ToF Sensor Depth Map Fusion for Precise Relative Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating devices, such as autonomous systems, face challenges in determining precise relative locations, especially in environments with limited lighting or high computational resource requirements, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of time of flight (ToF) sensors that emit and measure optical signals to generate depth maps, allowing for communication and determination of relative locations between ToF sensors, enabling precise positioning and adjustment of devices without relying on external resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional location methods are used, then device positioning can be achieved, but measurement precision and reliability are insufficient in challenging environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ToF sensors into a sensor array system where each sensor generates depth maps that are processed collectively. By merging the measurements from multiple sensors, the system achieves higher measurement precision and reliability through data fusion, allowing accurate location determination even in challenging environments with limited lighting or reflective surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D imaging to 3D depth mapping by utilizing the time dimension (flight time of light). This adds a temporal dimension to spatial measurement, enabling precise distance and location determination through depth maps that capture three-dimensional spatial information, thereby improving both precision and reliability of location determination.
2Measurement precision
If high computational resources are allocated for location determination, then accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes the natural temporal information inherent in light propagation by measuring the time of flight. This approach leverages the physical property of light speed to directly obtain distance measurements without requiring complex computational algorithms, thereby achieving high accuracy while minimizing device complexity and computational resource requirements.
3Reliability
If additional illumination resources are used, then location determination works better in low-light conditions, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ToF sensor system is self-sufficient by generating its own optical signals and using them to illuminate the scene. The sensor emits light pulses and detects their reflections, eliminating the need for separate external illumination sources. This self-service approach ensures reliable operation in low-light conditions while minimizing additional power consumption, as the illumination is integrated into the measurement process itself.
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
ToF sensors provide high-resolution, low-computational-cost, and real-time location determination, enabling efficient navigation and collision avoidance in various environments, including low-light conditions, with reduced power consumption and no need for additional illumination.
Implementation Method 1
A time of flight (ToF) sensor can transmit light pulses (or other forms of electromagnetic pulses) and receive reflections of the light pulses. A time difference between the transmission of the electromagnetic pulses and the reception of the reflections of the light pulses can be used to determine the distance between the ToF sensor and objects causing the reflections.
Data Source
AI summary
A method implemented by a first time of flight (ToF) sensor includes generating, by the first ToF sensor, a first depth map in accordance with measurements of reflections of an optical signal emitted by the first ToF sensor; communicating, by the first sensor with a second ToF sensor, the first depth map and a second depth map, the second depth map generated by the second ToF sensor; and determining, by the first ToF sensor, a relative location of the first ToF sensor relative to the second ToF sensor in accordance with the first depth map and the second depth map.