Camera Module Phase-Differentiated Pixels Depth Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera technologies for obtaining depth information, such as time of flight (ToF) methods, face limitations in performance and resolution, particularly in efficiently capturing depth images using light output and reception phases.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that utilizes a light source and receiver with phase-differentiated reception pixels, allowing for depth image acquisition by processing light phases at specific time points during multiple periods, and employing interpolation and super resolution techniques to enhance image resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ToF methods are used for depth information acquisition, then the implementation is simple, but the measurement precision and resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is divided into multiple reception pixels that can be independently controlled to receive light at different phase time points. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of multiple phase information, improving depth image resolution without requiring multiple separate camera modules
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic modulation of the light source and synchronized periodic sampling by reception pixels at different phase time points (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). This periodic action enables precise phase difference measurement and improves depth measurement precision while maintaining a relatively simple device structure
2Measurement precision
If multiple reception pixels are used to capture different phase information, then the depth image resolution improves, but the acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reception pixels operate simultaneously and continuously to capture light at different phase time points within the same period. This continuous parallel operation eliminates the need for sequential capture, improving depth image resolution without significantly increasing acquisition time
Solution Approach 2:
The reception pixels are pre-configured to capture light at specific phase time points (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) before the measurement process begins. This preliminary configuration allows immediate extraction of phase difference information, reducing the time required for depth image acquisition while maintaining high resolution
3Measurement precision
If phase difference measurement is used to obtain depth information, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple reception pixels and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is segmented into multiple reception pixels, each responsible for capturing light at a specific phase time point. This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture by distributing the measurement function across multiple simple, identical units, reducing the complexity of individual components while improving overall measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple reception pixels and performs phase difference calculation. This intermediary approach centralizes the complex processing function, allowing the reception pixels themselves to remain relatively simple while achieving high measurement precision through coordinated processing
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 camera module effectively increases depth image resolution and reduces acquisition time by using phase-differentiated light reception and interpolation, providing improved performance in capturing depth information compared to existing ToF methods.
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
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, disclosed is a method for obtaining a depth image for an object, by using light obtained during a first period and a second period in a camera module capable of obtaining depth information. The camera module can obtain the depth image for the object by using the light obtained in a first reception pixel and a second reception pixel during the first period and the second period.