Multi-Plane Image Sensor Layout for High-Resolution Laser Spot Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection and tracking sensors in autonomous vehicles require large and high-resolution arrays of light detection elements to accurately track laser spots, which are expensive and often expendable, necessitating the need for cost-effective solutions for destination detection and tracking.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-plane image sensor arrangements with optical elements and light-sensing elements in different planes, where incident light is redirected to increase resolution at the center of the image, allowing for higher sensitivity and accuracy without the need for specialized sensors with varying pixel sizes or smaller, less sensitive pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large and high resolution array of light detection elements is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two functional planes: a first plane with a sparse array of detection elements for initial detection and coarse tracking, and a second plane with a dense array for high-resolution precision tracking. This segmentation allows each plane to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through the coordinated operation of both planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional array problem to a three-dimensional solution by stacking detection planes at different depths. The first detection plane is positioned at a different depth than the second detection plane, creating a multi-layered detection volume. This dimensional addition allows the system to achieve high resolution tracking without requiring a single large, complex two-dimensional array, thereby reducing device complexity while improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If smaller pixels are used to increase resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but light sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the detection system are assigned different qualities: the first detection plane uses larger pixels optimized for light sensitivity to detect and initially track the laser spot, while the second detection plane uses smaller pixels optimized for high-resolution precision tracking. This local differentiation allows each region to have the pixel size appropriate for its specific function, thereby achieving high measurement precision without sacrificing light sensitivity in the initial detection stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is divided into two planes with different pixel characteristics. The first plane employs larger pixels for high light sensitivity in initial detection, while the second plane uses smaller pixels for high resolution. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing both large pixels (for sensitivity) and small pixels (for resolution) to coexist in different functional zones of the overall detection system.
3Measurement precision
If specialized sensors with varying pixel sizes are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing sensors with spatially varying pixel sizes (which would be complex), the patent changes the parameter of pixel size uniformly across each detection plane. The first plane uses uniformly sized larger pixels, and the second plane uses uniformly sized smaller pixels. This parameter change approach simplifies fabrication compared to creating sensors with continuously varying or irregularly sized pixels, while still achieving high boresight resolution through the multi-plane configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the manufacturing complexity issue by moving from a single-plane solution requiring varying pixel sizes to a multi-plane solution with uniform pixels on each plane. This dimensional transition to stacked planes simplifies fabrication because standard uniform pixel arrays can be manufactured on each plane independently, avoiding the need for complex variable-pixel-size manufacturing processes while still achieving the desired high resolution in the boresight region.
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 enhances the resolution of the boresight region of the image sensor, enabling precise guidance of autonomous vehicles to their destination while reducing costs and maintaining light sensitivity, as larger pixels are used in lower resolution areas for initial detection and coarse guidance, with multiple planes providing high-resolution imaging.
Implementation Method 1
incident light reflected from a destination
Implementation Method 2
a first lens element disposed within a position in a central row of the first plurality of rows and in a central column of the first plurality of columns; and a second plurality of light-sensing elements arranged in a second plurality of rows in a second image sensing plane
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for image sensing. Embodiments include a first plurality of light-sensing elements arranged in a first plurality of rows and a first plurality of columns in a first image sensing plane. Embodiments include a first lens element disposed within a position in a central row of the first plurality of rows and in a central column of the first plurality of columns. Embodiments include a second plurality of light-sensing elements arranged in a second plurality of rows in a second image sensing plane, different from the first image sensing plane. In certain embodiments, the first lens element is configured to redirect incident light reflected from a destination onto the second plurality of light-sensing elements in the second image sensing plane for use in guiding a steerable object toward the destination.