ToF Sensor Light Output Time Control for Depth Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminals equipped with time of flight (ToF) sensors face challenges in safely measuring subject depth without harming humans, as prolonged exposure to ToF sensor light can be harmful, and short light output times result in unclear depth measurements.
Innovation Solution
A mobile terminal with a flicker sensor to recognize the surrounding environment and control the ToF sensor's light output time, allowing for efficient and safe depth measurement by operating in different modes based on the environment, such as full power, safety, or normal modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light output time from the ToF sensor is extended to measure depth more clearly, then the depth measurement precision is improved, but the harmful effect on the human body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light output time adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the light output time based on detected environmental conditions (indoor/outdoor, presence of subjects). In indoor mode, the light output time is set to a first value optimized for measurement precision, while in outdoor mode or when subjects are present, it switches to a second value that reduces harmful effects. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light output time based on environmental conditions. The flicker sensor detects ambient light conditions to determine whether the terminal is indoors or outdoors, and the controller adjusts the ToF sensor's light output time parameter accordingly. This parameter change allows the system to optimize depth measurement precision in indoor environments while reducing harmful light exposure in outdoor environments or when subjects are detected.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light output time is kept short to ensure safety, then the harmful effect on the human body is reduced, but the depth measurement becomes unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the light output time based on environmental context. When the flicker sensor detects indoor conditions or presence of subjects, the controller increases the light output time to ensure clear depth measurement. When outdoor conditions are detected, it decreases the light output time to prioritize safety. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the light output time to specific operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The flicker sensor performs preliminary detection of environmental conditions before the ToF sensor operates. Based on this preliminary information, the controller pre-adjusts the light output time to appropriate levels. This preliminary action ensures that the ToF sensor operates with optimal light output time for the current environment, avoiding both insufficient measurement precision and excessive harmful effects.
3Measurement precision
If the light output time is extended to improve depth measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light output time parameter based on environmental conditions detected by the flicker sensor. In outdoor environments or when subjects are present, the light output time is reduced to a second value, decreasing energy consumption. In indoor environments where better depth measurement is needed and safety concerns are lower, the light output time is increased to a first value. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by using different light output time values for different operational modes. Instead of continuously operating at maximum light output time for optimal measurement, it uses a reduced light output time in outdoor modes where ambient light provides sufficient illumination, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate measurement performance.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the light output time is reduced to save energy, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the depth measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller changes the light output time parameter based on environmental conditions. In indoor modes where ambient light is limited, the light output time is increased to ensure adequate depth measurement precision. In outdoor modes where ambient light is sufficient, the light output time is reduced to save energy. This conditional parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between energy consumption and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the light output time based on real-time environmental detection. The flicker sensor continuously monitors ambient conditions, and the controller adjusts the ToF sensor's light output time accordingly. This dynamic adjustment ensures that energy is consumed at higher levels only when necessary for adequate depth measurement, while allowing energy savings when environmental conditions permit shorter light output times.
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
Enables clear and safe depth measurement of subjects using the ToF sensor, improving the accuracy and safety of 3D image generation without harming users, while optimizing light output times for various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a flicker sensor configured to recognize a surrounding environment of the mobile terminal
Implementation Method 2
a ToF sensor configured to measure a depth of a subject
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile terminal in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure include: a flicker sensor configured to recognize a surrounding environment of the mobile terminal; a time of flight (ToF) sensor configured to measure a depth of a subject and a camera configured to capture the subject to generate an image of the subject; and a controller configured to control the camera to recognize the surrounding environment by operating the flicker sensor in response to a user input for operating the camera, to determine a light output time of the ToF sensor in response to the surrounding environment, and to capture the subject while measuring the depth of the subject by operating the ToF sensor in an operation mode corresponding to the light output time. Other embodiments are also available.