ToF Photodetection Pixel Grouping for More Accurate Histograms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photodetection systems face challenges in enhancing detection accuracy, particularly in Time OF Flight (ToF) methods, where improving the precision of distance measurement to detection objects is desired.
Innovation Solution
The photodetection device and system incorporate a configuration of non-adjacent light-receiving pixels, OR circuits, timing code generation circuits, and histogram generation circuits to process pulse signals, generating composite signals and histograms for improved detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple light-receiving pixels are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple OR circuits and timing code generation circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The light-receiving pixels are divided into two groups: first light-receiving pixels and second light-receiving pixels. Each group has its own OR circuit and timing code generation circuit, allowing independent processing of signals from different spatial regions, which improves detection accuracy while managing complexity through modular segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by generating separate timing codes for first and second light-receiving pixels, then synthesizing these timing codes in the histogram generation circuit. This temporal processing dimension enables improved distance measurement accuracy without simply adding more spatial pixels, thus managing device complexity
2Area of stationary object
If light-receiving pixels are arranged adjacently to increase detection coverage, then detection coverage improves, but cross-talk between pixels increases reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the light-receiving pixels into separate groups (first and second light-receiving pixels) with non-adjacent positioning within each group, the patent segments the detection array to reduce optical cross-talk between neighboring pixels while maintaining overall detection coverage through the combined array
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing stages (separate OR circuits and timing code generation circuits for each group) that act as mediators between the light-receiving pixels and the final histogram generation, allowing signals from non-adjacent pixels to be processed independently before synthesis, thereby reducing cross-talk interference
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 configuration enhances detection accuracy by synthesizing signals from non-adjacent light-receiving pixels, allowing for precise distance measurement and improved histogram generation, thereby improving the overall detection system's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light-receiving pixels P each detect a light pulse L and generate a pulse signal PLS including a pulse corresponding to the light pulse L
Data Source
AI summary
A photodetection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of light-receiving pixels including a plurality of first light-receiving pixels and a plurality of second light-receiving pixels; a first OR circuit that is configured to generate a first detection signal by performing an OR operation of a plurality of pulse signals generated by the plurality of first light-receiving pixels; a first timing code generation circuit that is configured to generate a first timing code on the basis of the first detection signal; a second OR circuit that is configured to generate a second detection signal by performing an OR operation of a plurality of pulse signals generated by the plurality of second light-receiving pixels; a second timing code generation circuit that is configured to generate a second timing code on the basis of the second detection signal; and a first histogram generation circuit that is configured to generate a first composite signal on the basis of the first timing code and the second timing code, and configured to generate a first histogram on the basis of the first composite signal.