Camera Module Optical Path Shifting for Depth Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera modules using the time-of-flight (ToF) method for extracting depth information face challenges in achieving high-resolution depth data without significantly increasing the number of pixels or altering the hardware configuration.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that includes a light output unit, an optical unit, and a sensor with alternating effective and ineffective areas, where the optical path is controlled to shift light between these areas, allowing for interpolation to enhance depth information resolution, utilizing a variable lens and infrared pass filter for adjustable optical paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixels on the sensor is increased to achieve high-resolution depth data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the spatial sampling process by sequentially shifting the optical path to different sensor regions across multiple time periods. This time-division multiplexing approach enables high-resolution depth mapping without requiring a correspondingly high pixel-count sensor, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic optical path shifting using a movable mirror or lens element that changes the light reception position on the sensor during operation. This dynamic adjustment allows the same physical sensor to effectively sample at higher resolution by capturing multiple shifted views, avoiding the need for a statically complex high-pixel sensor
2Measurement precision
If hardware configuration is altered to improve depth information quality, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes operational parameters (optical path position, light reception timing) rather than physical hardware parameters (sensor pixel density, lens aperture). This allows high-quality depth information to be achieved through software-controlled parameter variation, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If optical path shifting is implemented to enhance resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor area into multiple regions and sequentially directs light to different segments during different time periods. This segmentation approach allows high-resolution sampling to be achieved by combining data from multiple lower-resolution segments, reducing the need for complex high-resolution optical components
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 high-resolution depth information acquisition with reduced data processing and hardware changes, improving resolution beyond the sensor's pixel count through optical path shifting and interpolation techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to receive the optical signal passed by the optical unit
Implementation Method 2
an optical unit configured to pass the optical signal reflected from the object
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention discloses a camera module including a light output unit configured to output an optical signal to an object; an optical unit configured to pass the optical signal reflected from the object; a sensor configured to receive the optical signal passed by the optical unit; and a control unit configured to acquire depth information of the object using the optical signal received by the sensor, wherein the sensor includes an effective area in which a light receiving element is disposed and an ineffective area other than the effective area and includes a first row region, in which the effective area and the ineffective area are alternately disposed in a row direction, and a second row region, in which the effective area and the ineffective area are alternately disposed in the row direction and the effective area is disposed at a position not overlapping the effective area of the first row region in a column direction, light that reaches the effective area of the first row region is controlled by first shifting control to reach the ineffective area of the first row region or the ineffective area of the second row region, and light that reaches the effective area of the second row region is controlled by the first shifting control to reach the ineffective area of the second row region or the ineffective area of the first row region.