TOF Distance Measurement Peak Detection Using Saturation and CFD

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing time-of-flight (TOF) techniques for distance measurement face challenges in accurately detecting peaks from electrical signals with varying magnitudes, leading to errors in distance measurement due to signal deviations.

Innovation Solution

A distance-measuring device incorporating a saturation circuit that outputs a constant magnitude signal when the input electrical signal exceeds a reference value, reducing signal deviation and improving peak detection accuracy, combined with a Constant Fraction Discriminator (CFD) circuit for precise peak detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional TOF techniques are used to measure distance, then the measurement process can be performed, but detection errors increase and measurement precision deteriorates due to signal deviations when electrical signals have varying magnitudes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement precisionVSAvoidpeak detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the reference level of the decision circuit based on the magnitude of the received electrical signal. When the signal magnitude varies, the reference level is automatically adjusted to maintain optimal peak detection accuracy, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using the detected peak position to adjust subsequent reference levels and detection parameters. The system continuously monitors signal characteristics and adjusts the decision circuit's reference level accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains high detection accuracy despite varying signal magnitudes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If signal magnitude varies in TOF measurement, then the measurement can accommodate different distances, but peak detection accuracy deteriorates due to signal deviations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance range coverageVSAvoidpeak detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the reference level of the decision circuit dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The reference level changes adaptively based on the incoming signal magnitude, allowing the system to maintain high peak detection accuracy across a wide range of distances and signal conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the reference level parameter in response to varying signal magnitudes. This parameter adjustment allows the decision circuit to maintain optimal operating conditions regardless of whether the received signal is strong or weak, thereby preserving measurement precision across different adaptability conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution reduces detection errors and enhances the resolution of distance measurement by stabilizing signal deviations and improving peak detection speed, thereby providing more accurate distance measurements.

Implementation Method 1

an optical receiver configured to detect light reflected by an object and convert the light into electrical signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3418765B1Distance-measuring device and method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3418765B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3418765B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3418765B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a distance-measuring device and a method thereof. The distance-measuring device detects light reflected by an object and converts the light into electrical signals, outputs a saturation signal equal to or greater than a reference value from among the electrical signals, detects a peak using the saturation signal, and measures a distance to the object using the peak.