Beam-Splitter ToF Camera Layout for Wide Field Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices, such as time-of-flight cameras, face challenges in achieving a broad field of view coverage while maintaining high resolution and a large range, often requiring complex optical systems or multiple image acquisition elements, which increases component count and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device employs a beam splitter unit to image two different fields of view onto a single image acquisition element, utilizing two luminous elements emitting electromagnetic radiation of different wavelengths, allowing for wavelength-selective acquisition and alignment of main emission directions to achieve broad field of view coverage without additional image acquisition elements or complex optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image acquisition elements or complex optical systems are used to achieve broad field of view coverage, then field of view coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple luminous elements emitting at different wavelengths into a single imaging system that shares common optical components (objective lens, beam splitter, image acquisition element). This merging approach achieves broad spectral coverage while reducing the number of separate systems needed, directly resolving the contradiction between field of view coverage and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal imaging system where a single optical configuration serves multiple wavelengths simultaneously. The beam splitter and image acquisition element handle multiple wavelength ranges, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated systems for each wavelength, thus improving versatility while controlling complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image acquisition elements are used to achieve high resolution across broad field of view, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wavelength detection capabilities into a single image acquisition element. By using wavelength-specific beam splitting paths that converge on one detector, the system achieves high measurement precision across different wavelengths without multiplying the number of image acquisition elements, thus reducing component count while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If wavelength-selective acquisition is implemented to reduce interference, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary component that separates different wavelength ranges and directs them to appropriate detection paths. This mediator enables wavelength-selective acquisition to improve signal accuracy by reducing cross-contamination, while the beam splitter's simple optical design prevents excessive complexity from being introduced.
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 enables a broad field of view coverage with high resolution and large range, reducing component count and production costs, while minimizing interference from different wavelengths and allowing for efficient distance measurement and three-dimensional point cloud generation.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter unit (18a), which is provided to image at least two different fields of view (20a, 22a) onto the image acquisition element (16a)
Implementation Method 2
The at least two fields of view preferably differ at least in different wavelengths of the electromagnetic radiation reflected within the fields of view
Implementation Method 3
The imaging device is preferably developed as a time-of-flight camera (ToF camera), which in particular is able to be operated in a direct time-of-flight operating mode and/or in an indirect time-of-flight mode
Implementation Method 4
at least one luminous element designed to emit electromagnetic radiation, and at least one image acquisition element, which is designed to acquire reflected electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device, in particular a time-of-flight camera. In imaging device has at least one luminous element, which is designed to emit electromagnetic radiation, and at least one image acquisition element, which is set up to acquire reflected electromagnetic radiation. The imaging device includes at least one beam splitter unit, which is provided to image at least two different fields of view onto the image acquisition element.