Integrated Optical Sensor for Synchronized RGB and Depth Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensors struggle to simultaneously perform lidar-based depth detection and RGB-based color detection effectively.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor is designed with a first CCD detector for infrared light and a second CCD detector for visible light, both sharing an optical path and having different light sensitivities, combined with an evaluation unit to generate output signals from distinct sampling frequencies, allowing simultaneous RGB image detection and distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate lidar sensors and camera systems are used for depth detection and color detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light detectors (first light detector for infrared, second light detector for visible light) into a single integrated optical sensor that shares a common optical path. This merging approach enables simultaneous depth measurement via time-of-flight infrared detection and color detection via visible light detection, eliminating the need for separate lidar and camera systems while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical sensor performs multiple functions through a single device: it conducts active infrared time-of-flight measurements for depth detection and passive visible light detection for color imaging. The sensor system is configured to handle both measurement types through shared optical components and coordinated light detector operation, achieving multi-functionality without increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate sensors are used for simultaneous RGB and depth detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate RGB camera and depth sensor into a single integrated optical sensor with multiple light detectors sharing a common optical path. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and calibrated, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining color detection precision through the second light detector's visible light sensitivity.
3Measurement precision
If separate optical paths are used for infrared and visible light detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a shared optical path for both infrared and visible light detection. The optical path includes common components such as lenses and filters that can handle both wavelength ranges, allowing light from the scene to be directed to appropriate light detectors without requiring separate optical pathways. This reduces optical path complexity while maintaining detection precision through wavelength-selective filtering and detector specialization.
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 optimal time synchronization of color and depth information, reduces manufacturing costs, and eliminates the need for separate calibration, while achieving higher integration and reduced sensor size.
Implementation Method 1
the first light detector is configured to detect light in the infrared wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
the second light detector is configured to detect light in the visible wavelength range
Implementation Method 3
the light in the infrared wavelength range may preferably be generated with the aid of an infrared laser source
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor includes first and second light detectors, an optical path, and an evaluation unit. The first light detector detects light in the infrared wavelength range. A light sensitivity of the CCD sensors of the first and second light detectors differ from one another with regard to a predefined wavelength range. The first and second light detectors include pixels in columns and situated next to one another so that a first longitudinal side of the first light detector adjoins a first longitudinal side of the second light detector, and the first and second light detectors receive light via the optical path. The first and second light detectors generate first and second measuring signals, respectively, from electrical charges. The evaluation unit receives the first measuring signals at a first sampling frequency and the second measuring signals at a second sampling frequency, and combines these to form an output signal.