Image Sensor Polarizer Array Depth Pixel Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors that combine time of flight (ToF) and polarization technologies to provide precise depth maps require two cameras, leading to increased system size and complexity, along with the need for camera calibration for image matching.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor design incorporating a polarizer array with differently oriented polarization gratings and a depth pixel array, allowing for the extraction of polarization state and depth information from a single sensor, eliminating the need for multiple cameras and simplifying calibration processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two cameras are used to obtain precise depth maps, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (polarization detection and depth measurement) into a single image sensor device. The sensor integrates a polarizer array with different polarization directions and a depth pixel array with time-of-flight measurement capabilities, eliminating the need for separate cameras while achieving both polarization and depth information from one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it captures polarization state information through the polarizer array and depth information through the time-of-flight measurement in the depth pixel array. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized cameras.
2Measurement precision
If two cameras are used to provide depth information, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple cameras into a single integrated sensor. The device incorporates both polarization detection elements and time-of-flight depth measurement elements within one sensor package, reducing the quantity of cameras from two to one while maintaining measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional image sensors are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to obtain polarization and depth information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into distinct functional regions: a polarizer array with multiple unit pixels having different polarization directions, and a depth pixel array with photoelectric conversion devices and readout circuits. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as an integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor have specialized structures tailored to their functions. The polarizer array region contains polarization-sensitive elements with specific orientations, while the depth pixel array region contains time-of-flight measurement components. This local specialization enables the sensor to extract both polarization and depth information effectively.
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 efficient acquisition of three-dimensional image data with reduced system size and complexity, providing accurate polarization and depth information while simplifying the calibration process.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the depth pixels may include a photoelectric conversion device
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a polarizer array and a depth pixel array. The polarizer array may include first to fourth unit pixels, which are arranged in a first direction and a second direction crossing each other, and may include polarization gratings respectively provided in the first to fourth unit pixels. The polarization gratings of the first to fourth unit pixels may have polarization directions different from each other. The depth pixel array may include depth pixels corresponding to the first to fourth unit pixels, respectively. Each of the depth pixels may include a photoelectric conversion device and first and second readout circuits, which are connected in common to the photoelectric conversion device.