Multi-Functional Camera Beam Splitter for Depth Profiling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of a light source for time-of-flight imaging in mobile computing systems poses design challenges related to cost, packaging, and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A multi-functional camera design that uses a beam splitter to direct visible and infrared light into separate optical paths, allowing for simultaneous visible light image capture and time-of-flight depth profiling, with sensors and circuitry to process each wavelength separately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a light source is integrated into mobile computing systems for time-of-flight imaging, then depth capturing capability is improved, but cost, packaging complexity, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth capturing capabilityVSAvoidpackaging complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines time-of-flight imaging and traditional visible light imaging into a single camera module by integrating an infrared light source with the existing camera structure. The infrared illuminator is positioned adjacent to the lens assembly, and both infrared and visible light paths are directed through the same lens to respective sensors, merging two imaging functions into one compact unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera module is designed to perform multiple functions: it captures both time-of-flight depth information using the infrared light source and sensor, and traditional visible light images using the same lens and a visible light sensor. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate depth sensing and imaging devices, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a light source is integrated into mobile computing systems for time-of-flight imaging, then depth capturing capability is improved, but cost, packaging complexity, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth capturing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared light source operates in periodic pulses rather than continuously, emitting light only when depth measurement is required. This pulsed operation mode significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous illumination, while still providing sufficient light for accurate time-of-flight measurements during active capture periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a light source is integrated into mobile computing systems for time-of-flight imaging, then depth capturing capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth capturing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate optical paths are used for visible and infrared light, then imaging function is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging functionVSAvoidoptical path complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is segmented into distinct infrared and visible light paths after the shared lens. A beam splitter or dichroic mirror separates the combined light into two pathways: one directing infrared light to the infrared sensor for depth measurement, and another directing visible light to the visible sensor for image capture. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each imaging function while maintaining a shared front-end optical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient and cost-effective integration of time-of-flight depth profiling and traditional image capture in a single camera system, optimizing power usage and reducing design complexities.

Implementation Method 1

a beam splitter to impose different optical paths for visible light and infra red light received by the camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam splitting: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

measures, for each of multiple pixels of an image sensor, the time between the emission of the light and the reception of its reflected image upon the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS9918024B2Multi functional camera with beam splitter

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

An apparatus is described that includes a camera. The camera has a beam splitter to impose different optical paths for visible light and infra red light received by the camera. The camera has an infra red light detector to detect the infra red light and a visible light detector to detect the visible light.