Range-Gated Image Capture With Synchronized Multi-Exposure Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing range-gated cameras face challenges in capturing clear images of objects at varying distances and in low-light conditions, leading to potential delays in latency-critical applications like collision avoidance and difficulty in recognizing objects in dark environments.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with color filters and a count-enable generation unit that generates asynchronous and synchronous count enable signals for different wavelength bands, allowing simultaneous capture of color and range-gated images with controlled exposure times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If range-gating control is used to capture images at specific target distances, then imaging precision for objects at predetermined distances is improved, but the exposure time is limited and the total amount of light accumulated is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by emitting pulsed light multiple times within one frame period and performing multiple exposures at different delay times. This allows the system to accumulate light from multiple periodic light emissions while maintaining range-gating precision for specific target distances, thereby resolving the contradiction between imaging precision and total light accumulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the target distance range is varied for each frame, then multiple distance ranges can be imaged, but the time required increases causing latency delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frame period into multiple exposure operations, each targeting a different distance range with different delay times. By performing multiple exposures within a single frame period rather than requiring multiple frames, the system achieves adaptability to image multiple distance ranges while minimizing latency loss of time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by performing multiple exposures continuously within one frame period without interrupting the imaging process. This allows the system to capture multiple distance ranges in a continuous manner, reducing the time loss compared to traditional methods that would require separate frames for each distance range.
3Measurement precision
If exposure time is limited to correspond to target distance, then range-gating control precision is maintained, but visibility in dark time zones is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by performing multiple exposures at different delay times within one frame period. Each exposure maintains the precision required for range-gating control at its specific delay time, while the accumulation of multiple exposures improves visibility in dark time zones by increasing the total light accumulated without sacrificing range-gating precision.
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 clear imaging of objects at varying distances and in low-light conditions, enhancing visibility and reducing latency in critical applications by synchronizing exposure with emission timing.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit configured to emit pulses in accordance with a reception frequency of photons of light transmitted through each color filter
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus includes at least one processor or circuit configured to function as a plurality of color filters each configured to transmit light with a respective specific wavelength, a light-emitting unit configured to emit light a plurality of times within one frame period, a sensor unit configured to emit pulses according to a reception frequency of photons, a plurality of pixel units each including a counter that counts the pulses and a memory that stores a count value, and a count-enable generation unit configured to generate a count enable signal. The count-enable generation unit generates a first count enable signal that is asynchronous with an emission timing of the light-emitting unit and that includes a single enable period within one frame period, and/or a second count enable signal that is synchronous with the emission timing and that includes a plurality of enable periods within one frame period.