Display-Integrated Optical Channels for Hyper-Resolution Dot Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for depth-map determination in facial recognition, such as face ID or face recognition, rely on methods like structured illumination or active stereo, which require projecting a non-regular dot pattern and capturing it with imaging devices, leading to distortion and a need for compact means to integrate dot pattern capture with display devices.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple imaging optical channels and detector pixel arrangements is integrated with a display, allowing for hyper-resolution evaluation of a projected dot pattern by comparing signal intensities of different detector pixels, enabling compact devices capable of depth-map production and facial recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple imaging devices are used to capture the projected dot pattern with high accuracy, then depth-map determination precision is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions into a single integrated device by merging the display means with the imaging optical channels and detector pixel arrangements. The display pixels serve both as display elements and as reference points for depth measurement, while the imaging channels capture both the projected dot pattern and the reflected light from the display, eliminating the need for separate imaging devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The display pixels are given dual functionality: they serve as graphic display elements and simultaneously as calibration reference points for the depth-sensing system. The imaging optical channels perform both dot pattern capture and display pattern recognition. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving measurement accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate imaging devices are used for dot pattern capture, then imaging function is achieved, but integration with display device is poor and overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display device and imaging device into a single integrated unit. The display means and imaging optical channels are positioned such that the optical channels pass through the display plane, allowing both functions to share the same physical space. This integration dramatically reduces the overall device volume while improving adaptability, as the system can now function as both a display and a depth-sensing device without requiring separate housings or mounting structures
3Volume of moving object
If display pixels are used for both display and imaging reference, then device compactness is improved, but signal intensity comparison complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation process that compares signal intensities between detector pixels receiving reflected light from the display pixels and detector pixels receiving light from the projected dot pattern. This intermediary comparison step serves as a mediator that resolves the complexity by providing a systematic method to differentiate between display pixel signals and dot pattern signals, enabling compact integration while managing evaluation complexity through structured signal 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
This integration allows for accurate depth-map determination and facial recognition without the need for large optical systems, providing a compact and efficient solution for devices like smart watches.
Implementation Method 1
each of which includes an optic and at least one detector pixel arrangement; the plurality of optical channels being configured to obtain an image of a dot pattern of a field of view by imaging said field of view
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a plurality of imaging optical channels inclined in relation to one another, each of which includes an optic and at least one detector pixel arrangement. The plurality of optical channels are configured to obtain an image of a dot pattern of a field of view by imaging said field of view. The optical channels pass through the display plane and are set up for imaging (projecting) the field of view between the display pixels. The device includes an evaluator that is coupled to detector pixels of the detector pixel arrangements and configured to evaluate the dot pattern on the basis of a comparison, which causes hyper resolution, of signal intensities of different detector pixels so as to obtain an evaluation result, and to control the device at least partly on the basis of the evaluation result.