Integrated RGB-Depth Camera Assembly for Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining depth maps and generating three-dimensional color images face challenges such as reduced process efficiency, difficulty in checking module performance, increased device size due to separate RGB and depth cameras, and misalignment of field of views, requiring complex calibration processes.
Innovation Solution
A compact camera device design with a light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit integrated on a shared base, using a beam splitter to align optical axes and facilitate easy assembly, alignment, and modular replacement of components, along with a system to fuse RGB and depth images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate RGB camera and depth camera are mounted together to generate three-dimensional color image, then three-dimensional color image generation capability is improved, but physical size of device has to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RGB camera and depth camera into a single integrated device with a shared base, light source, and lens group. The light-receiving unit includes both RGB sensors and depth sensors that share common optical components, allowing three-dimensional color image generation without significantly increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-receiving unit is designed with multi-functional sensors that can capture both RGB images and depth information. The shared optical system serves multiple purposes: the lens group focuses light for both RGB and depth sensors, and the light source serves both illumination and depth measurement functions, reducing the need for separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate RGB camera and depth camera are mounted together, then three-dimensional color image generation is enabled, but field of view alignment becomes complex requiring separate calibration
Solution Approach 1:
By sharing the base, light source, and lens group between RGB and depth sensing functions, the patent ensures that both sensors have identical field of view and optical characteristics. This merging of optical paths eliminates the need for complex calibration processes to align different fields of view.
3Measurement precision
If light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit are assembled with accurate active alignment, then measurement accuracy is improved, but process efficiency is reduced and individual module testing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into modular units: a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, each with independent functions. The light-receiving unit contains separate RGB sensors and depth sensors that can be tested independently. This segmentation allows for efficient assembly and individual module testing while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that separates the optical paths for RGB imaging and depth measurement. This beam splitter enables independent optimization and testing of each sensing module while maintaining accurate alignment through its precise optical positioning.
4Measurement precision
If minimum baseline between light-emitting unit and light-receiving unit is ensured for triangular method, then depth map accuracy is improved, but device size has to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light-emitting function and light-receiving function into a closely integrated configuration where the light source and sensors share common mounting structures. This allows the baseline distance to be minimized while still maintaining sufficient depth measurement accuracy through the use of multiple sensors and advanced processing algorithms.
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
Enhances assembly efficiency, allows easy alignment and replacement of modules, reduces device size, and minimizes calibration needs, while generating accurate three-dimensional color images.
Implementation Method 1
a light source 2110, a lens group 2120 disposed on the light source 2110
Implementation Method 2
a lens group 2120 disposed on the light source 2110, a diffusion member 2130 disposed on the lens group 2120
Implementation Method 3
a distance to an object is calculated by measuring a ToF, that is, a time taken during which light is emitted and then reflected back
Implementation Method 4
using a beam splitter to align optical axes and facilitate easy assembly, alignment
Data Source
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AI summary
An information generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a light-emitting unit for generating an output light signal and emitting same in a target area; a light-receiving unit for receiving an input light signal that is input after being reflected from the target area; and a base including a first hole and a second hole that are spaced apart from each other, wherein: the light-emitting unit includes a light source, a first holder disposed on the light source and disposed in the first hole of the base, and a first lens group disposed in the first holder; the light-receiving unit includes an image sensor, a second holder disposed on the image sensor and disposed in the second hole of the base, and a second lens group disposed in the second holder; the light-emitting unit further includes a third holder disposed on the first holder, and a diffusion member disposed in the third holder; and the upper edge of the second holder is seated on the top surface of the base, and the lower edge of the third holder is seated on the top surface of the base.