Depth Measurement Using Image Sensor Focus Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining depth information in real-world environments are costly and computationally complex, requiring multiple sensor systems and extensive processing, which increases the cost and complexity of devices used in applications like autonomous vehicles and computer vision.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize image sensors with focus configurations to determine object distances based on sharpness characteristics, generating depth maps without the need for multiple sensor systems, by using focal length and sharpness analysis through techniques like Fast Fourier Transform or Laplace operators, and combining data from multiple focal lengths to create detailed depth maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor systems are used to obtain depth information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing standard images and obtaining depth information through focus configuration analysis. By making the image sensor universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate depth sensors while maintaining depth measurement capability, thus reducing device complexity without sacrificing measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the image sensor by implementing multiple focus configurations (different focal lengths) and analyzing the sharpness characteristics of captured images at these different configurations. This parameter-based approach allows depth extraction from a single sensor system, resolving the contradiction between using multiple sensors and maintaining simplicity
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor systems are used to obtain depth information, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor performs dual functions of standard imaging and depth measurement, eliminating the need to manufacture and integrate separate depth sensing components. This reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to capture accurate depth information through focus configuration analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the depth sensing function into the existing image sensor system by implementing multiple focus configurations and sharpness analysis algorithms. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate depth sensors and reduces overall system manufacturing complexity and cost
3Measurement precision
If extensive processing is applied to obtain depth information, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts depth information directly from the sharpness characteristics of images captured at different focus configurations, rather than applying extensive post-processing to multiple sensor inputs. This extraction approach maintains measurement precision while reducing processing complexity and improving computational efficiency
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 approach reduces the need for multiple sensor systems and minimizes processing requirements, enabling efficient and accurate generation of detailed depth maps, thereby lowering costs and complexity while maintaining high accuracy in applications such as autonomous vehicles and computer vision.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining image data captured at an image sensor using a focus configuration
Implementation Method 2
captured at an image sensor
Implementation Method 3
determining a distance of one or more objects in the image data, based on the focus configuration and a sharpness characteristic of the image data of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising the steps of obtaining image data captured at an image sensor using a focus configuration. A distance is determined for one or more objects in the image data, based on the focus configuration and a sharpness characteristic of the image data of the object. A depth map is then generated based on the determined distance.