TOF Illumination System Multimodulation IR Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D TV systems face interoperability issues due to the lack of standardization in infrared communication protocols, leading to interference and compatibility problems between devices, which affects the synchronization of 3D viewing experiences and remote control functions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a single illumination unit with multimodulation signals for both time-of-flight (ToF) measurements and device control, integrating IR emitters into devices like light bulbs and display screens to enable bidirectional interactions and contextual control, using specific near-IR wavelengths and modulation frequencies to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IR emitters and different modulation protocols are used for device control, then device interoperability is improved, but system complexity and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single IR emitter to perform multiple functions: providing TOF illumination for depth measurement and simultaneously transmitting device control signals. The system uses different modulation frequencies (e.g., 25 kHz for control, higher frequencies for TOF) to multiplex these functions within one emitter, eliminating the need for separate emitters for each function and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad device interoperability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the modulation frequency of the IR signal to distinguish between different signal types. Control signals are modulated at lower frequencies (25 kHz) while TOF illumination uses higher frequencies, allowing receivers to filter and process appropriate signals based on frequency parameters. This enables a single emitter to communicate with multiple device types without signal interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IR emitters are used for different functions, then device control capability is improved, but interference and crosstalk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves interference by changing the frequency parameter of IR signals for different functions. Control signals use 25 kHz modulation while TOF illumination employs higher frequencies (e.g., 50-100 kHz or higher). This frequency separation allows receivers to selectively filter signals based on expected frequency ranges, preventing crosstalk between control commands and depth measurement signals even when multiple emitters operate simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the frequency spectrum into distinct bands for different signal types. The lower frequency band (25 kHz) is allocated for device control signals, while the higher frequency band is reserved for TOF illumination. This spectral segmentation enables multiple emitters to operate without mutual interference, as receivers can distinguish signal purposes based on their frequency characteristics.
3Device complexity
If a single illumination unit is used for both TOF and device control, then system complexity is reduced, but signal interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates signal interference from a single emitter by implementing frequency-based parameter differentiation. The system modulates device control signals at 25 kHz and TOF illumination at higher frequencies, allowing the receiver to distinguish between the two signal types through frequency filtering. This enables one emitter to serve dual purposes without generating harmful interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic action through time-division or frequency-division multiplexing of the single emitter's output. By periodically switching between control signal transmission and TOF illumination at distinct frequency periods, the system ensures that control receivers and TOF receivers receive signals at their expected frequencies, preventing overlap and interference while maintaining system simplicity.
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 seamless interoperability among electronic devices, reduces interference, and enables efficient contextual control and interactions within a scene without over-illumination, using a single IR light source for all devices, thereby enhancing the 3D viewing experience and device compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
Infra-Red light corresponds to an electromagnetic radiation the range of which is used in telecommunication systems for carrying information data from a system to another while not being perceivable by a human being
Implementation Method 2
The TOF principle relies on the measured depth being determined by the time or phase difference in the overlap between the emitted modulated signal and the received modulated signal caused by the round trip time
Implementation Method 3
The 3D synchronization may uses a short burst modulated signal at 25 kHz
Data Source
AI summary
A system, and a method is described for use with electronic devices such as a TV display, a laptop, a PC, a media center platform, a Set Top Box or a DVD player, a light bulb, said system and method combining advantageously several separate control means into one single device. The combined control means shares at least one common property such as, as for example, the use of an IR signal to convey information signal. In particular, the invention is related to the combination of a TOF illumination system of a TOF camera and the method for operating it, with the control means for driving electronic devices located in the scene such as, as for example, an IR emitter for driving 3D IR synchronized viewing glasses.