Depth Camera Pixel Charge Distribution for 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D imaging methods, such as those using Time of Flight (ToF) cameras and Pockels cells, face limitations in measurement range and Field of View (FOV), making it challenging to accurately obtain depth information for 3D reconstruction in applications like autonomous driving and virtual reality.
Innovation Solution
A 3D imaging method that distributes charges obtained by photoelectric conversion of received light to multiple charge collection areas according to a preset distribution rule, allowing for the determination of depth information by analyzing the variation of charge collection over time, enabling accurate depth measurement beyond the limitations of existing technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ToF camera uses modulated signal with multiple phases to measure distance, then depth information can be obtained, but the measurement range is limited by the distance traveled by light in the modulation period
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel's charge collection capability is segmented into multiple independent charge collection areas, each associated with a different phase. Charges generated by photoelectric conversion are distributed to different charge collection areas based on the phase of the modulated signal, enabling phase-based depth measurement without limiting the measurement range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal modulation measurement to spatial charge distribution measurement by introducing multiple charge collection areas in different spatial regions. This dimensional transformation allows the system to measure depth by analyzing the spatial distribution of charges rather than being constrained by temporal modulation period
2Measurement precision
If Pockels cell is used as modulator to determine distance, then depth measurement can be achieved, but the Field of View is limited and higher operating voltage is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the modulation function from external components like Pockels cells and integrates it directly into the pixel structure through photoelectric conversion. The modulated signal's phase information is directly converted to charge distribution patterns within the pixel, eliminating the need for separate modulator components and expanding the field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses charges as an intermediary to transfer phase information from the modulated signal to the readout circuitry. Instead of using Pockels cells to modulate the signal externally, the photoelectric conversion process itself serves as the intermediary that converts optical signal phase into charge distribution phase
3Length of stationary object
If charges are distributed to multiple charge collection areas according to phase, then measurement range is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the pixel structure: photoelectric conversion, charge generation, phase-based charge distribution, and depth measurement all occur within the integrated pixel. The charge collection areas are merged with the photoelectric conversion layer, eliminating the need for separate modulator and detector 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
This method enhances the accuracy and range of depth information acquisition, enabling the generation of high-quality 3D images by characterizing the exposure level and representing depth information for each pixel, thus overcoming the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
charges obtained by the pixel by photoelectric conversion of received light reflected by each of the points in the scene
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a 3D imaging method, device and depth camera, wherein, the 3D imaging method includes: acquiring depth information of points in a to-be-captured scene corresponding to at least one pixel; generating a 3D image of the to-be-captured scene based on the acquired depth information; and determining the depth information of the each of the points in the to-be-captured scene corresponding to the at least one pixel based on a result of the distributing. This implementation utilizes multiple charge collection areas to collect the charges obtained by photoelectric conversion of the light that reaches the pixels, thereby achieving the capture of the depth information of points in the to-be-captured scene corresponding to each pixel.