Focus-Tunable Lens Distance Sensing Without Dedicated Depth Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for obtaining distance information in augmented or mixed reality systems, such as using depth sensors or stereo cameras, require significant space and high power consumption, and their accuracy decreases with distance, leading to superposition of objects.
Innovation Solution
Employing a focus-variable lens and a high-resolution image sensor to capture images at varying focal lengths, allowing estimation of focal distances and subsequent calculation of object distances without the need for separate mounting spaces or high power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If depth sensors or stereo cameras are used to obtain distance information, then distance measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the distance measurement function with the existing image sensor and focus-variable lens system. By varying the focal length of the lens and capturing multiple images at different focal planes, the system extracts distance information from the image data itself, merging imaging and depth sensing into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate depth sensors or stereo camera pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus-variable lens system serves multiple functions: it performs the primary imaging function while simultaneously enabling distance measurement through focal length variation. The same optical path and image sensor used for capturing images are also utilized for obtaining depth information, eliminating the need for dedicated separate components.
2Measurement precision
If depth sensors or stereo cameras are used to obtain distance information, then distance measurement capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the focus-variable lens's inherent ability to vary focal length for the dual purpose of imaging and distance measurement. By utilizing the lens's natural focusing mechanism and capturing images at different focal planes, the system extracts depth information without requiring additional active components or high power consumption associated with traditional depth sensors.
3Measurement precision
If conventional depth sensing methods are used, then distance information can be obtained, but accuracy decreases with distance leading to object superposition
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically varies the focal length of the lens to capture images at multiple focal planes. This dynamic focusing approach allows the system to adapt to different object distances and maintain accurate depth information extraction across various ranges, preventing the superposition problem that occurs with fixed focal length systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures multiple images at different focal lengths before final processing. By preliminarily acquiring images across a range of focal planes, the system builds up depth information that maintains accuracy at various distances, allowing subsequent processing to correctly identify and separate objects at different depths without superposition.
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
Reduces space and power requirements while maintaining accurate distance measurement, enabling efficient and precise distance information acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
the focus-variable lens may change a focal length of the focus-variable lens in response to a change in voltage
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include: a focus tunable lens; an image sensor for acquiring an image frame of light incident through the focus tunable lens; and at least one processor, including processing circuitry, operatively connected to the focus tunable lens and the image sensor. The at least one processor may be configured to: acquire, through the image sensor, at least one or more image frames corresponding to respective at least one or more focal distances of the focus tunable lens; on the basis of the acquired at least one or more image frames, estimate a first focal distance corresponding to an object contained in the at least one or more image frames; and, on the basis of the estimated first focal distance, acquire information about the distance to the object.