sensor configured to detect spotted light reflected from the scene, the information processing device comprising circuitry configured to: obtain first and second spot time-of-flight data acquired using a first and second measurement configuration of the spot time-of-flight device, respectively, wherein the first measurement configuration differs from the second measurement configuration; detect first spots associated with first pixel positions in the first spot time-of-flight data; detect second spots associated with second pixel positions in the second spot time-of-flight data; and determine spot pairs between the first spots and the second spots, wherein the spot pairs are determined based on the first and second pixel positions.