Imaging Device Lens Segmentation for Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices that use multiple imaging optical systems are bulky, costly, and require precise calibration, while single-system methods like DFD face accuracy issues when applied to moving images due to time differences in image capture.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a lens optical system having distinct focusing properties in different areas, combined with an array-shaped optical element that directs light to specific pixels, allowing for distance measurement using a single imaging operation and accurate calculation from brightness information of multiple images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple imaging optical systems are used for distance measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single lens optical system is divided into multiple areas (first area and second area) with different optical properties, specifically different focusing properties. This segmentation allows the system to function as multiple imaging systems would, enabling distance measurement through parallax analysis while using only one physical lens system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different areas of the lens optical system are given different local optical qualities - the first area and second area have different focusing properties. This local differentiation enables the system to capture images with different focus characteristics from the same optical system, providing the basis for accurate distance measurement without requiring multiple identical systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging optical systems are used for distance measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing and aligning multiple separate imaging optical systems, the invention segments a single lens optical system into multiple functional areas. This eliminates the need for precise alignment between multiple systems, as all areas are inherently aligned within the single lens structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple imaging functions that would traditionally require separate optical systems are merged into a single lens optical system with multiple areas. This consolidation inherently satisfies alignment requirements and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the capability to perform multi-point distance measurement.
3Device complexity
If time division method is used to acquire multiple images, then distance measurement is possible with single imaging system, but measurement accuracy degrades due to image shift
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables simultaneous image capture through a single imaging operation, maintaining continuous action without time division. By using the first area and second area of the lens system to form images at the same time, the system avoids image shift caused by subject movement between sequential captures, thereby maintaining high measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention captures multiple images with different focusing properties simultaneously in a single imaging operation. This periodic capture of complementary information (in-focus and out-of-focus images) at the same moment eliminates temporal discrepancies while providing all necessary data for accurate distance calculation.
4Productivity
If two imaging planes with different back focuses are used, then distance measurement through single imaging operation is achieved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of two separate imaging planes with different back focuses into a single imaging plane. By using the first area and second area of the lens system to project images with different focusing characteristics onto one plane, the system achieves simultaneous multi-focus imaging without requiring multiple physical image sensors or planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging function is segmented by optical path within a single imaging plane. Different regions of the imaging plane receive light from different areas of the lens system, creating multiple effective imaging zones on one plane. This segmentation of the imaging function maintains productivity while reducing device 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 accurate distance measurement through a single imaging operation without the need for precise alignment of multiple optical systems and maintains accuracy even with moving subjects by using the difference in focusing properties and brightness information across multiple images.
Implementation Method 1
an array-shaped optical element that is arranged between the lens optical system and the imaging element and is configured to cause light that has passed through the first area to enter the plurality of first pixels and to cause light that has passed through the second area to enter the plurality of second pixels
Implementation Method 2
a lens optical system including at least a first area and a second area, the second area having an optical property that causes a focusing property of the second area to differ from a focusing property of the first area
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an imaging device including: a lens optical system L including at least an optical plane area D1 and an optical plane area D2, the optical plane area D2 having an optical property that causes a focusing property of the optical plane area D2 to differ from a focusing property of the optical plane area D1 due to a light beam that has passed through the optical plane area D1; an imaging element N including at least a plurality of pixels P1 and a plurality of pixels P2 which allow light that has passed through the lens optical system L to enter; and an array-shaped optical element K that is arranged between the lens optical system L and the imaging element N and is configured to cause light that has passed through the optical plane area D1 to enter the plurality of pixels P1 and to cause light that has passed through the optical plane area D2 to enter the plurality of pixels P2.