ToF Distance Measurement Compensation for Communication Frequency Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices face issues with deteriorated communication sensitivity and increased distance acquisition errors when performing communication and distance measurement simultaneously due to frequency interference between communication modules and Time of Flight (ToF) modules.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device includes a communication circuit, a light source, an image sensor, a memory for storing offset values, and a processor that identifies the activation of the communication circuit, determines a distinct frequency for light emission, and applies offset values to correct distance measurements, thereby reducing interference and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication and distance acquisition are performed simultaneously using the same frequency, then device functionality is improved, but communication sensitivity deteriorates and distance measurement error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency resource by dividing it into multiple sub-frequencies. The communication module uses one sub-frequency while the ToF module uses another sub-frequency, allowing simultaneous operation without interference. This frequency segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both functions to coexist on the same physical frequency resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency dimension to resolve the conflict between communication and distance measurement. By operating in different frequency sub-bands within the same overall frequency range, the system enables simultaneous functionality while maintaining measurement precision and communication sensitivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If communication and distance acquisition are performed simultaneously using the same frequency, then device functionality is improved, but communication sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency resource by dividing it into multiple sub-frequencies. The communication module uses one sub-frequency while the ToF module uses another sub-frequency, allowing simultaneous operation without interference. This frequency segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both functions to coexist on the same physical frequency resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that coordinates frequency allocation between the communication module and ToF module. It dynamically assigns different sub-frequencies to each module based on their operational requirements, preventing frequency interference and maintaining communication sensitivity while enabling simultaneous distance measurement.
3Device complexity
If a single frequency is used for both communication and ToF, then device complexity is reduced, but frequency interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency allocation where the processor dynamically assigns different sub-frequencies to the communication module and ToF module based on their operational states. This dynamic approach prevents frequency interference while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, as the frequency management is handled through software control rather than hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter by dividing the operating frequency into multiple sub-frequencies. This parameter transformation allows the system to avoid frequency interference between communication and ToF operations while keeping the overall frequency management scheme relatively simple through software-based allocation.
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 prevents communication sensitivity deterioration and reduces distance measurement errors by using a processor to identify and correct frequency interference, ensuring accurate distance acquisition even during simultaneous communication and measurement.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic device may convert a time from light emission to an external object through a light source to reception of the light reflected from the external object by an image sensor into a distance
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a communication circuit, a light source for emitting light of set frequencies, an image sensor for acquiring reflected light of the emitted light, a memory for storing offset values for respective reference frequencies of the set frequencies, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a distance measurement input, identify whether the communication circuit is activated, determine that, in response to identification that the communication circuit is activated, a first frequency distinguished from a frequency used by the activated communication circuit is a frequency of the emitted light among the configured frequencies, acquire information on a distance between the electronic device and an external object, based on the reflected light of the emitted light of the first frequency, and acquire corrected distance information by applying an offset of the first frequency to the acquired distance information.