Imaging Module With Polygonal Liquid Crystal Apertures for Stereo Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices using Depth From Defocus (DFD) technology face limitations in practicality due to constraints in manufacturing design, particularly in the size and arrangement of liquid crystal panel electrodes, which restrict the baseline length and parallax in stereo imaging, leading to inaccurate three-dimensional position estimation.
Innovation Solution
The imaging module incorporates a liquid crystal panel with a panel surface shaped as a regular N-sided polygon, featuring apertures spaced apart by a specific circular region, allowing for longer baseline lengths between apertures, thereby enhancing the accuracy of three-dimensional position estimation through stereo imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the liquid crystal panel uses a conventional circular or rectangular design, then the manufacturing design is simpler, but the baseline length between apertures is restricted, reducing stereo imaging accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from conventional circular or rectangular panel designs to a regular N-sided polygonal design (where N≥4). This asymmetric geometric configuration enables the apertures to be positioned at maximum separation distances, optimizing the baseline length for stereo imaging while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized polygonal shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensional optimization by arranging apertures in two distinct regions separated by a specific circular region, effectively using the panel's geometric dimensions to maximize baseline length. The regular N-sided polygonal shape provides optimal spatial distribution for aperture placement, enhancing the baseline dimension without increasing overall panel size.
2Measurement precision
If the apertures are positioned closer together, then the panel design is simpler, but the parallax in imaged images is reduced, leading to less accurate depth estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric placement of apertures in two separate regions, separated by a specific circular region, maximizes the baseline length between apertures. This asymmetric configuration ensures that apertures are positioned at the maximum possible distance from each other, thereby increasing parallax and improving depth estimation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the panel by using a regular N-sided polygonal shape and positioning apertures based on specific distance relationships (greater than the diameter of a specific circular region). This parameter optimization enables longer baseline lengths while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Measurement precision
If the liquid crystal panel is designed with optimal aperture spacing for stereo imaging, then the three-dimensional position estimation accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes manufacturing parameters by using a regular N-sided polygonal panel shape, which provides standardized geometric relationships for aperture placement. The specific circular region serves as a reference for positioning apertures at optimal distances, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving the desired baseline length for accurate stereo imaging.
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 configuration enables more accurate estimation of the three-dimensional position of subjects by increasing the parallax in imaged images, improving the practicality and precision of the imaging device.
Implementation Method 1
liquid crystal present between the array substrate and the counter substrate and forms a specified geometric pattern under control of a voltage applied to the array substrate side electrode and the counter substrate side electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The liquid crystal panel forms a geometric pattern by controlling the voltage applied to the electrodes. The panel surface has a shape of regular N-sided polygon (N ≥4). The geometric pattern includes a first aperture pattern and a second aperture pattern that can be used for stereo imaging. The first aperture is formed in one of the two regions on the panel surface that are spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than the diameter of a circular region, so as to interpose the specific circular region therebetween. The circular region has a center on the central axis of the cylindrical member and has the following diameter φ1. φ1=√2×r−2×d, where r: the radius of the inside of cylinder, d: the shortest distance from an end side of the array substrate to a circular electrode corresponding to the above circular area from a manufacturing design perspective.