Distance Image Acquisition Using Common Control Pattern
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance image acquisition apparatus using the time-of-flight method with compressive sensing technique face challenges in achieving high spatial resolution due to reduced pixel count per group, increased cost, and complex processing requirements for lens arrangement and parallax correction.
Innovation Solution
A distance image acquisition apparatus and method that applies a common control pattern with alternating logical values to all pixels, using a single charge accumulation portion for each pixel, allowing for distance image acquisition via compressive sensing with a reduced number of control patterns, thereby simplifying the optical system and eliminating the need for parallax correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If pixels are divided into multiple groups with different control patterns, then temporal resolution is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a single control pattern that alternates logical values between different time periods for all pixels. This allows temporal resolution to be improved through time-multiplexed charge accumulation without dividing pixels into groups, thereby maintaining spatial resolution.
2Loss of time
If pixels are divided into multiple groups, then temporal resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single control pattern for all pixels instead of different control patterns for different pixel groups. This universal control pattern achieves temporal resolution improvement through time-multiplexed charge accumulation, reducing the number of control patterns from multiple to one, thereby simplifying the control system.
3Loss of time
If pixels are divided into multiple groups, then temporal resolution is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining all pixels under a single control pattern instead of having separate control patterns for different pixel groups. This eliminates the need for multiple lenses and complex optical systems required for grouped pixels, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining temporal resolution through time-multiplexed charge accumulation.
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 easy acquisition of distance images with high spatial resolution using fewer control patterns, reducing system complexity and cost, while maintaining high temporal resolution.
Implementation Method 1
Each pixel includes a photodiode... charges generated in the photodiode
Implementation Method 2
acquiring a time until the light pulse output from a light source is reflected by the object and returns to the imaging element
Data Source
AI summary
A distance image acquisition apparatus includes a light source, an irradiation optical system, an imaging optical system, an imaging element, and a processing unit. The imaging element receives a light pulse output from the light source, reflected by an object, and passed through the imaging optical system on a light receiving surface. Each of a plurality of pixels on the light receiving surface includes a photodiode for generating charges by receiving light, and a charge accumulation portion for accumulating the charges generated in the photodiode. The processing unit commonly applies a control pattern to the plurality of pixels. The control pattern indicates a period in which the charges generated in the photodiode are accumulated in the charge accumulation portion. The processing unit acquires a distance image of the object based on an amount of charges generated in the photodiode and accumulated in the charge accumulation portion.