Time-of-Flight Imaging for Crosstalk-Aware Autonomous Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for guiding autonomous movable objects, such as vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles, fail to effectively manage noise and crosstalk from other light-emitting objects, leading to inefficient information gathering and navigation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A time-of-flight imaging system that differentiates between self-induced and externally-induced light reflections, allowing for the generation of feedback signals to adjust detection fields and motion control based on the detected light from other vehicles, using single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) and tunable light sources to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple autonomous movable objects use light sources for illumination and depth mapping, then navigation and depth perception capabilities are improved, but crosstalk and noise from other light-emitting objects increase detection difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs time-division multiplexing where light sources of different autonomous movable objects emit light in alternating time slots. Each object illuminates its field of detection during assigned time windows, allowing the imaging system to distinguish between self-induced and externally-induced reflections by timing. This periodic emission pattern resolves crosstalk by separating simultaneous light sources in the time domain.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system detects externally-induced light reflections and generates feedback signals that trigger feedback actions. These feedback signals provide information about detected light from other vehicles, enabling the system to adjust its detection parameters, modify illumination timing, or adapt depth mapping strategies to mitigate crosstalk effects in real-time.
2Reliability
If the imaging system continuously monitors and differentiates between self-induced and externally-induced light reflections, then navigation accuracy and safety are improved, but system complexity and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using time-division multiplexing with periodic light emission from multiple autonomous movable objects, the system simplifies the differentiation process. The imaging system only needs to compare detected light timing against the known periodic emission schedule, reducing computational complexity compared to continuous analysis of all light reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes timing schedules for light emission from multiple autonomous movable objects before operation begins. This preliminary coordination of illumination timing allows each system to predict when self-induced versus externally-induced reflections will occur, reducing the need for complex real-time differentiation and lowering computational load during operation.
3Area of stationary object
If autonomous movable objects operate in overlapping detection fields, then area coverage and information gathering are improved, but noise and interference from other light sources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses time-division multiplexing to coordinate light emission from multiple autonomous movable objects operating in overlapping detection fields. Each object is assigned specific time slots for illumination, allowing comprehensive area coverage through coordinated operation while eliminating light interference by ensuring only one object emits light in its assigned time window, even within overlapping fields.
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
Enhances navigation accuracy and safety by optimizing detection patterns, reducing cross-talk, and enabling predictive driving or swarm behavior through real-time adjustments and data sharing among vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging system comprises a first light source arranged to illuminate a first field of detection
Implementation Method 2
The depth map is calculated based on the time-of-flight measurements performed. The time-of-flight measurements are performed by recording a time of emission of the light emitted by the first light source to the first field of detection, and the time of detection of light
Implementation Method 3
The light sensor may be arranged to provide a nonlinear response upon detection of the received light. The nonlinear response may enable detection of very low optical intensities resulting from the received light. The light sensor may, for example, comprise one or more (e.g. array) single photon avalanche diodes (SPAD)
Data Source
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AI summary
A guiding system (180) for guiding an autonomous movable object is presented, wherein the guiding system (180) comprises an imaging system (100) comprising a first light source (125), wherein the first light source (125) is arranged to illuminate a first field of detection (151), wherein the imaging system (100) comprises at least one light sensor (130), wherein the light sensor (130) is arranged to detect reflected light (155), wherein the detected reflected light comprises first reflected light and second reflected light, wherein the first reflected light comprises light emitted by the light source (125) reflected at the first field of detection (151), wherein the second reflected light originates from a second field of detection (152) illuminated by a second light source, wherein the second light source is independent from the first light source (125), wherein the imaging system (100) is arranged to differentiate between the first reflected light and the second reflected light, wherein the imaging system (100) is arranged to determine a depth map of the first field of detection (151) based on the detected first reflected light, and wherein the imaging system (100) is arranged to generate a feedback signal for triggering a feedback action based on the detected second reflected light, and wherein the guiding system further comprises a motion control module (185), wherein the motion control module (185) is arranged to receive the feedback signal, and wherein the motion control module (185) is arranged to modify a motion of the autonomous movable object based on the feedback signal. Further, corresponding systems and a method of guiding an autonomous movable object are presented.