Camera Apparatus Synchronous Detection for High-Resolution Range Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems produce lower-resolution detection images compared to color images due to the use of pixels sensitive only to infrared light for range imaging.
Innovation Solution
A camera apparatus with an invisible light projector, color light receivers, and a synchronous detection processor that generates exposure and emission timing pulses based on a periodic reference signal, allowing for high-resolution color and detection image creation by separating and processing light components in the invisible region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pixels sensitive only to infrared light are used for range imaging, then the detection image can be created, but the resolution of the detection image is lower than that of the color image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing light receivers that can simultaneously detect both visible light (for color imaging) and infrared light (for range imaging). Each light receiver is equipped with multiple filters including a first filter for visible light, a second filter for infrared light, and a third filter for both visible and infrared light, enabling a single receiver to perform multiple detection functions. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated infrared receivers, thereby achieving high-resolution detection images without increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If separate pixels are used for color imaging and range imaging, then specialized detection is achieved, but the detection image resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of color imaging and range imaging into a single light receiver system. By integrating multiple filters (first filter for visible light, second filter for infrared light, and third filter for both) within each light receiver, the system combines what would traditionally require separate dedicated sensors. This merging allows all light receivers to contribute to both color and range images, increasing the effective number of pixels available for detection image creation and thereby improving detection image resolution.
3Illumination intensity
If all light receivers are used for color imaging, then high-quality color images are produced, but infrared detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different filter configurations to different regions or groups of light receivers. Specifically, some light receivers are equipped with a first filter sensitive to visible light for color imaging, while others have a second filter sensitive to infrared light for range imaging, and others have a third filter sensitive to both. This spatial differentiation of filter types allows each receiver to be optimized for its local function while the collective system maintains both color and infrared detection capabilities with high image quality.
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 creation of high-resolution color and detection images by synchronously detecting light components, improving image accuracy and quality by utilizing light receivers sensitive to both primary colors and infrared light.
Implementation Method 1
an invisible light projector, color light receivers, and a synchronous detection processor that generates exposure and emission timing pulses based on a periodic reference signal, allowing for high-resolution color and detection image creation by separating and processing light components in the invisible region
Implementation Method 2
The synchronous detection processor creates a detection image by performing a synchronous detection process on the outputs from the color light receivers and the invisible light receiver by use of the reference signal
Implementation Method 3
The image taking unit includes: three color light receivers sensitive to light in the invisible region emitted by the invisible light projector, and concurrently sensitive to the respective three primary colors of light
Data Source
AI summary
An image taking unit takes an image by exposing three color light receivers and an invisible light receiver. The three color light receivers are sensitive to light in an invisible region emitted by an invisible light projector, and concurrently sensitive to the respective three primary colors of light. The invisible light receiver is sensitive to the light in the invisible region emitted by the invisible light projector. A marker pulse generator generates an exposure timing pulse for the image taking unit, and an emission timing pulse for the invisible light projector on the basis of a reference signal. A color image creator creates a color image from outputs from the respective color light receivers. A synchronous detection processor creates a detection image by performing a synchronous detection process on the outputs from the color light receivers and the invisible light receiver by use of the reference signal.