Multiband Image Sensor for Simultaneous Iris and Depth Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices require multiple camera modules to capture images of different wave bandwidths, leading to increased processing time and inefficiency in tasks like iris scanning and depth measurement.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with an image sensor that includes pixels for sensing optical signals of different wave bandwidths, allowing simultaneous acquisition and processing of multiple images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera modules are used to capture images of different wave bandwidths, then the capability to perform multiple functions (iris scanning, depth measurement) is improved, but the image processing time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera modules into a single integrated camera module that includes multiple imaging units, each capable of capturing images at different wave bandwidths. This merging approach maintains the versatility of performing multiple functions (iris scanning, depth measurement, object recognition) while enabling simultaneous image capture and processing, thereby improving productivity and reducing processing time compared to sequential processing of multiple separate modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated camera module is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions through its multiple imaging units. Each imaging unit is configured to capture images at specific wave bandwidths, allowing the single module to handle iris scanning (using infrared), depth measurement (using structured light), and object recognition (using visible light) simultaneously, thus achieving multi-functionality without sacrificing processing efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple camera modules are used to capture images of different wave bandwidths, then the capability to perform multiple functions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate camera modules into a single integrated camera module that houses multiple imaging units. This integration reduces the overall device complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple discrete components, while still maintaining the capability to perform multiple functions through the different imaging units within the single module.
3Device complexity
If images are acquired sequentially by driving camera modules one after another, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging units into a single camera module, enabling simultaneous image acquisition across different wave bandwidths. This eliminates the need for sequential operation, thereby significantly reducing image processing time while maintaining a relatively simple device structure through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated camera module enables continuous and simultaneous image capture across multiple wave bandwidths through its multiple imaging units operating in parallel. This continuous action approach eliminates the idle time associated with sequential processing, ensuring that all imaging functions (iris scanning, depth measurement, object recognition) are performed simultaneously without interruption, thus minimizing time loss.
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 real-time acquisition of iris images and depth information by processing multiple images simultaneously, reducing processing time and improving efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor with a pixel array comprising one or more pixels for sensing the light corresponding to the first wave bandwidth and the second wave bandwidth configured to transform the light corresponding to the first wave bandwidth and the second wave bandwidth to a first electric signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device includes a first light emitter, a second light emitter, a camera and a processor configured to: control the camera to obtain image data of an external object from a first wave bandwidth light output from the first light emitter and a second wave bandwidth light output from the second light emitter, which are reflected from the external object; generate first image data of the external object using a difference between first pixel image data of the external object using a difference between first pixel data corresponding to the one or more second pixels of the image; generate second image data of the external object by binning the second pixel data corresponding to the one or more second pixels of the image data; and generate authentication information based on the first image data and to generate depth information using the second image data.