Multi-Photodiode Sensor for Real-Time Depth Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems fail to accurately and efficiently capture and process depth information from two-dimensional images of three-dimensional scenes or objects, leading to inadequate depth resolution and slow processing times, which are insufficient for modern industrial and medical applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical system equipped with a tunable optical element and multiple photodiodes per pixel, allowing for capturing images at various focus positions and enabling the extraction of depth information through wavefront reconstruction and phase retrieval algorithms, thereby improving depth resolution and processing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If existing techniques are used to capture and process wavefront information, then depth information can be recovered, but the processing speed is too slow for real-time applications
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple pixels, each containing multiple photodiodes that detect light at different focus positions simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel processing of depth information across multiple spatial locations, dramatically increasing processing speed while maintaining depth resolution through the distributed measurement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-focus-plane imaging to multi-focus-position detection by adding a temporal/dimensional aspect to each pixel's measurement capability. Each pixel measures wavefront information at multiple focus positions simultaneously, creating a four-dimensional data structure (x, y, focus position, intensity) that enables real-time depth extraction without sacrificing resolution.
2Loss of information
If traditional optical systems are used, then images can be captured, but depth information is lost when projecting three-dimensional scenes onto two-dimensional images
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel in the sensor serves multiple functions: it detects light intensity at multiple focus positions simultaneously, enabling the system to recover depth information from a single image capture. This multi-functionality allows the system to retain depth information without requiring complex additional optical components, as the existing sensor array is enhanced through software processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical systems with computational methods. Instead of using intricate optical hardware to capture depth information physically, the system uses computer vision algorithms to extract depth from the captured images by analyzing focus variations across multiple focus positions, substituting mechanical complexity with computational intelligence.
3Measurement precision
If current techniques are used for wavefront capture, then depth information can be extracted, but the depth resolution is insufficient for modern industrial metrology and medical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is pre-configured with multiple photodiodes at each pixel that are positioned to detect light at different focus positions simultaneously. This preliminary arrangement of detection elements enables the system to capture depth information in advance during the image acquisition process, eliminating the need for sequential scanning and achieving both high resolution and fast processing speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor combines multiple photodiodes within each pixel to create a composite detection unit that can measure wavefront information at multiple focus positions simultaneously. This composite structure integrates the functionality of multiple separate sensors into a single pixel element, enabling high-depth resolution through combined measurements while maintaining fast processing through parallel data acquisition.
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
The system achieves enhanced depth resolution and accuracy in capturing depth maps, enabling real-time processing and generation of all-in-focus images and three-dimensional reconstructions, suitable for industrial metrology and medical imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
when an electromagnetic wave passes through an inhomogeneous medium, its wavefront phase is distorted or deformed with respect to its original shape or phase
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor, e.g. a charge-coupled device (CCD), for capturing images
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system for capturing information on the two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional distribution of wavefronts from a plurality of images, wherein the optical system comprises at least one sensor for capturing images, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of pixels and wherein at least some of the pixels comprise at least two photodiodes; at least one tunable optical element, wherein said at least one tunable optical element is adapted to vary the focus of the optical system; and wherein the optical system is configured for capturing a plurality of images with the at least one sensor at a plurality of focus positions set by the at least one tunable optical element.