Depth sensing techniques for virtual, augmented, and mixed reality systems

A system comprising:

• a processor configured to execute a method comprising:
• providing a sensor with a sequence of common operation steps which are included in both a first sequence of operation steps which define a first mode of operation and a second sequence of operation steps which define a second mode of operation;
• providing the sensor with one or more dummy operation steps which relate to a difference between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation;
• operating the sensor in the first mode of operation by causing it to execute at least the common operation steps;
• and
• operating the sensor in the second mode of operation by causing it to execute the common operation steps and at least one dummy operation step.

A method comprising:

• receiving a first request for a first type of depth measurement;
• receiving a second request for a second type of depth measurement;
• assigning a first priority to the first request;
• assigning a second priority to the second request;
• and
• causing a depth sensor to first obtain the first type of depth measurement if the first priority is higher than the second priority, or causing the depth sensor to first obtain the second type of depth measurement if the second priority is higher than the first priority.

A method comprising:

• performing a configuration operation for a depth sensor, the configuration operation comprising:
• storing a first sequence of operation steps which define a first depth sensing mode of operation in a memory of the depth sensor;
• and
• storing a second sequence of operation steps which define a second depth sensing mode of operation in the memory of the depth sensor;
• receiving a first request for depth measurements according to the first depth sensing mode of operation;
• in response to the first request, operating the depth sensor in the first mode of operation by causing it to execute the first sequence of operation steps;
• receiving a second request for depth measurements according to the second depth sensing mode of operation;
• and
• in response to the second request, and without performing an additional configuration operation, operating the depth sensor in the second mode of operation by causing it to execute the second sequence of operation steps.

A system comprising:

• a processor configured to execute a method comprising:
• performing a configuration operation for a depth sensor, the configuration operation comprising storing a first sequence of operation steps which define a first depth sensing mode of operation in a memory of the depth sensor, and storing a second sequence of operation steps which define a second depth sensing mode of operation in the memory of the depth sensor;
• receiving a first request for depth measurements according to the first depth sensing mode of operation;
• in response to the first request, operating the depth sensor in the first mode of operation by causing it to execute the first sequence of operation steps;
• receiving a second request for depth measurements according to the second depth sensing mode of operation;
• and
• in response to the second request, and without performing an additional configuration operation, operating the depth sensor in the second mode of operation by causing it to execute the second sequence of operation steps.