Single Sensor Vision System Merging Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vision systems require multiple cameras and processors to acquire images with varying fields of view and focal planes, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A vision system utilizing a single image sensor with multiple optical paths and illuminators, where each optical path projects a distinct field of view and focal plane onto the sensor, and a processor controls the illuminators to selectively transmit different light characteristics, allowing simultaneous acquisition of multiple image scenes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras and processors are deployed to acquire images with varying fields of view and focal planes, then the capability to capture multiple image scenes is improved, but the cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single camera system. Multiple optical paths with different fields of view and focal planes are combined to project onto one image sensor, eliminating the need for multiple separate cameras and processors. This reduces system complexity while maintaining the capability to capture multiple image scenes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera system is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating multiple optical paths that can capture different fields of view and focal planes. This multi-functional design allows one camera to replace multiple specialized cameras, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras and processors are deployed to acquire images with varying fields of view and focal planes, then the capability to capture multiple image scenes is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single camera system. Multiple optical paths with different fields of view and focal planes are combined to project onto one image sensor, eliminating the need for multiple separate cameras and processors. This reduces system complexity while maintaining the capability to capture multiple image scenes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera system is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating multiple optical paths that can capture different fields of view and focal planes. This multi-functional design allows one camera to replace multiple specialized cameras, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Device complexity
If a single image sensor with multiple optical paths is used to acquire images with varying fields of view, then the cost and complexity are reduced, but the ability to distinguish between different optical paths may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning distinct characteristics to different optical paths. Each optical path is configured with specific properties such as different fields of view, focal planes, or wavelength sensitivities. This allows the single image sensor to distinguish between different optical paths based on these localized differences, preventing information loss while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying characteristics such as wavelength, polarization, or focal length across different optical paths. These parameter variations enable the single image sensor to differentiate between multiple optical paths through computational processing, maintaining distinguishability without requiring multiple separate sensors.
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 acquisition of images with varying fields of view and focal planes without the need for additional sensors or processors, reducing costs and improving speed and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical path or the second optical path can include a selective reflector that selectively reflects the first light over the second light or the second light over the first light
Implementation Method 2
The first optical path can selectively transmit the first light over the second light
Implementation Method 3
The one or more illuminators can be configured to selectively illuminate at least a portion of the first field of view with a first light and at least a portion of the second field of view with a second light
Data Source
AI summary
Vision systems and methods for acquiring an image of an image scene and/or measuring a three-dimensional location of an object are disclosed. The vision systems can include a single image sensor, a first optical path, and a second optical path. The first optical path can be selectively transmissive of a first light, the second optical path can be selectively transmissive of a second light, and the first and second light can have a different distinguishing characteristic.