Imaging Sensor Distance Measurement Without Separate Range Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensing systems that use high-sensitivity single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) for image quality improvement in dark environments cannot perform distance measurement without adding costly and power-consuming distance measuring sensors using infrared rays or lasers.
Innovation Solution
A sensing system that includes a light emitting section emitting irradiation light in synchronization with a high-frequency light emission control signal, a pixel array generating pulse signals through photoelectric conversion, and a counting section counting pulse signals in synchronization with both the light emission control signal and vertical synchronization signal, allowing for simultaneous image data capture and distance measurement without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a distance measuring sensor using infrared rays or lasers is added to perform distance measurement, then distance measurement capability is improved, but the power consumption and cost of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element is designed to perform both imaging and distance measurement functions using the same hardware components. The pixel array detects both image light and irradiation light, and the counting section processes signals for both functions, eliminating the need for separate distance measuring sensors and reducing overall system power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines distance measurement functionality into the existing imaging system by merging the light detection and signal processing functions. The same pixel array and counting section are used for both imaging and distance measurement, consolidating hardware resources and reducing power consumption compared to having separate independent systems
2Measurement precision
If a distance measuring sensor using infrared rays or lasers is added to perform distance measurement, then distance measurement capability is improved, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element is designed to perform both imaging and distance measurement functions using the same hardware components. The pixel array detects both image light and irradiation light, and the counting section processes signals for both functions, eliminating the need for separate distance measuring sensors and reducing overall system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines distance measurement functionality into the existing imaging system by merging the light detection and signal processing functions. The same pixel array and counting section are used for both imaging and distance measurement, consolidating hardware resources and reducing manufacturing cost compared to having separate independent systems
3Measurement precision
If the light emission control signal frequency is increased above the vertical synchronization signal frequency, then distance measurement capability is improved, but the complexity of the counting section increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counting section is divided into multiple independent counters, each responsible for counting pulse signals during specific time periods defined by the light emission control signal and vertical synchronization signal. This segmentation allows parallel processing of imaging and distance measurement data, managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic light emission control signals with frequency higher than the vertical synchronization signal to create distinct counting periods. The counting section counts pulse signals during irradiation light periods (for distance measurement) and resets during vertical synchronization periods (for imaging), using periodic timing to manage complex signal processing
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 distance measurement while capturing image data, reducing power consumption and costs by integrating distance measurement functionality into the existing imaging system without the need for separate distance measuring sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting section that emits irradiation light in synchronization with a light emission control signal
Implementation Method 2
a predetermined number of pixels that each generate a pulse signal by photoelectric conversion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sensing system that includes a light emitting section, a predetermined number of pixels, a solid-state imaging element, and a counting section. In the solid-state imaging element, the light emitting section emits irradiation light in synchronization with a light emission control signal having a higher frequency than a vertical synchronization signal. Each of the predetermined number of pixels generates a pulse signal by photoelectric conversion and the counting section counts a number of pulse signals in synchronization with each of the light emission control signal and the vertical synchronization signal.