Asymmetric Angular Response Pixels for Single Sensor Stereo Depth Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems require multiple cameras and lenses for depth sensing, increasing complexity and cost while reducing spatial resolution, making them unsuitable for efficient stereo imaging.
Innovation Solution
A single sensor with a single lens is used, employing asymmetric angular response pixels and microlenses to partition light based on incident angles, allowing for depth sensing capabilities without the need for multiple lenses or complex arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cameras with multiple image sensors and lenses are used for depth sensing, then depth sensing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions into a single image sensor by implementing pixel-level asymmetric angular response within each pixel. This allows the single sensor to capture both 2D image information and 3D depth information simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate cameras and sensors while maintaining depth sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric angular response at the pixel level through asymmetric microlens structures. Each pixel is designed with different light gathering characteristics for different angles of incidence, enabling depth information extraction from a single sensor without requiring multiple sensors
2Reliability
If lenticular arrays are added to a single sensor for depth sensing, then depth sensing capability is improved, but spatial resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using lenticular arrays that divide light across multiple regions, the patent implements asymmetric angular response at the pixel level. This local quality approach allows each pixel to respond differently to light from different angles, enabling depth sensing without sacrificing spatial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds angular dimension information to each pixel's response characteristics rather than spatially separating light paths. By encoding depth information in the angular response properties of each pixel individually, the system maintains full spatial resolution while adding depth sensing capability
3Reliability
If multiple cameras with multiple image sensors and lenses are used for depth sensing, then depth sensing capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions into a single image sensor with asymmetric angular response pixels, eliminating the need for multiple cameras, sensors, and lenses. This merging approach significantly reduces component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining depth sensing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single image sensor with asymmetric angular response pixels performs multiple functions simultaneously: capturing 2D images and extracting 3D depth information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate depth sensing hardware, reducing overall system cost
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 approach reduces complexity and cost while enhancing stereo imaging performance by enabling accurate depth sensing with improved spatial resolution and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Each pixel receives incident photons (light) and converts the photons into electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
Each pixel receives incident photons (light) and converts the photons into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
Depth sensing imaging pixels include pairs of left and right pixels forming an asymmetrical angular response to incident light. A single microlens is positioned above each pair of left and right pixels. Each microlens spans across each of the pairs of pixels in a horizontal direction. Each microlens has a length that is substantially twice the length of either the left or right pixel in the horizontal direction; and each microlens has a width that is substantially the same as a width of either the left or right pixel in a vertical direction. The horizontal and vertical directions are horizontal and vertical directions of a planar image array. A light pipe in each pixel is used to improve light concentration and reduce cross talk.