Time of Flight Distance Determination Using External Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Time of Flight (TOF) distance calculations are limited as they disregard signals from external devices, preventing the determination of distances between an ego device and an object using signals generated by a source device external to the ego device and the object.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a method where the ego device can determine distances using signals from external source devices by employing clock synchronization and localization techniques, allowing for three different cases where the source and ego devices are either equidistant, the source leads, or the source trails the ego device, using geometric calculations and the Law of Sines to accurately calculate distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional TOF devices filter out signals from external devices as interference, then the device can maintain reliable self-referenced distance measurements, but the device cannot determine distances using signals generated by external source devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of self-referenced distance measurementVSAvoidcapability to use external signals for distance determination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the receiving device determine its own distance to an object using signals from an external source device, rather than requiring the measuring device to generate its own signal. This inversion enables the receiving device to perform TOF measurements using externally generated signals while maintaining measurement reliability through clock synchronization and geometric calculation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ego device uses signals from external source devices for TOF calculations, then distance determination capability is improved in scenarios where conventional devices are limited, but the complexity of the system increases due to clock synchronization and localization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance determination capability using external signalsVSAvoidsystem complexity for clock synchronization and localization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces clock synchronization and localization techniques as intermediary mechanisms that enable the receiving device to accurately determine distances using external signals. These intermediaries manage the complexity by providing standardized methods for time synchronization and position determination, allowing the core TOF functionality to work with externally generated signals without requiring the receiving device to generate its own signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs clock synchronization and localization as preliminary actions before conducting TOF distance measurements. By establishing synchronized clocks and known device positions in advance, the system prepares the necessary conditions for accurate distance calculation using external signals, thereby managing system complexity through pre-established relationships rather than real-time complex calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 accurate TOF distance calculations between an ego device and an object using external signals, improving accuracy and enabling distance determination in scenarios where conventional TOF devices are limited.

Implementation Method 1

detect electromagnetic radiation originating from a source external to the device and reflected from an object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

detect electromagnetic radiation... and to generate an electrical signal representing the detected electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

Time of flight distance determinations... determine a distance between the device and the object based on the electrical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20240210536A1Time of flight distance determinations

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 INTEL CORP

AI summary

A device includes a sensor, configured to detect electromagnetic radiation originating from a source external to the device and reflected from an object; and to generate an electrical signal representing the detected electromagnetic radiation; and a processor, configured to determine a distance between the device and the object based on the electrical signal.