TOF Sensor Module Using Temporal Beam Multiplexing for Higher Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional TOF sensor modules are limited by the maximum number of detection elements that can be simultaneously started, leading to low image resolution.
Innovation Solution
The TOF sensor module emits multiple beams at different times and adjusts their projection points on the detection surface, allowing simultaneous operation of fewer detection elements at each moment to increase image resolution by receiving optical echo signals over multiple moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the maximum number of detection elements (160×120) are simultaneously started, then the detection coverage is maximized, but the image resolution is limited to 160×120
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by sequentially enabling different subsets of detection elements across multiple frames. Instead of all detection elements operating simultaneously, the system divides them into groups that are activated in sequence, allowing the same physical detection elements to represent multiple resolution positions over time. This temporal multiplexing achieves super-resolution (e.g., 640×480) without requiring a proportionally larger detection element array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the time dimension to resolve the spatial resolution limitation. By varying which detection elements are active across different time frames (F0, F1, F2, F3), the system effectively adds a temporal dimension to the spatial detection process. This allows the same spatial array to generate higher resolution images through time-based element activation patterns.
2Measurement precision
If more detection elements are used to increase resolution, then image resolution improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic activation of detection element subsets across frames F0-F3, ensuring that not all elements are powered simultaneously. This reduces peak power consumption while still achieving high resolution through the temporal sequence of element activation. Each frame activates only the necessary subset of elements for that particular measurement phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of detection element activation, where the system adaptively enables only the required detection elements for each frame based on the imaging needs. This dynamic element selection allows the system to maintain high resolution capability while optimizing power consumption by keeping elements in low-power states when not actively detecting.
3Measurement precision
If a scanning device-based TOF scanner is used to achieve high spatial resolution, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the scanning function from the physical scanning device and replaces it with electronic control of detection element activation. Instead of mechanically scanning the entire array, the system selectively activates specific elements in specific frames, effectively taking out the mechanical scanning component while retaining the high spatial resolution capability through electronic element selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with an electronic control system that manages detection element activation. The mechanical movement and positioning required in traditional scanning devices are substituted with electronic switching and timing control of detection elements, eliminating complex mechanical structures and enabling miniaturization.
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 enables the formation of high-resolution images, such as 640×480, by reusing a smaller number of detection elements, reducing power consumption, and facilitating miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit m first beams at each of M moments
Implementation Method 2
time-of-flight TOF sensor module
Implementation Method 3
each optical echo signal is a signal obtained by reflecting a corresponding second beam by the detection surface
Implementation Method 4
The detection assembly is configured to receive S optical echo signals from the detection surface at each of the M moments, and convert the S optical echo signals into S electrical echo signals for storage at each moment
Data Source
AI summary
A TOF sensor module is disclosed. The TOF sensor module includes a light source, a beam adjustment assembly, and a detection assembly. The light source is configured to emit m first beams at each of M moments, and transmit the m first beams to the beam adjustment assembly. The beam adjustment assembly is configured to: adjust the received m first beams to generate S second beams, project the S second beams to S regions of a detection surface, where projection is performed to M projection points on the detection surface at the M moments respectively, the M projection points are in a same region of the detection surface and have different locations. The detection assembly is configured to receive S optical echo signals from the detection surface at each of the M moments, and convert the S optical echo signals into S electrical echo signals for storage at each moment.