TOF Camera Light Density Control for Distance Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional time of flight (TOF) cameras face limitations in accurately determining the distance of objects beyond a fixed range due to fixed modulation frequency and phase shift issues, leading to inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
A TOF camera device equipped with a light density control system that adjusts the size of the opening for the light module based on distance data, allowing for variable light density and improved accuracy in tracking objects across a wide range by modifying the projected light area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed modulation frequency is used in conventional TOF cameras, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates for objects beyond a fixed range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the opening size of the light module adjustable rather than fixed. The light density control device dynamically changes the opening size based on distance data, allowing the system to adapt to different measurement ranges and maintain precision across varying distances without requiring multiple fixed-frequency modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical opening size parameter of the light module. By changing the opening size parameter in response to distance data, the system adjusts light density to maintain measurement precision for objects at different distances, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and high precision.
2Measurement precision
If the light module emits fixed-area light, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates when tracking objects at varying distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using distance data as feedback information to control the opening size. The light density control device receives distance data and adjusts the opening size accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains tracking precision for objects at varying distances while managing system complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the light emission area by changing the opening size based on real-time distance information. This dynamic adaptation allows the light module to maintain optimal tracking precision for objects at different distances without requiring a completely complex multi-module system.
3Measurement precision
If a fixed opening size is used in the light module, then the manufacturing precision requirement is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates for objects at different distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single light module that can serve multiple measurement ranges through adjustable opening size. Rather than requiring multiple fixed-opening modules for different distance ranges, one universal module with controllable opening achieves accurate depth mapping across varying distances, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A time of flight (TOF) camera device and a method of operating the same is provided. The time of flight (TOF) camera device includes a pulse generator configured to generate a pulse signal, a light module configured to emit output light to at least one object in response to the pulse signal, a three-dimensional (3D) sensor configured to receive reflected light when the output light is reflected by the at least one object for a first frame, a distance calculator configured to receive an output of the 3D sensor and generate a distance data signal, and a light density control device configured to receive the distance data signal from the distance calculator and output a light density control signal. The light density control signal may adjust the size of an opening in the light module to change a projected area from the output light onto the at least one object.