3D Image Sensor Pixel Array for Depth Correction Using Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D image sensors struggle to accurately measure both the depth and shape information of objects due to errors like the flying pixel phenomenon and multi-path interference, with active type sensors failing to measure depth from polarization data and passive type sensors failing to measure depth accurately.
Innovation Solution
A 3D image sensor design that combines depth pixels with polarization pixels, where the latter include a polarizer to detect light reflected from objects, allowing for the calculation of normal vectors and correction of depth information, thereby enabling accurate generation of both depth and shape information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate depth sensors and polarization sensors are used, then both depth and shape information can be detected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates depth pixels and polarization pixels into a single sensor array where both pixel types share the same substrate, lens, and processing circuitry. This unified structure reduces device complexity compared to using separate sensors while maintaining the ability to detect both depth and shape information accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed as a multi-functional unit where a single sensor array performs both depth measurement and shape detection functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensor systems and reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If only depth pixels are used in the sensor, then depth information can be measured, but shape information of the surface cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines depth pixels and polarization pixels in a mixed array where each pixel type contributes its specialized information. Depth pixels provide accurate distance measurement while polarization pixels detect surface orientation, ensuring neither depth information nor shape information is lost.
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 design effectively addresses the inaccuracy in shape information and the inability to measure depth in existing sensors by combining depth and polarization data, resulting in precise depth and shape information capture.
Implementation Method 1
Each polarization pixel may include a photodiode in the substrate and a polarizer on the substrate in a light-incident direction. Each polarization pixel may be configured to generate shape information associated with a shape of a surface of the object in the 3D scene based on detecting light reflected from the object.
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D image sensor include a depth pixel and at least two polarization pixels adjacent to the depth pixel. The depth pixel includes a charge generation region in a substrate. The depth pixel is configured to generate depth information associated with a depth of an object from the 3D image sensor in a 3D scene based on detecting light reflected from the object. Each polarization pixel includes a photodiode in the substrate and a polarizer on the substrate in a light-incident direction. The polarization pixel is configured to generate shape information associated with a shape of a surface of the object in the 3D scene based on detecting light reflected from the object. The polarization pixels and the depth pixel collectively define a unit pixel. The respective polarizers are associated with different polarization directions.