Rotatable Image Sensor for Disparity Image Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in generating a large number of disparity images while maintaining spatial resolution, particularly when the direction of the base line and the edge direction are parallel, leading to decreased distance measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device comprising an imaging lens, a photodetector cell array image sensor, and a lens array with a processor that acquires rotation information to generate disparity images, allowing for the rotation of the image sensor and lens array relative to the imaging lens, thereby increasing the number of disparity images without decreasing spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of disparity images is increased to improve distance measurement accuracy for arbitrary edges, then the angular resolution in the base line direction must be increased, but this requires generating a larger number of images from different viewpoints which increases device complexity and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image sensor rotatable relative to the lens array, allowing the baseline direction to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the system to rotate the baseline to be orthogonal to edge directions, improving distance measurement accuracy without needing to generate a large number of disparity images from different viewpoints. The rotatable mechanism allows adaptive optimization of the baseline orientation based on the object geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the baseline by rotating the image sensor. This parameter change allows the system to adapt the baseline direction to be orthogonal to edge directions, thereby improving measurement accuracy. Instead of increasing the number of disparity images, the system modifies the orientation parameter to optimize the triangulation geometry for distance measurement.
2Device complexity
If the baseline direction is fixed, then the device structure is simplified, but distance measurement accuracy decreases when the baseline and edge directions are parallel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed baseline structure into a dynamic one by introducing a rotatable image sensor. This allows the baseline direction to be adjusted dynamically to achieve orthogonality with edge directions, improving measurement accuracy while maintaining relative structural simplicity through a single rotation mechanism rather than multiple fixed configurations.
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 the generation of a larger number of disparity images while maintaining or improving spatial resolution, enhancing distance measurement accuracy even when the base line and edge directions are not orthogonal.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array for generating disparity images that is provided between the imaging lens and the image sensor, and includes a plurality of lenses that are disposed in an array
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor that includes a photodetector cell array in which a plurality of photodetector cells are disposed in an array
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes: an imaging lens; an image sensor that includes a photodetector cell array in which a plurality of photodetector cells are disposed in an array; a lens array for generating disparity images that is provided between the imaging lens and the image sensor, and includes a plurality of lenses that are disposed in an array; and a processor including hardware, wherein the processor acquires rotation information that represents a relative direction of an image of an object formed by the imaging lens and the image sensor, and generates disparity images based on the acquired rotation information and image information obtained from the image sensor.