Image Sensor Distance Measurement Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing apparatuses with distance measurement functions are bulky and costly due to the need for separate distance sensors, making miniaturization and cost reduction difficult, especially when detecting object distance and inclination.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with an image sensor and distance-measuring light-emitting devices that use a control circuit to detect spot light positions and calculate object distance, eliminating the need for separate photodetector devices by integrating distance-measuring functionality into the image sensor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate distance sensors are used for distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the distance measurement function with the existing image sensor by using the image sensor to detect spot light positions from distance-measuring light-emitting devices. This merging eliminates the need for separate distance sensors and photodetector devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is made multi-functional by using it for both image capture and distance measurement. The same image sensor that captures images also detects the positions of spot lights emitted by distance-measuring light-emitting devices, allowing a single component to perform multiple functions and avoiding additional sensors.
2Measurement precision
If separate photodetector devices are added for distance measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the photodetector function into the existing image sensor. The image sensor serves dual purposes: capturing images and detecting spot light positions for distance measurement. This eliminates the need for separate photodetector devices, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining distance measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions including image capture and distance measurement through spot light detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components like separate photodetectors, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while preserving measurement capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for distance and inclination detection, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines distance and inclination detection functions into the existing image sensor system. By detecting spot light positions from multiple distance-measuring light-emitting devices using the same image sensor, the system achieves both distance and inclination measurement without adding separate sensors, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while minimizing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is made multi-functional to handle both distance and inclination detection. The same sensor detects spot light positions that provide information for both distance calculation and inclination determination, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors and reducing overall device volume.
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 miniaturization and cost reduction by using the image sensor for both image capture and distance measurement, allowing for accurate detection of object distance and inclination without additional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an image capturing apparatus for capturing an image of an object by illuminating the object and receiving reflected light from the object
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus illuminates an object and captures an image of the object using the reflected light from the object. The image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor for capturing an image of the object by receiving reflected light, distance-measuring light-emitting devices for irradiating the object with spot light, and a control circuit for driving the distance-measuring light-emitting devices, detecting the spot light positions of the distance-measuring light-emitting devices from an image captured by the image sensor, and obtaining the distance to the object. The image sensor provided for capturing an image of the object can be used as a photodetector device for distance measurement. With this, it becomes unnecessary to separately provide a photodetector device for distance measurement, which enables miniaturization of the image capturing apparatus, as well as cost reduction.