TOF Ranging Sensor Subspace Segmentation for Mobile Depth Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional spatial mapping systems are difficult to implement on mobile devices due to high power consumption, large size, and increased costs, limiting their application in VR/AR and MR technologies.
Innovation Solution
A TOF ranging sensor that operates in cooperation with an RGB camera module, utilizing a light-emitting unit, a light-receiving unit, and a space control unit to efficiently divide the space into subspaces for precise distance measurement, reducing power consumption and size while maintaining high accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a full three-dimensional spatial mapping system is implemented using conventional methods (stereo matching, structured light, or TOF camera), then depth information and three-dimensional mapping capability are achieved, but power consumption increases to several watts and device size becomes too large for mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the three-dimensional space into multiple subspaces and assigns different light-emitting elements to illuminate different subspaces. The light-receiving elements are also divided into groups corresponding to different subspaces. This segmentation allows the system to measure depth in multiple directions simultaneously using a planar array configuration, achieving three-dimensional mapping capability while keeping power consumption low by activating only necessary light-emitting elements for each measurement cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional one-dimensional or two-dimensional TOF sensor arrangements to a planar two-dimensional array configuration. By arranging light-emitting and light-receiving elements in a plane with specific geometric relationships, the system achieves three-dimensional spatial mapping capability without requiring mechanical scanning or complex optical systems, thereby reducing power consumption and device size.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical scanning systems or high-speed projection techniques are used to achieve three-dimensional mapping, then measurement precision and frame rate are improved, but device complexity and size increase due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a stationary planar array of light-emitting and light-receiving elements. Instead of using moving mirrors or rotating components to scan space, the system uses multiple fixed elements arranged in a plane to simultaneously measure depth in multiple subspaces. This eliminates mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the geometric arrangement and independent control of each element group.
3Measurement precision
If narrow field of view one-dimensional ranging sensors are used for long-distance outdoor LIDAR, then measurement precision and disturbance light exclusion are improved, but frame rate decreases significantly when generating three-dimensional space mapping data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the field of view into multiple subspaces, with each subspace covered by dedicated light-emitting and light-receiving element groups. This allows parallel measurement of depth across multiple spatial regions simultaneously, increasing the frame rate for three-dimensional mapping while maintaining the measurement precision of individual ranging channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple narrow field of view ranging channels into a unified planar array system. By merging the functionality of multiple one-dimensional sensors into a two-dimensional planar configuration with coordinated light emission and reception, the system achieves both high frame rate for three-dimensional mapping and maintained measurement precision through the synergistic operation of integrated element groups.
4Measurement precision
If space division multiplexing with focal plane arrays is used for optical wireless communication, then S/N ratio is improved by narrowing field of view, but system complexity increases due to specific hardware requirements and limited applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal planar array configuration that can be applied to various TOF sensing applications including three-dimensional mapping, depth camera functionality, and optical wireless communication. The same segmented element groups and subspace division methodology that improves S/N ratio in communication applications can be used for spatial mapping, reducing the need for application-specific hardware design and simplifying system implementation across different use cases.
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 enables efficient three-dimensional mapping on mobile devices with reduced power consumption and costs, facilitating the integration of VR/AR and MR technologies by providing accurate depth information without the need for complex mechanical scanning systems.
Implementation Method 1
a ranging sensor of a TOF method, which measures time during which light beams radiated to a space s are reflected by a target and returned
Implementation Method 2
receives reflected light beams from the subspaces
Implementation Method 3
forms images of the reflected light beams on the light-receiving elements, which are allocated to the subspaces, by a light receiving lens system
Data Source
AI summary
A TOF ranging sensor according to Embodiment includes: a light-emitting unit that radiates light beams to subspaces; a light-receiving unit that receives light and forms images of the light on light-receiving elements allocated to the subspaces; and a space control unit that independently controls each element group that includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that are allocated to a common one of the subspaces.