Optoelectronic Sensor Filter Array and Fly's Eye Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time of flight camera sensors face challenges with low dynamics and optical cross-talk between adjacent image regions, leading to distorted images and inaccurate distance measurements, particularly in scenes with dark foreground objects and bright backgrounds, which can result in safety failures.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic sensor with a light receiver and evaluation unit, featuring a filter array with different optical attenuations and fly's eye optics with individual lenses, which increases dynamic range and reduces cross-talk, allowing for accurate distance measurement and high-quality 3D data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single received beam path through multiple directions of gaze is used, then the image can be directly stored or used further without further processing and can be produced by a simple arrangement of macroscopic lenses, but optical cross-talk between adjacent image regions occurs and the volume of the imaging optics is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single received beam path into multiple separate beam paths, with each beam path directed to a specific light reception element. This segmentation prevents light from one direction of gaze from interfering with adjacent image regions, thereby eliminating optical cross-talk while maintaining a relatively simple optical arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam splitting elements as intermediaries between the imaging optics and the image sensor. These beam splitters separate the light paths for different directions of gaze before they reach the sensor, preventing cross-talk while allowing the system to maintain a compact design without requiring complex post-processing
2Device complexity
If a classical imaging optics arrangement is used, then the image can be produced by a simple arrangement of macroscopic lenses, but the volume of the imaging optics is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates beam splitting elements and multiple light reception elements into a compact nested arrangement where the beam splitters are positioned within or adjacent to the image sensor assembly. This nesting allows multiple optical functions to be performed in a small volume, reducing the overall size of the imaging optics while maintaining the capability to capture images from multiple directions of gaze
3Measurement precision
If TOF image sensor is used with unfavorable intensity distributions, then distance value of background may be associated with foreground or intermediate value output, but this displacement of real object away from sensor results in dangerous failure of detection capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple light reception elements that can be dynamically activated or weighted based on the detected light intensity distribution. When a bright background object is detected, the system can dynamically adjust which light reception elements are used for measurement, preventing the background distance value from being incorrectly associated with the foreground object and maintaining reliable detection capability
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 solution enhances the dynamic range and reduces distortion, enabling accurate distance information capture even in complex scenes, preventing safety failures and allowing for compact, robust, and cost-effective sensors with improved response times.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element (14) having a filter element (18) of a filter array (24), with at least respective first filter elements (20) and at least respective second filter elements (22) having different optical attenuations
Implementation Method 2
the first optical element (14) has a lens (28) of a fly's eye optics (26), with the fly's eye optics (26) having a plurality of lenses (28), with a respective lens (28) being associated with at least one respective light reception element (8)
Implementation Method 3
an optoelectronic sensor (1) for the distance measurement of objects (2) in a monitored zone (4) using a time of flight method
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic sensor for the distance measurement of objects (2) in a monitored zone (4) using a time of flight method, having a light receiver (5) for receiving light from the monitored zone (4) and for outputting received signals (10), and having an evaluation unit (12) for determining the time of flight from the received signals (10), wherein the light receiver (5) is an image sensor (6) having a plurality of light reception elements (8) which are arranged in a planar manner in a matrix, wherein a first optical element (14) is arranged in front of at least one light reception element (8), with the first optical element (14) having a filter element (18) of a filter array (24), wherein at least respective first filter elements (20) and at least respective second filter elements (22) have different optical attenuations and/or the first optical element (14) has a lens (28) of a fly's eye optics (26), with the fly's eye optics (26) having a plurality of lenses (28), with a respective lens (28) being associated with at least one respective light reception element (8).