Camera Module Optical Path Tilting for High Resolution Depth Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time of flight (ToF) methods for obtaining depth maps and two-dimensional infrared images face challenges in achieving high resolution without significantly increasing the volume and manufacturing costs of camera modules, particularly when dealing with moving objects.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that includes a light output part, a lens part with an infrared filter, an image sensor, and a tilting part to shift optical paths, allowing for the generation of depth maps and two-dimensional images using phase differences and super resolution techniques without increasing pixel count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixels of an image sensor is increased to improve resolution, then the resolution of depth map and 2D image is improved, but the volume and manufacturing costs of the camera module are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tilting part that shifts the optical path in the lateral direction, adding a spatial dimension to the light collection process. By tilting the lens part to capture light from different angular positions, the system effectively increases the sampling density without adding more pixels to the sensor array, thereby improving resolution without increasing the physical volume of the camera module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the existing pixel array by varying the optical path angle through the tilting mechanism. Instead of increasing pixel count, the system varies the angle of incident light captured by each pixel across multiple measurements, enabling super-resolution reconstruction through parameter diversity rather than spatial density.
2Measurement precision
If the number of pixels of an image sensor is increased to improve resolution, then the resolution of depth map and 2D image is improved, but the manufacturing costs of the camera module are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting part enables the system to capture light from multiple angular dimensions using the existing pixel array. This approach leverages temporal and angular diversity rather than spatial density, avoiding the need for expensive high-pixel-count sensors while achieving super-resolution through computational reconstruction from多角度 measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting mechanism creates multiple copies of the same optical path at different angles, allowing the system to reconstruct higher-resolution images by synthesizing information from these angular copies. This approach replaces the need for physically larger or more expensive sensor arrays with a computational synthesis method.
3Measurement precision
If IR structured light is used to obtain depth map, then the depth map can be obtained, but it is difficult to obtain desired level of depth resolution for moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic oscillation of the tilting part to systematically vary the optical path angle over time. This periodic action allows the system to capture multiple samples of the same scene from different angular perspectives, enabling temporal averaging and super-resolution reconstruction that improves depth resolution for moving objects by reducing motion-induced artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting part introduces dynamic angular adjustment to the otherwise static optical system. By dynamically changing the angle of light collection during the exposure period, the system can track and resolve moving objects with higher precision, overcoming the limitations of fixed IR structured light systems that struggle with motion blur and temporal aliasing.
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 the acquisition of high-resolution depth maps and two-dimensional infrared images using existing camera module infrastructure, improving resolution without substantial increases in size or cost.
Implementation Method 1
a first input light signal and a second input light signal reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
a lens part including an infrared (IR) filter and at least one lens disposed on the IR filter and configured to collect a first input light signal and a second input light signal
Implementation Method 3
an image sensor configured to generate a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal from the first input light signal and the second input light signal
Implementation Method 4
a tilting part configured to shift an optical path of the first input light signal and an optical path of the second input light signal
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a light output portion for successively outputting a first output light signal and a second output light signal, which are emitted to an object, during a single period; a lens portion for concentrating a first input light signal and a second input light signal, which are reflected from the object, the lens portion comprising an infrared (IR) filter and at least one lens disposed on the IR filter; an image sensor for generating a first electric signal and a second electric signal from the first input light signal and the second input light signal, which have been concentrated by the lens portion; a tilting portion for shifting optical paths of the first input light signal and the second input light signal according to a predetermined rule; and an image control portion for acquiring depth information of the object by using the first electric signal and a phase difference between the first output light signal and the first input light signal, and acquiring a 2D image of the object by using the second electric signal.