Time-of-flight sensor calibration via shared emitter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional time-of-flight distance measurement systems are limited by the need for a sensor to be located near the light emitter, which restricts the ability to determine relative locations and distances of objects and surfaces in an environment effectively, especially in augmented reality applications where flexibility and accuracy are crucial.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple time-of-flight sensors that can capture light from a shared light emitter, allowing for the determination of relative distance information even when the sensors are separate from the emitter, and includes calibration processes to establish the precise location of these devices within the environment, enabling accurate distance calculations and object profiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is located near the light emitter, then the measurement system is simple, but the flexibility and accuracy of distance measurement in augmented reality environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into separate components: a light emitter that can be positioned independently from the sensors. Multiple sensors are distributed throughout the environment, each capable of receiving light from the emitter and independently calculating distance measurements. This segmentation allows flexible placement of sensors in optimal positions for measurement accuracy while the emitter can be positioned separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitter serves multiple functions: it emits light for time-of-flight measurement and also provides a shared reference source for all sensors in the system. The emitter pod can be positioned independently while serving as the common light source for multiple sensor pods, enabling both flexible placement and coordinated measurement across the augmented reality environment.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are used to capture light from a shared emitter, then the flexibility and accuracy of distance measurement is improved, but calibration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a calibration process where the emitter pod and sensor pods exchange distance measurements to determine their relative locations. The sensors measure distances to the emitter, and this feedback information is used to calculate and store relative position data. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically calibrate itself, establishing accurate spatial relationships between distributed components without requiring manual alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration as a preliminary action before normal operation. During calibration, the emitter and sensors establish their relative locations and orientations through coordinated measurements. This preliminary calibration phase prepares the system for accurate distance measurements during subsequent operation, eliminating the need for continuous calibration and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are positioned away from the light emitter, then the ability to determine relative locations of objects and surfaces is improved, but the system requires calibration processes to establish precise device locations
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process uses feedback from distance measurements to determine relative locations. Sensors measure distances to the emitter from their respective positions, and this feedback information is processed to calculate the spatial relationships between components. The system uses these measurements to establish accurate relative locations even when sensors are positioned far from the emitter, maintaining measurement precision through mathematical calculation rather than physical proximity.
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 approach enhances the flexibility and accuracy of distance measurement in augmented reality environments, allowing for the detection of object movements and profiles, and enables the interpretation of user gestures and interactions, thereby improving the overall functionality of augmented reality systems.
Implementation Method 1
A distance between objects can be measured by emitting light and measuring a time-of-flight of the light between the objects
Implementation Method 2
a sensor that is separate from the light emitter receives light emitted by the light emitter
Data Source
AI summary
Calibration of devices may be performed to determine a relative location of the devices. The devices may be used to determine distances of surfaces within an environment. The calibration may be performed at different times and/or in response to triggering events to determine a relative location of each of the devices in an environment. After the relative location of the devices is known, the devices may be used to determine a distance of a surface within the environment. In various embodiments, a light sensor may identify a light emitter based on characteristics of the light emitted by the light emitter.