Dual Sensor Imaging Device Balancing Depth of Field and Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing the number of pixels in image sensors to improve image quality leads to a decrease in the depth of field, as larger diaphragm diameters result in a narrower focusing range, necessitating a technique to suppress this decrease in depth of field.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with first and second image sensors capturing optical images with parallax, each having a dedicated imaging optical system with focal positions deviated along the optical axis within a mutual depth of field, and a focus processing unit adjusting these focal positions with a constant deviation amount, particularly larger on the closer point side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the diaphragm diameter is increased to improve resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the depth of field decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is divided into multiple imaging units (first and second imaging units) with separate imaging optical systems. Each optical system images a different depth region, segmenting the depth of field coverage. This allows each optical system to use a larger diaphragm for high resolution while collectively covering a broader depth range through the combination of multiple units with different focal positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the solution from a single optical axis to multiple optical axes by arranging multiple imaging units side by side. Each unit captures images at different depth regions, and the focal positions are deviated in the optical axis direction. This dimensional extension allows simultaneous achievement of high resolution (via larger diaphragms) and extended depth of field coverage.
2Measurement precision
If the number of pixels in image sensors is increased to improve image quality, then the resolution is improved, but the depth of field decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple imaging units, each responsible for capturing a specific depth region. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for high resolution with increased pixel count and larger diaphragm, while the collective system achieves extended focusing range through the combination of multiple units with deviated focal positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Each imaging unit is designed with local optimization for high image quality (increased pixels and larger diaphragm), while the focal position of each unit is specifically deviated to cover a particular depth region. This local quality approach ensures that each unit delivers high resolution for its designated depth range, and the overall system achieves both high image quality and extended focusing range.
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 configuration effectively suppresses the decrease in depth of field even when resolution is increased, maintaining a deeper apparent focusing range.
Implementation Method 1
a first imaging optical system that forms the first optical image on a light receiving surface of the first image sensor; and a second imaging optical system that forms the second optical image on a light receiving surface of the second image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device according to the present invention includes: first and second image sensors that respectively capture a first optical image and a second optical image having parallax with each other; a first imaging optical system that forms the first optical image on a light receiving surface of the first image sensor; and a second imaging optical system that forms the second optical image on a light receiving surface of the second image sensor. Each of focal positions of the first imaging optical system and the second imaging optical system is deviated along an optical axis direction and is positioned within mutual depth of field.