CCD Image Sensor Depth Imaging via Charge Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth imaging technologies require specialized and costly hardware, including dedicated sensors and complex post-processing systems, making them expensive and difficult to implement for applications that need both depth and visual imaging.
Innovation Solution
The use of conventional CCD image sensors with existing analog and digital processing circuits to perform depth imaging, utilizing timing signals to collect and process charge from pixels, allowing for depth calculation without the need for additional hardware modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated depth image sensors and specialized hardware are used, then depth imaging performance is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables conventional CCD image sensors to perform both traditional 2D imaging and depth imaging functions by utilizing multiple charge storage regions within the same pixel structure. The first, second, and third charge storage regions allow the sensor to capture ambient light, modulated light, and reference light respectively, enabling depth measurement without requiring dedicated depth sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines depth imaging capability with existing conventional CCD image sensors by integrating additional charge storage regions into the same pixel array. This merging approach allows the system to perform both 2D visual imaging and 3D depth sensing using a single sensor device, eliminating the need for separate specialized hardware components.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated depth image sensors are used, then depth measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes conventional CCD image sensors multi-functional by adding depth imaging capability through multiple charge storage regions. This allows the same sensor to produce both 2D images and depth maps, eliminating the need to manufacture separate dedicated depth sensors and reducing overall system manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses conventional CCD sensor designs that can be replicated using existing manufacturing processes. By adapting the charge storage structure of conventional sensors rather than creating entirely new specialized sensors, the system maintains compatibility with established manufacturing techniques and reduces production costs.
3Measurement precision
If multiple specialized sensors are used for depth and visual imaging, then imaging quality is improved, but hardware requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges depth sensing and visual imaging functions into a single conventional CCD sensor by creating multiple charge storage regions within each pixel. The first storage region captures ambient light for visual imaging, while the second and third regions capture modulated and reference light for depth measurement, allowing both functions to coexist in one sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor achieves multi-functionality by enabling the same pixel array to perform both photometric imaging and time-of-flight depth sensing. Different charge storage regions are activated based on the imaging mode required, allowing the system to switch between 2D imaging, depth mapping, or both simultaneously without hardware changes.
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 cost-effective, high-performance depth imaging that can be easily integrated into existing systems, such as cameras and camcorders, without the need for expensive hardware upgrades, providing both depth and visual image data using a single sensor.
Implementation Method 1
providing a CCD image sensor device arranged to receive light from the optical lens and having an array of pixels and corresponding pixel charge storage elements
Implementation Method 2
providing a light source for transmitting light pulses towards the scene responsive to a pulse control signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing depth imaging using a CCD image sensor. In a method for visual imaging and depth imaging, steps include providing a CCD image sensor device arranged to receive light from an optical lens and having an array of pixels and corresponding pixel charge storage elements; providing a light source for transmitting light pulses responsive to a pulse control signal; providing timing signals to configure the CCD image sensor to collect and store charge from the pixel storage elements; and performing a depth calculation using a background charge, a reflected charge, and a depth charge collected in three frame periods for each pixel in the CCD image sensor. A system including a CCD image sensor for use with the embodiments is disclosed. Additional embodiments are disclosed.