Camera Module Light Source Array Delay Control for Depth Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for acquiring depth information, such as time of flight (ToF) technology, face challenges in accurately determining the direction of light output and efficiently concentrating energy in specific regions, which affects the accuracy and range of depth measurement.
Innovation Solution
A camera module comprising a light source array, a receiver, and a processor that controls the delay time of light output from each light source to determine the direction of light and concentrate energy in specific regions, such as the central region, to enhance depth information acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ToF technology is used to acquire depth information, then the implementation is simple, but the accuracy and range of depth measurement are limited due to inability to determine light direction and concentrate energy
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple light sources arranged in an array, with each light source independently controllable. This segmentation allows the system to determine light direction by controlling which specific light sources emit light and when, thereby improving depth measurement accuracy without requiring complex external directional components
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by controlling the delay time of light emission from each light source in the array before the actual depth measurement occurs. By pre-establishing temporal patterns of light emission with different delay times, the system can determine light direction and concentrate energy in advance, improving measurement accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
2Use of energy by moving object
If light is outputted uniformly from all light sources simultaneously, then the system is simple to control, but energy cannot be concentrated in specific regions affecting measurement range
Solution Approach 1:
Different light sources in the array are assigned different delay times based on their spatial positions, creating local quality variations in the light emission pattern. This allows energy to be concentrated in specific regions by controlling which light sources emit at which times, improving energy utilization for depth measurement while maintaining relatively simple control logic through systematic delay time assignment
3Measurement precision
If delay time is not controlled for each light source, then the control system is simple, but the direction of light output cannot be determined reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temporal parameter (delay time) of light emission for each light source in the array based on its spatial position. By systematically varying this single parameter across the light source array, the system can determine light direction and improve depth measurement accuracy without introducing complex control mechanisms, as the delay time assignment follows a predictable pattern based on light source position
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
The solution enables more accurate and reliable depth information acquisition over longer distances by effectively controlling the direction and energy concentration of light, thereby improving the performance of depth sensing applications.
Implementation Method 1
time of flight (ToF) is a term representing the principle of measuring the distance by measuring the time difference between the time when the light is outputted and the time of reception of the received light reflected and returned from an object
Implementation Method 2
measuring the time difference between the time when the light is outputted and the time of reception of the received light reflected and returned from an object
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed according to an embodiment is a method for controlling emitted light in a camera module which can acquire depth information. More particularly, disclosed is a camera module for controlling delay time of light emitted from each of light sources to determine the direction of light emitted from the light sources. A camera module according to an embodiment may control delay time of light emitted from each of light sources so that the camera module can be operated with higher performance even from a long distance.