3D Camera Module Active Scanning for Depth Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D camera technologies face limitations in miniaturization, cost, and depth resolution, particularly in mobile devices, due to physical constraints of structured light methods and high power consumption of Time of Flight (TOF) methods, and suffer from optical noise in RGBIR cameras.
Innovation Solution
A 3D camera module incorporating a light transmitting portion with a laser and diffractive optical element, an operating portion that moves to change the light's position on the subject, and a camera sensor for synchronized operation, enhancing resolution without increasing the number of light passing spots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed focal lens and passive coding device are used in the structured light method, then the device structure is simplified, but the depth resolution cannot be enhanced flexibly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the coding device active and controllable rather than passive and fixed. The coding device can dynamically adjust its coding pattern in response to control signals, enabling flexible enhancement of depth resolution while maintaining a relatively simple device structure. This dynamic controllability allows the system to adapt coding patterns based on measurement requirements.
2Measurement precision
If an RGBIR camera combines 2D camera and 3D IR camera for depth measuring, then the performance is enhanced through image synthesis, but optical noise occurs due to crosstalk between RGB and IR pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by separating the functional responsibilities of different sensing components. Instead of relying on a single RGBIR sensor that suffers from crosstalk, the invention uses a dedicated IR camera for depth measurement and a separate 2D camera for visual information. This functional separation extracts the depth measurement capability from the RGB sensor, eliminating the crosstalk-induced optical noise while maintaining enhanced performance through image synthesis.
3Measurement precision
If the operating portion moves the light transmitting portion to change light position on the subject, then the depth resolution is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the multi-functionality principle by designing the operating portion to perform multiple functions: it controls the movement of the light transmitting portion, manages the coding device positioning, and coordinates with the IR camera for synchronized depth measurement. This multi-functional design enhances depth resolution through active scanning while avoiding the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 configuration allows for more accurate and detailed shape recognition and image quality, particularly for small objects, by distributing light to different regions of the subject, thereby improving depth resolution without increasing the number of light passing spots.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element for passing the light therethrough such that the light reaches a subject with a preset pattern
Implementation Method 2
a mirror portion configured to reflect the parallel light which has passed through the lens portion, to the diffractive optical element
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D depth camera module, including a light transmitting portion having a laser for emitting light, and having a diffractive optical element for passing the light therethrough such that the light reaches a subject with a preset pattern; a light receiving portion configured to receive the light reflected from the subject; an analyzing portion configured to analyze a 3D shape of the subject, based on a shifted degree of the reflected light; and an operating portion configured to move part of the light transmitting portion such that a position of one region of the subject where the light reaches is changed. Further, the operating portion moves at least part of the light transmitting portion by a predetermined length being set to restrict repetitive arrival of the light onto one region of the subject; the diffractive optical element includes a plurality of spots spaced from each other by a predetermined spaced interval between two adjacent spots of the diffractive optical element; and the predetermined length is smaller than the predetermined interval.