ToF Distance Measurement Ambient Light Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measurement technologies face challenges in accurately determining the distance to an object due to the influence of ambient light, which affects the accuracy of time of flight (ToF) calculations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus that measures distance by emitting pulsed light and receiving reflected light, while measuring and filtering out ambient light intensity to determine a data generation range, allowing for precise identification of the reflected light peak and calculation of ToF, thereby reducing ambient light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ambient light is measured and filtered out to determine data generation range, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuitry performs preliminary measurement of ambient light intensity before generating distance measurement data. Based on the measured ambient light level, the circuitry determines an appropriate data generation range (timing window) for detecting reflected light. This preliminary action allows the system to adapt to varying ambient light conditions and optimize the detection window, thereby improving measurement precision while managing complexity through intelligent preprocessing.
2Reliability
If data generation range is determined based on ambient light intensity, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data generation range is dynamically adjusted based on the measured ambient light intensity. When ambient light is high, the timing window is shortened to avoid capturing ambient light photons. When ambient light is low, the window can be extended to improve detection sensitivity. This dynamic adaptation improves measurement reliability across different lighting conditions while minimizing time loss by optimizing the detection window length according to actual environmental conditions.
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 enhances the accuracy of distance measurements by effectively distinguishing between reflected and ambient light, leading to improved precision in calculating the distance between the apparatus and the object.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving unit configured to receive the pulsed light reflected by the object and output signals according to an intensity of the received light
Implementation Method 2
measuring, using a time from emission of light to reception of reflected light reflected by an object, a distance to the object
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus capable of determining a distance to an object based on reflected light provided by a reflection of a pulsed light on the object includes an input terminal configured to receive a signal of intensity of reception light. Processing circuitry determines a measurement range capable of specifying a peak of the reception light based on the intensity of the reception light, detects the reflected light by specifying the peak of the reception light within the measurement range, determines, based on the measurement range, a duration from when the pulsed light is emitted until when the reflected light is received, and determines a distance from the electronic apparatus to the object according to the duration.