Single-Axis Sensor Array for Parallax-Free TOF and Passive Imaging

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging systems require separate sensors for passive imaging and time of flight (TOF) depth sensing, which is inefficient and costly, and often suffer from parallax errors and insufficient performance in smart car applications for distance and content recognition.

Innovation Solution

A sensor array with alternating patterns of passive imaging and TOF pixels in a common semiconductor layer, integrated with a read-out only integrated circuit (ROIC) and a support module to collect and blend imaging data, allowing simultaneous TOF and passive imaging along a single optical axis without parallax.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate sensors are used for passive imaging and TOF depth sensing, then each sensor can be optimized for its specific function, but the system becomes more complex and costly with multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging performanceVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines passive imaging pixels and TOF pixels into a single sensor array, where each pixel element can function as either passive imaging or TOF measurement. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensors, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining optimized performance for both imaging functions through dedicated pixel types within the unified array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor array is designed with pixels that can serve dual purposes - some pixels are configured for passive imaging while others are configured for TOF measurements, all within a single universal sensor platform. This multi-functionality allows the system to perform both imaging tasks with one device, avoiding the need for multiple specialized sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate sensors are used for passive imaging and TOF depth sensing, then each sensor can be optimized for its specific function, but the cost increases due to multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines passive imaging pixels and TOF pixels into a single sensor array, where each pixel element can function as either passive imaging or TOF measurement. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensors, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining optimized performance for both imaging functions through dedicated pixel types within the unified array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate sensors are positioned close together, then both imaging functions can be achieved, but parallax errors occur due to different optical axes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoiddepth measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines passive imaging pixels and TOF pixels into a single sensor array, where each pixel element can function as either passive imaging or TOF measurement. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensors, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining optimized performance for both imaging functions through dedicated pixel types within the unified array.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 single-sensor solutions for improved TOF and passive imaging, reducing costs and complexity, and eliminating parallax errors, while providing superior imaging properties for distance and content recognition in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

A photodiode can be electrically connected between a base terminal of the sampling transistor and the ground for switching electrical connectivity through the sampling transistor in response to radiation incident on the photodiode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

time of flight (TOF) imaging pixels... each TOF pixel can be configured to generate a pixel value that represents the distance between that TOF pixel and a point in a field of view

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS11876111B2Sensors for simultaneous passive imaging and range finding

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 SENSORS UNLIMITED INC

AI summary

A sensor includes a sensor array. The sensor array includes a plurality of passive imaging pixels and a plurality of time of flight (TOF) imaging pixels. A method of imaging includes collecting passive imaging data from a sensor array and collecting time of flight (TOF) imaging data from the sensor array. Collecting passive imaging data and collecting TOF imaging data can be performed at least partially at the same time and along a single optical axis without parallax.