Multi-Focus Optical System for Vehicle Depth Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle imager systems lack the capability to capture multi-focus images with depth data effectively, which is essential for controlling vehicle functions such as headlamp control, collision warning, and object detection, and existing display systems do not efficiently project multi-focus images with depth data for occupant displays.
Innovation Solution
A multi-focus optical system comprising an imager or display with an optics assembly that includes a main lens assembly and a micro lens assembly extending to infinity, along with a controller to process and output signals for vehicle control or image display, utilizing a hexagonal or other geometric lens layout to enhance spatial frequency and color data, and incorporating electro-optic apertures for dynamic aperture control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional single-focus lens system is used, then the system is simple and power consumption is low, but the system cannot capture depth data and multi-focus images
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is segmented into a main lens assembly and multiple micro lens assemblies, where each micro lens assembly focuses light from different depth planes onto corresponding pixel regions. This segmentation enables the system to capture multi-focus images with depth information while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by arranging multiple micro lens assemblies at different positions and orientations relative to the main lens. This dimensional arrangement allows light rays from different depth planes to be directed to different pixel regions, enabling depth discrimination without requiring multiple separate cameras.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate imagers are used to capture depth data, then depth information is obtained, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the depth sensing function with the existing single imager by incorporating a multi-focus optics assembly. This allows the same image sensor to capture both standard images and depth information simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate depth-sensing cameras and reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The optics assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can capture standard focused images, multi-focus images for depth determination, and images at various intermediate depths. This multi-functionality allows a single imager system to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-focus optics assembly is implemented, then multi-focus images with depth data are captured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the image sensor are assigned to different micro lens assemblies, with each region optimized for capturing light from specific depth planes. This local specialization allows the system to capture multi-focus images effectively while keeping each individual micro lens assembly relatively simple in design.
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 the capture and display of multi-focus images with depth data, enhancing vehicle control functions like object detection and providing a glasses-free 3D display experience by accurately projecting images at varying distances, reducing power consumption and improving spatial recognition.
Implementation Method 1
a main lens assembly configured to substantially focus a scene on to a plane
Implementation Method 2
main lens assembly configured to substantially focus a scene on to a plane
Implementation Method 3
a micro lens assembly in optical communication between the main lens and the image sensor to substantially focus on to same the plane as the main lens assembly extending out to infinity
Implementation Method 4
micro lens assembly configured to substantially focus on to same the plane as the main lens assembly extending out to infinity
Implementation Method 5
an optics assembly in optical communication with the image sensor, the optics assembly configured to capture light rays
Data Source
AI summary
An imager system configured for a vehicle control system is provided that includes at least one imager configured to capture a multi-focus image having depth data, the imager comprising an image sensor comprising an array of pixels, and an optics assembly in optical communication with the image sensor, the optics assembly configured to capture light rays, wherein the optics assembly comprising a main lens assembly configured to substantially focus a scene on to a plane, a micro lens assembly in optical communication between the main lens and the image sensor to substantially focus on to same the plane as the main lens assembly extending out to infinity, and a controller in communication with the imager, wherein the controller is configured to output a signal for controlling a function of the vehicle, the signal based upon the depth data determined from the multi-focus image.