ToF Sensor Light Intensity Adjustment for Accuracy and Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth information acquisition methods, such as binocular stereo vision and time of flight (ToF) sensors, face accuracy degradation with increasing object distance and are sensitive to environmental light conditions, leading to reduced precision and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with a sensor having a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, where the processor adjusts the intensity of outputted light based on external light conditions to enhance accuracy and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the intensity of light outputted through the ToF sensor is regularly maintained regardless of external environment, then the accuracy of detected values can be preserved, but power consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light intensity adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the light intensity outputted by the light source based on detected external light conditions, allowing the system to adapt between high intensity (for accuracy in bright environments) and low intensity (for power savings in dark environments), thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining measurement precision and reducing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light intensity based on external environmental conditions. The control unit detects external light levels and adjusts the light intensity parameter accordingly - increasing intensity when external light is strong to maintain signal quality, and decreasing intensity when external light is weak to save power, thereby resolving the trade-off between measurement accuracy and energy consumption
2Measurement precision
If the intensity of light outputted through the ToF sensor is regularly maintained regardless of external environment, then the accuracy of detected values can be preserved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts light intensity based on external conditions, reducing intensity when high intensity is not needed for accurate measurement. This dynamic adjustment directly reduces heat generation while maintaining measurement accuracy when appropriate, resolving the contradiction between preserving accuracy and minimizing heat
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the light intensity parameter in response to external light detection, lowering the parameter when external light provides sufficient illumination for accurate measurement, thereby reducing heat generation without sacrificing measurement precision when conditions permit
3Measurement precision
If there is a significant amount of infrared noise outside the electronic device, then the accuracy of values detected by the ToF sensor decreases, but maintaining high light intensity can compensate for noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the control unit continuously detect external light conditions and adjust light intensity accordingly. When infrared noise is detected (high external light), the system increases light intensity to maintain measurement accuracy. When noise is low, it reduces intensity to save power, creating a closed-loop control system that resolves the contradiction between overcoming noise and managing power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the light intensity parameter in direct response to detected external infrared noise levels. When significant noise is present, the parameter is increased to compensate and maintain accuracy. When noise is minimal, the parameter is reduced to conserve energy, dynamically resolving the trade-off between noise compensation and power consumption
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 improves the accuracy of distance measurement and reduces power consumption by dynamically adjusting the light intensity according to external light conditions, thereby minimizing noise and heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting unit capable of outputting light having a designated wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
a light-receiving unit capable of obtaining light... obtain at least some of the outputted light that is reflected through the light-receiving unit, and measure a distance to an external object based on the at least some of the outputted light that is reflected
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and electronic devices including a sensor are provided. An amount of external light outside the electronic device is determined through a light-receiving unit of the sensor. An intensity of light to be outputted through a light-emitting unit of the sensor is configured based on the amount of external light. The light having the configured intensity is output through the light-emitting unit of the sensor.