Object Detection Pixel Segmentation for Ranging and Visible Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid-state imaging devices for ranging apparatuses face performance degradation due to the need for RGB pixels occupying space meant for IR pixels, which reduces the area available for IR pixels and degrades ranging performance.
Innovation Solution
An object detection apparatus with a light reception unit comprising a reflected light reception pixel group and one or more visible light reception pixel groups, arranged to receive reflected and visible light components separately during scanning, without reducing the ranging performance by optimizing the light reception sensitivity and area allocation for each color component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RGB pixels are arranged in the pixel unit with IR pixels, then visible light image acquisition is enabled, but the area for IR pixels is reduced and ranging performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is segmented into distinct regions: IR pixel regions for ranging image acquisition and RGB pixel regions for visible light image acquisition. This spatial segmentation allows each pixel type to occupy dedicated area without competition, resolving the contradiction between enabling visible light imaging and maintaining ranging performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the area for IR pixels is reduced to accommodate RGB pixels, then visible light components can be received, but incident light intensity for IR pixels decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The light reception unit is segmented into dedicated IR pixel regions and RGB pixel regions. This segmentation ensures that IR pixels maintain sufficient area and incident light intensity for accurate ranging, while RGB pixels independently capture visible light components, eliminating the trade-off between the two functions.
3Measurement precision
If IR pixels occupy full pixel unit area, then ranging performance is maximized, but visible light image acquisition is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into IR pixel regions and RGB pixel regions, allowing IR pixels to occupy sufficient area for high ranging accuracy while RGB pixels provide dedicated visible light imaging capability. This segmentation enables both functions to operate at optimal performance levels simultaneously.
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 accurate acquisition of ranging and visible light images without degrading the ranging performance, enhancing the accuracy of object detection and driving assist controls by ensuring sufficient incident light intensity for each color component.
Implementation Method 1
a light emission unit that emits a pulse detection light
Implementation Method 2
a reflected light reception pixel group that receives, at each scanning unit in a scanning operation, reflected light in response to an emission of the pulse detection light
Implementation Method 3
one or more visible light reception pixel groups corresponding to visible light components, receiving a visible light at each scanning unit in a scanning operation
Data Source
AI summary
An object detection apparatus that scans a detection range to detect an object is provided. The object detection apparatus includes a light emission unit that emits a pulse detection light; and a light reception unit having a plurality of light reception pixel groups, in which the plurality of light reception pixel groups include a reflected light reception pixel group that receives, at each scanning unit in a scanning operation, reflected light in response to an emission of the pulse detection light, and one or more visible light reception pixel groups corresponding to visible light components, receiving a visible light at each scanning unit in a scanning operation.