TOF Sensing Module With Time-Segmented Beam Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional TOF sensor modules are limited by the maximum number of detection elements that can be simultaneously started, leading to low image resolution.
Innovation Solution
The TOF sensor module emits multiple beams at different times and adjusts their directions to project onto different regions of the detection surface, allowing simultaneous operation of fewer detection elements at each moment, effectively increasing the image resolution by receiving and processing optical echo signals at different times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single-time full-projection TOF camera is used, then detection speed and field of view are improved, but image resolution is limited by the maximum quantity of detection elements (160×120)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection process into multiple time segments (M moments) and spatial segments (m beams per moment). Instead of requiring all detection elements to be active simultaneously, the system segments the beam projection across multiple time points, allowing a smaller subset of detection elements to be activated at each moment while collectively achieving higher resolution through temporal multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the detection process by utilizing M different moments for beam projection. This transforms the problem from a purely spatial arrangement (requiring 160×120 simultaneous detection elements) to a spatio-temporal solution where the same detection elements can be reused across different time points, effectively multiplying the resolution capability without proportionally increasing the detection element count.
2Measurement precision
If more detection elements are used to increase image resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by cycling through M different moments for beam projection. Detection elements are activated in periodic sequences rather than continuously, allowing the same elements to serve multiple resolution points over time. This periodic activation pattern reduces the total number of detection elements needed while maintaining high resolution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by deactivating detection elements after their specific time moment is completed, then recovering their use for subsequent moments. Each detection element is discarded from active operation after contributing to its designated beam moment, then recovered for reuse in later moments, maximizing the utilization efficiency of a limited detection element set.
3Measurement precision
If more detection elements are activated simultaneously to increase resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces power consumption by implementing periodic activation of detection elements across M moments. Instead of maintaining all detection elements in an active state simultaneously, the system periodically activates only the subset needed for each moment (m elements per moment), allowing other elements to remain in low-power states. This temporal multiplexing approach maintains resolution while significantly reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detection element activation state variable over time rather than static. Detection elements are dynamically switched between active and inactive states based on the current moment in the sequence, optimizing power consumption by ensuring only necessary elements are powered at any given time while maintaining the capability for high-resolution detection across the full sequence.
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 the formation of high-resolution images, such as 640×480, by reusing a smaller number of detection elements, reducing power consumption, and facilitating miniaturization while maintaining accurate image scanning.
Implementation Method 1
each optical echo signal is a signal obtained by reflecting a corresponding second beam by the detection surface
Implementation Method 2
the beam adjustment assembly is configured to: adjust transmission directions of the m first beams, and project the adjusted m first beams to a corresponding region of a detection surface
Implementation Method 3
The detection assembly is configured to receive S optical echo signals from the detection surface at each of the M moments, and convert the S optical echo signals into S electrical echo signals for storage at each moment
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5a
AI summary
A time-of-flight TOF sensor module (112) and an electronic device (100) are disclosed. The TOF sensor module (112) may be applied to the field of electronic devices (100). The TOF sensor module (112) includes a light source, a beam adjustment assembly, and a detection assembly. The light source is configured to emit m first beams at each of M moments, and transmit the m first beams to the beam adjustment assembly. The beam adjustment assembly is configured to: after adjusting the received m first beams into S second beams, project the S second beams to S regions of a detection surface, where M projection points that are in a same region of the detection surface and to which projection is performed at the M moments respectively have different locations. The detection assembly is configured to receive S optical echo signals from the detection surface at each of the M moments, and convert the S optical echo signals into S electrical echo signals for storage at each moment. Optical echo signals are received at different times, thereby avoiding a low image resolution caused by a limitation by a maximum quantity of detection elements that can be simultaneously started.