Switchable Light Emission Patterns for ToF Sensor Range and Gradation Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors capable of indirect Time of Flight (ToF) methods struggle to efficiently obtain both range and gradation images, as repeated light emission for range imaging reduces framerate and increases power consumption, making it difficult to improve image quality and processing speed simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that switch among different light emission patterns of a light-emitting unit in a sensing module, allowing the sensor unit to adapt for either range or gradation image acquisition based on the specific application or processing type, enabling High Dynamic Range (HDR) image generation by adjusting light emission patterns and reception amounts per frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light emission is repeatedly performed at high frequency for range image acquisition, then range image quality is improved, but framerate deteriorates and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light emission pattern adjustable and switchable based on the desired image type. The control unit dynamically changes the light emission frequency and pattern between ToF mode (for range images) and continuous emission mode (for gradation images), resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity by adapting the emission behavior to the specific imaging requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the light emission parameters (frequency, duty cycle, pattern) based on the imaging mode. For range images, high-frequency repeated emission is used; for gradation images, continuous or different-pattern emission is used. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize both range image quality and framerate by matching emission characteristics to the specific imaging task.
2Measurement precision
If light emission is repeatedly performed at high frequency for range image acquisition, then range image quality is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts light emission behavior based on the imaging mode. When gradation images are required, the light emission pattern is changed to reduce frequency or duty cycle, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining the ability to acquire high-quality range images when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes light emission parameters (frequency, duration, pattern) according to the desired output image type. For gradation imaging, parameters are adjusted to reduce energy consumption compared to high-frequency ToF emission, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and energy use.
3Device complexity
If a single sensor is used for both range and gradation images, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to incompatible light emission requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensor unit multi-functional by enabling it to acquire both range images (via ToF method) and gradation images (via intensity measurement) using the same hardware. The control unit switches between different light emission patterns and signal processing modes, allowing a single sensor to perform multiple imaging functions that were traditionally requiring separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between ToF operation mode and gradation image operation mode based on the desired output. This dynamic mode switching allows the single sensor unit to adapt its behavior to different imaging requirements, maintaining high image quality for both range and gradation images while using only one sensor.
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 allows for improved image quality and framerate by optimizing light emission patterns for specific image processing tasks, reducing power consumption, and enabling simultaneous acquisition of range and gradation images without the need for multiple sensors, thus enhancing in-vehicle monitoring applications.
Implementation Method 1
by adding two types of light-receiving signals obtained by distributing the charges of photoelectric conversion elements at high speed
Implementation Method 2
an indirect Time of Flight (ToF) method for light emitted from the light-emitting unit and reflected by an object
Data Source
AI summary
A control device according to the present technique includes a control unit that performs switching control among at least two types of light emission patterns of a light-emitting unit in a sensing module, the sensing module including the light-emitting unit and a sensor unit configured to be capable of a light reception operation compatible with an indirect ToF method for light emitted from the light-emitting unit and reflected by an object.