Single Sensor Depth Imaging via Angularly Selective Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereo camera systems require two separate imaging systems to capture depth information, which can be cumbersome and inefficient for applications like automotive safety and machine vision.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single image sensor and a single imaging objective with angularly selective pixels to generate two images from different portions of the objective, determining depth information from spatial shifts between these images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two separate imaging systems are used to capture depth information, then depth measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate imaging systems into a single imaging system that uses angularly selective pixels to capture light from different portions of a single imaging objective. This merging approach maintains depth measurement capability while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for two separate cameras, their respective lenses, and synchronized control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the functionality of two separate imaging systems into different portions of a single imaging objective, with each portion directing light through angularly selective pixels to create distinct image streams. This segmentation allows the system to process depth information from multiple optical paths while using a unified hardware platform.
2Measurement precision
If two separate imaging systems are used to capture depth information, then depth information is obtained, but the system becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two imaging systems into one with angularly selective pixels, the patent eliminates the need for complex synchronization between separate cameras, reduces calibration complexity, and simplifies the overall system operation while maintaining the ability to capture depth information effectively.
3Device complexity
If a single imaging objective with angularly selective pixels is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture depth information must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different portions of the imaging objective have different optical characteristics, with each portion optimized to direct light at specific angles to the angularly selective pixels. This allows the single imaging objective to perform the function of two separate objectives while maintaining depth measurement accuracy through localized optical path differentiation.
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 efficient and compact depth information capture, allowing for improved focus adjustment and high-dynamic range imaging while reducing hardware complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging objective having a first portion for forming a first optical image of the scene, and a second portion for forming a second optical image of the scene
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor for capturing the first and second optical images and generating respective first and second electronic images therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A system for obtaining image depth information for at least one object in a scene includes (a) an imaging objective having a first portion for forming a first optical image of the scene, and a second portion for forming a second optical image of the scene, the first portion being different from the second portion, (b) an image sensor for capturing the first and second optical images and generating respective first and second electronic images therefrom, and (c) a processing module for processing the first and second electronic images to determine the depth information. A method for obtaining image depth information for at least one object in a scene includes forming first and second images of the scene, using respective first and second portions of an imaging objective, on a single image sensor, and determining the depth information from a spatial shift between the first and second images.