Programmable ToF Pulse Generator for Flexible Phase and Frequency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera systems that use the indirect distance measurement method, existing pulse generators require a large circuit scale to accommodate various frequency and phase settings, leading to increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pulse generator for ToF camera systems, comprising a first counter for determining the phase of pulses based on external phase settings, a D-type flip-flop, an AND gate, and a programmable second counter for determining the frequency of pulses, allowing for simple configuration and various settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the circuit scale is increased to accommodate various frequency and phase settings, then the adaptability of the pulse generator is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator uses a universal configuration where the first counter handles phase settings and the second programmable counter handles frequency settings. This multi-functional design allows a single circuit to perform both phase and frequency modulation without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function, thereby achieving various settings capabilities while maintaining relatively simple circuit scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse generator employs programmable counters that can be dynamically configured through external inputs. The first counter is programmable for phase settings and the second counter is programmable for frequency settings, allowing the circuit to adapt to different requirements without physical reconfiguration. This dynamic programmability provides versatility while keeping the hardware structure compact.
2Device complexity
If the circuit scale is reduced for simpler configuration, then the device complexity is decreased, but the adaptability for various frequency and phase settings is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator achieves adaptability through parameter programming rather than circuit reconfiguration. The first counter accepts phase setting parameters from external inputs, and the second counter accepts frequency setting parameters. By changing these programmable parameters, the system can adapt to various frequency and phase requirements while maintaining a fixed, simple circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse generator uses external input signals as intermediaries to convey frequency and phase setting information to the programmable counters. These external inputs act as mediators that allow the system to be configured for different operations without modifying the internal circuit structure, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a pulse generator that is used in a ToF camera system especially adopting the indirect system and can be ready for various settings of a frequency or a phase with a simple configuration. [Solving means] There is provided a pulse generator that includes a first counter that determines a phase of a pulse to be outputted and used for distance measurement to a distance measurement target using an input signal, and a second counter that determines a frequency of the pulse using the input signal.