Multi-function Image Sensor Switching Between Time-of-Flight and Structured Light Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors are limited in their application range as they are specific to either structured light sensing or time-of-flight sensing technologies, preventing their use across different 3D sensing fields.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function image sensor system that includes a pixel array circuit and a readout circuit, capable of switching between time-of-flight sensing and structured light sensing operations through different control signal groups, allowing dynamic operation based on application needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an image sensor is designed for structured light sensing, then it can perform structured light sensing operations, but it cannot be applied to time-of-flight sensing technology
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is designed with dual functionality to support both structured light sensing and time-of-flight sensing operations. The pixel array circuit can be dynamically configured through different control signal groups to perform either sensing mode, allowing a single sensor to replace multiple specialized sensors and significantly expanding its application range without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each technology
2Adaptability or versatility
If an image sensor is designed for time-of-flight sensing, then it can perform time-of-flight sensing operations, but it cannot be applied to structured light sensing technology
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor incorporates universal pixel array circuits that can operate in both time-of-flight and structured light sensing modes. By implementing configurable control signal groups that can switch between different sensing operations, the sensor achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each sensing technology, thereby expanding application versatility while managing design complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pixel array circuit is configured for a specific sensing mode, then it can perform that mode efficiently, but it cannot dynamically switch to perform the other sensing mode
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array circuit is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing it to switch between structured light sensing and time-of-flight sensing modes through different control signal groups. This dynamic capability enables the circuit to adapt its operation to different sensing requirements while maintaining efficient performance in each mode, achieving both flexibility and operational simplicity through unified control mechanisms
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 solution enhances the application range and flexibility of the image sensing system by enabling it to perform both time-of-flight and structured light sensing operations, thereby expanding its usability across various 3D sensing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pixel units is controlled by a first control signal group in a first mode to perform a time-of-flight sensing operation on the reflected light and sequentially generates a plurality of first output voltages
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensing system and a multi-function image sensor thereof are provided. The multi-function image sensor includes a pixel array circuit and a readout circuit. The pixel array circuit includes a plurality of pixel units. Each of the pixel units is controlled by a first control signal group in a first mode to perform a time-of-flight sensing operation and sequentially generates a plurality of first output voltages. Each of the pixel units is controlled by a second control signal group in a second mode to perform a structured light sensing operation and sequentially generates a plurality of second output voltages. The readout circuit respectively obtains a plurality of first digital information corresponding to the time-of-flight sensing operation according to the first output voltages in the first mode. The readout circuit respectively obtains a plurality of second digital information corresponding to the structured light sensing operation according to the second output voltages in the second mode.