Image Sensor Clock Signal Segmentation for Distance Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors lack effective methods for simultaneously capturing color information and distance information from objects, particularly in handheld devices, where the integration of distance sensing capabilities is limited.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor design that incorporates a clock signal generator producing multiple clock signals with specific phase differences, allowing both color and distance detecting pixels to generate signals based on these signals, along with an interpolation unit to enhance distance information accuracy, and a filter to isolate infrared rays for distance detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple clock signals with different phases are used for distance detection, then distance detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into first pixels and second pixels, where first pixels generate distance signals based on at least one of the first or third clock signals, and second pixels generate distance signals based on at least one of the second or fourth clock signals. This segmentation allows different phases to be utilized across different pixel groups, improving distance detection precision while distributing the complexity across modular units
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: color detection and distance detection. The same pixel structure and clock signal generation unit serve both color imaging and distance measurement purposes, reducing overall device complexity while achieving multi-functionality
2Loss of information
If both color and distance information are captured simultaneously, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor merges color detection and distance detection functions into a single integrated device. Both color pixels and distance detecting pixels share the same sensor structure and processing pipeline, allowing simultaneous capture of color and distance information without requiring separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor achieves multi-functionality by enabling both color imaging and distance measurement within the same device architecture. The clock signal generator produces multiple phases that can be used for either color or distance detection modes, allowing the device to perform multiple functions without proportionally increasing complexity
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 the simultaneous and accurate capture of color and distance information, improving the capability of image sensors in devices like handheld cameras by enhancing distance detection precision and integration with color imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a filter configured to filter infrared rays from light reflected by the object
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of pixels configured to generate associated distance signals based on corresponding clock signals from among the at least first and second clock signals and light reflected by an object
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a clock signal generator configured to generate and output at least first and second clock signals, a plurality of pixels configured to generate associated distance signals based on corresponding clock signals from among the at least first and second clock signals and light reflected by an object, and a distance information deciding unit configured to determine distance information with respect to the object by using the associated distance signals. At least one first pixel from among the plurality of pixels is configured to generate the associated distance signal based on at least the first clock signal, and at least one second pixel from among the plurality of pixels, which is adjacent to the at least one first pixel, is configured to generate the associated distance signal based on at least the second clock signal.