Time of Flight Camera Phase Shift Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time of flight (TOF) camera systems face challenges in accurately measuring distances due to measurement errors caused by over-the-horizon propagation and interferences, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a TOF camera system that involves ascertaining a first range-related variable using a phase shift at a specific modulation frequency and a second range-related variable using a control measurement at a different modulation frequency, with a simplified control measurement to verify the distance values, ensuring the difference between the two variables is within a tolerated threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard distance measurement is performed with full phase positions, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
A control measurement is performed before the main distance measurement to preliminarily determine appropriate phase positions. This preliminary action allows the subsequent distance measurement to use only the necessary phase positions, reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of always performing measurements with all phase positions, the system performs a simplified control measurement with fewer phase positions first. This partial action is sufficient for verification purposes and allows quick validation without the time cost of a complete measurement.
2Reliability
If verification measurements are performed to prevent measurement errors, then measurement reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TOF camera system performs multiple functions using the same hardware: a control measurement for verification and a distance measurement for actual distance acquisition. This multi-functionality improves reliability without requiring additional verification devices or systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control measurement creates a simplified copy of the distance measurement process, using the same phase shift measurement principle but with reduced phase positions. This copying approach allows verification without the complexity of a completely separate verification system.
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 quick and reliable verification of distance measurements, preventing measurement errors and ensuring accuracy by validating distance values through a secondary measurement with reduced complexity and duration.
Implementation Method 1
a first range-related variable is ascertained in a distance measurement on the basis of a phase shift of a first emitted and received signal for a first modulation frequency
Implementation Method 2
ascertain a first range-related variable for a first modulation frequency on the basis of the phase shift of an emitted and received signal
Data Source
AI summary
A light propagation time camera system and a method for operating such a system, in which—in a distance measurement a first range-related variable is ascertained using a phase shift in an emitted and received signal for a first modulation frequency,—and in a control measurement a second range-related variable is ascertained, wherein the control measurement is performed at a second modulation frequency, which differs from the first modulation frequency, and the control measurement is performed with a smaller number of phases than the distance measurement is provided.