ToF Sensor Reflective Surface Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In applications such as vehicle monitoring using depth-sensing cameras, space constraints often limit the placement of camera equipment, making it difficult to position cameras directly in front of users due to occlusion and design integration issues.
Innovation Solution
A Time of Flight (ToF) system that emits modulated light towards an object, with a reflective surface used to redirect the light for measurement by a ToF sensor module, allowing for distance determination through successive reflections, enabling flexible placement and compensation for reflective surface distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is placed directly in front of the user, then the field of view is maximized, but the placement is blocked by occlusion and design integration issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective surface as an intermediary element between the ToF camera and the user. The camera is positioned away from the direct line of sight, and the reflective surface redirects the optical path to capture the user's face, thereby resolving the conflict between placement flexibility and field of view requirements
2Ease of manufacture
If the camera is placed in constrained spaces, then design integration is improved, but the field of view may be occluded
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface serves as a mediator that enables the camera to be integrated into constrained spaces (such as vehicle dashboards or walls) while maintaining an unobstructed optical path to the user through indirect reflection, thus achieving both design integration and reliable field of view
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reflective surface is introduced to enable flexible placement, then placement options are improved, but measurement precision may be affected by distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses measurement precision issues by calibrating the system to account for the specific geometric parameters of the reflective surface (such as angle and position). By adjusting and storing calibration data that compensates for known distortions, the system maintains accurate distance measurements despite the presence of the reflective surface
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates calibration procedures that measure actual distances to reference objects and use this feedback to adjust the measurement algorithm, compensating for distortions introduced by the reflective surface and ensuring measurement precision
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 allows for precise distance measurement and improved placement options for ToF systems in constrained spaces, such as vehicles, enhancing monitoring capabilities without compromising design or field of view.
Implementation Method 1
A Time of Flight (ToF) system that emits modulated light towards an object, with a reflective surface used to redirect the light for measurement by a ToF sensor module
Implementation Method 2
measuring a reflection of the modulated light using a ToF sensor module, wherein the reflection of the modulated light is generated by successive reflections of the modulated light by the object and by an additional reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
Examples relate to a method for determining distance information of an object using a Time of Flight (ToF) system and to a ToF system. The method includes emitting modulated light towards the object using a light source. The method includes measuring a reflection of the modulated light using a ToF sensor module. The reflection of the modulated light is generated by successive reflections of the modulated light by the object and by an additional reflective surface. The method includes determining the distance information of the object based on the measured reflection of the modulated light.