3D Image Sensor with Alternating Angular Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional image sensors face challenges in accurately determining object distances, especially at macroscopic ranges, due to complex alignment requirements, long response times, and incompatibility with portable devices, particularly when dealing with moving scenes or short distances.
Innovation Solution
An integrated image sensor with alternately distributed pixels of different angular apertures, allowing for simultaneous scene acquisition and comparison of sub-images to deduce object distances, utilizing varying photodetection area sizes and opaque masks to modify angular apertures, and associating size differences with distance data stored in a database for real-time 3D mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stereo vision techniques with two cameras are used to determine object distances, then distance measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and alignment requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into two distinct sets: first pixels with a first angular aperture and second pixels with a second angular aperture. This segmentation allows each pixel type to capture spatial information at different angular resolutions, enabling distance determination through comparison without requiring complex external alignment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular aperture as an additional dimension for capturing spatial information. Instead of using two separate cameras positioned at different locations (spatial dimension), the invention varies the angular aperture parameter of pixels within the same sensor plane, transforming the problem from a spatial baseline approach to an angular resolution approach.
2Measurement precision
If triangulation methods with laser scanning are used to obtain object distances, then distance measurement is improved, but response time increases making them unsuitable for moving scenes
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs continuous distance measurement for all pixels simultaneously in a single exposure. Both first pixels and second pixels capture image data at the same time, allowing instantaneous comparison and continuous distance determination for moving scenes without sequential scanning delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical laser scanning system with a static pixel array that captures all spatial information simultaneously. The distance measurement is achieved through optical comparison of angular apertures rather than mechanical movement of a laser beam, eliminating response time constraints.
3Measurement precision
If TOF method is used to measure short distances, then distance measurement capability is improved, but the method becomes incompatible with portable devices due to high power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor uses passive imaging with existing ambient light to determine distances. The pixel array captures reflected light from the scene without requiring an active light source, making the system energy-efficient and suitable for portable devices while maintaining distance measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the full capability of the pixel array to capture image data, with both first and second pixels contributing to distance determination. This partial use of angular aperture variation provides sufficient distance information without requiring the excessive energy input of active TOF systems.
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 fast and accurate determination of object distances in real-time, even for moving scenes, overcoming the limitations of prior art sensors by providing a compact and efficient method for instantaneous 3D mapping compatible with portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least a set of first pixels and a set of second pixels, the first and second pixels being alternately distributed in an array, the first pixels having a different angular aperture than the second pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated image sensor capable of determining the distance to objects contained in a scene including at least a set of first pixels and a set of second pixels, the first and second pixels being alternately distributed in an array, the first pixels having a different angular aperture than the second pixels.