Time-of-Flight Sensor Distance Resolution via Histogram Binning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Time-of-flight sensors face challenges in achieving high distance resolution due to the expense and complexity of high-temporal-resolution timekeeping components.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of data processing techniques that bin intensity measurements of reflected light according to temporal bins, allowing for interpolation of distance estimates based on intensity values from multiple bins, thereby enhancing distance resolution without requiring expensive or complex timekeeping components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-temporal-resolution timekeeping components are used, then distance resolution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance resolutionVSAvoidtimekeeping component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/timekeeping components with a digital signal processing approach. Instead of using high-resolution timekeeping hardware, the system uses a standard timer to capture photon arrival times and processes the data through histogram binning and interpolation algorithms, substituting mechanical precision with computational intelligence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from direct temporal measurement to statistical parameter analysis. By transforming raw timing data into histogram distributions and using interpolation to estimate peak positions, the system achieves high resolution through mathematical parameter transformation rather than high-resolution timing hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If high-temporal-resolution timekeeping components are used, then distance resolution is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance resolutionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive standard timer components and simple photodetectors instead of expensive high-resolution timekeeping hardware. The system achieves high measurement precision through software algorithms rather than costly hardware, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving distance resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention substitutes expensive mechanical/timekeeping components with affordable digital processing techniques, replacing hardware complexity with software-based signal processing that achieves the same measurement goals at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If data processing techniques with multiple temporal bins are used, then distance resolution is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance resolutionVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary histogram binning of photon arrival times during the measurement process, organizing data into temporal bins before final analysis. This preliminary organization enables faster subsequent interpolation and peak detection, reducing overall measurement time while maintaining high resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously accumulates photon arrival data into histogram bins during the measurement period, maintaining continuous processing rather than batch processing. This continuous action reduces total measurement time while the interpolation algorithm extracts high-resolution distance information from the accumulated data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 enables time-of-flight sensors to obtain more accurate and precise distance measurements, improving their ability to detect and position objects with higher resolution, which can enhance the performance of applications such as vehicular sensing and robotics.

Implementation Method 1

measuring, using a photodetector of the sensor module, an intensity of modulated light reflected from an object towards the photodetector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The distance between the object and the sensor can be determined based on the length of time between the emission of light and the return of light to the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12320897B2High resolution time-of-flight measurements

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 AUSTRIAMICROSYSTEMS AG

AI summary

Modulated light is generated using a light source of a sensor module. Using a photodetector of the sensor module, an intensity of modulated light reflected from an object towards the photo detector is measured over a period of time. An electronic control device bins the measured intensity of the reflected modulated light according to a plurality of temporal bins, determines a first temporal bin having the greatest intensity among the plurality of temporal bins, and estimates a distance between the sensor module and the object based on a first temporal bin, and one or more additional temporal bins of the plurality of temporal bins.