Distance Image Generation Device with Variable Micro-Frame Synthesis

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distance image generation technologies face challenges in achieving both high frame rates and appropriate distance resolution, particularly in applications where high accuracy is required for short distances but not for long distances.

Innovation Solution

A distance image generation device and method that acquire micro-frames as one-bit signals and synthesize them into sub-frames with different numbers of micro-frames in varying periods, allowing for the generation of a first and second sub-frame within a ranging frame period, optimizing the number of micro-frames based on the ranging target distance to improve frame rates while maintaining distance resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the number of micro-frames synthesized is increased to improve distance resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but frame rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance resolutionVSAvoidframe rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different numbers of micro-frames for synthesizing different sub-frames based on distance requirements. Specifically, a first sub-frame uses a greater number of micro-frames for high-distance measurements requiring higher precision, while a second sub-frame uses a smaller number of micro-frames for low-distance measurements where lower precision is acceptable, thereby optimizing the balance between measurement precision and frame rate across different ranging scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the number of micro-frames synthesized variable rather than fixed. The synthesis unit dynamically adjusts the number of micro-frames used for each sub-frame based on the ranging target distance, allowing the system to adapt its resource allocation in real-time to match the actual measurement requirements, thus improving overall system efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the number of micro-frames synthesized is increased to ensure distance resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance resolutionVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different numbers of micro-frames for synthesizing different sub-frames based on distance requirements. Specifically, a first sub-frame uses a greater number of micro-frames for high-distance measurements requiring higher precision, while a second sub-frame uses a smaller number of micro-frames for low-distance measurements where lower precision is acceptable, thereby optimizing the balance between measurement precision and frame rate across different ranging scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the number of micro-frames synthesized variable rather than fixed. The synthesis unit dynamically adjusts the number of micro-frames used for each sub-frame based on the ranging target distance, allowing the system to adapt its resource allocation in real-time to match the actual measurement requirements, thus improving overall system efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances frame rates while ensuring appropriate distance resolution, particularly in scenarios where high accuracy is needed for short distances without compromising long-distance measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

acquire a micro-frame constituted by a one-bit signal based on incident light to a photoelectric conversion element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230384432A1Distance image generation device and distance image generation method

Publication Date: 2023.11.30 CANON KK

AI summary

A distance image generation device including an acquisition unit configured to acquire a micro-frame constituted by a one-bit signal based on incident light to a photoelectric conversion element, and a synthesis unit configured to generate a sub-frame constituted by a multi-bit signal by synthesizing a plurality of the micro-frames acquired in different periods from each other. In one ranging frame period, the synthesis unit generates a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame, used for generating one distance image. The number of the plurality of micro-frames synthesized when generating the first sub-frame and the number of the plurality of micro-frames synthesized when generating the second sub-frame are different from each other.