Time-of-Flight Camera Blur Detection and Correction

The patent applies periodic action by using multiple control signals with different phases (first phase, second phase, third phase, fourth phase) to periodically sample the reflected light signal. This allows the system to acquire depth information through periodic phase comparisons while avoiding the need for long continuous integration that causes motion blur. The periodic sampling at different phases enables accurate depth measurement without requiring the sensor to be exposed for an extended continuous period.

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the depth measurement process into multiple discrete phase sampling steps. Instead of using a single complex continuous measurement, the system segments the integration period into multiple sub-periods, each controlled by a different phase control signal. This segmentation allows the complex measurement task to be broken down into simpler, manageable steps that can be processed sequentially, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

The patent uses periodic action to achieve both high signal-to-noise ratio and high temporal resolution. By periodically switching between multiple phase control signals during the integration period, the system accumulates light signal over an extended time (improving signal strength) while simultaneously sampling at discrete phase points (maintaining temporal resolution). This periodic multiphase sampling allows the sensor to capture sufficient light energy without suffering from motion blur that would occur with continuous long-duration integration.