Optical System Localized Magnification Driver Face Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems in automotive applications, such as those using RGB-IR image sensors, face challenges in achieving sufficient image resolution on specific zones of interest, like the driver's face, without increasing the overall pixel count and system size, which would add cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical system with localized optical power features that create non-symmetrical zones of interest, allowing for increased magnification on specific areas, like the driver's face, while maintaining the full field of view, using optical elements with localized power features positioned strategically to enhance resolution without rotational symmetry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the total number of pixels of the camera is increased to improve the resolution on the driver face, then the image resolution on the driver face is improved, but the cost and size of the whole optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing an optical element with localized optical power that creates a zone of interest with enhanced magnification specifically in the driver face region. This localized optical feature concentrates imaging resources on the critical area (driver face) without requiring a uniform increase in pixel count across the entire sensor, thereby improving resolution where needed while maintaining cost-effectiveness and manageable system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging field into a zone of interest (driver face area) and other regions, applying different optical characteristics to each segment. The optical element with localized power creates a distinct zone of interest with higher magnification for the driver face, while the rest of the field of view maintains standard imaging characteristics. This segmentation allows optimized resolution allocation without uniformly increasing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras or rotationally symmetrical distortion is used to increase pixels in a part of the image, then the resolution in the narrow part is improved, but the device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple cameras or complex distortion correction systems into a single optical element with localized optical power. This single element integrates the magnification and zone-of-interest creation functions that would otherwise require separate cameras or complex software processing, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving the same resolution enhancement in the driver face region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by using an optical element with localized optical power that creates a non-uniform, asymmetric zone of interest rather than relying on rotationally symmetrical distortion. This asymmetric approach allows precise targeting of the driver face area with enhanced resolution without the need for symmetric distortion patterns that would require more complex calibration and processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a standard refractive optical element with added feature of localized power is used, then the localized zones of interest can be created off-axis, but the optical design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-integrating the localized optical power feature directly into the manufacturing process of the standard refractive optical element. Rather than adding complex post-processing steps or separate components, the localized power feature is incorporated during the initial lens fabrication, which simplifies subsequent assembly and manufacturing while enabling off-axis zone of interest creation.
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
This approach enables higher resolution imaging on specific zones of interest, like the driver's face, without increasing the total pixel count, thus improving face tracking and analysis algorithms' performance while maintaining the full field of view, reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element with a localized optical power feature added thereto. The localized optical power feature can be located anywhere on the optical element and has the effect of creating a zone of interest in an optical image with non-uniform magnification
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein are directed to optical systems creating an optical image on an image sensor, the optical image having at least one foveated region of interest created using at least one localized magnification optical feature on an optical surface. The optical system can be useful to increase the number of infrared pixels that are used to image a specific target which is only in a part of the object scene, while still being able to image the whole scene in the RGB part of the spectrum. In a preferred embodiment, the optical system is used in an automotive scenario to image with higher resolution the driver in order to more efficiently run face tracking and recognition algorithms.