A power-saving modulation technique for time-of-flight range imaging sensors
Citation
Export citationRichard M. Conroy, Adrian A. Dorrington, Andrew D. Payne, Rainer Künnemeyer and Michael J. Cree, “A power-saving modulation technique for time-of-flight range imaging sensors,” Videometrics, Range Imaging, and Applications XI, Fabio Remondino, Mark R. Shortis Editors, Proc. SPIE 8085, 808506 (2011).
Permanent Research Commons link: https://hdl.handle.net/10289/5426
Abstract
Time-of-flight range imaging cameras measure distance and intensity simultaneously for every pixel in an image. With the continued advancement of the technology, a wide variety of new depth sensing applications are emerging; however a number of these potential applications have stringent electrical power constraints that are difficult to meet with the current state-of-the-art systems. Sensor gain modulation contributes a significant proportion of the total image sensor power consumption, and as higher spatial resolution range image sensors operating at higher modulation frequencies (to achieve better measurement precision) are developed, this proportion is likely to increase. The authors have developed a new sensor modulation technique using resonant circuit concepts that is more power efficient than the standard mode of operation. With a proof of principle system, a 93–96% reduction in modulation drive power was demonstrated across a range of modulation frequencies from 1–11 MHz. Finally, an evaluation of the range imaging performance revealed an improvement in measurement linearity in the resonant configuration due primarily to the more sinusoidal shape of the resonant electrical waveforms, while the average precision values were comparable between the standard and resonant operating modes.
Date
2011Publisher
Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
Rights
Copyright 2011 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic electronic or print reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited.