Stereo Imager Polarization Segmentation for Distance Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face limitations in increasing the accuracy of distance information, particularly due to the sensitivity and resolution issues related to polarized and non-polarized pixels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a stereo imager with multiple sensors, each comprising imaging units with polarizers at specific spindle angles, allowing for the combination of unit images to obtain polarization information in multiple directions, thereby enhancing the accuracy of distance information generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple polarized pixels are used to obtain polarization information in multiple directions, then measurement precision of distance information is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device divides the sensor into multiple imaging units, each containing a different number and arrangement of polarized and non-polarized pixels. This segmentation allows each unit to contribute differently to polarization information acquisition, reducing the need for every pixel to be polarized while still achieving accurate distance measurement through combination of multiple unit images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines images from multiple imaging units with different polarizer configurations to obtain polarization information in at least three directions. By merging the data from these diverse units, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring each individual unit to contain all polarization directions, thus reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If more polarized pixels are included in each imaging unit, then polarization information accuracy is improved, but sensitivity and resolution of normal information decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Different imaging units are designed with different local qualities - some have more polarized pixels, others have more non-polarized pixels. This local variation allows the system to optimize for both polarization accuracy and sensitivity/resolution in different regions, which when combined, provide overall high performance without the trade-offs of uniform design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single imaging unit design to a multi-dimensional approach using multiple imaging units with varying polarizer configurations. This dimensional expansion allows the system to gather polarization information from multiple angles and configurations simultaneously, achieving high accuracy without sacrificing sensitivity or resolution in any single unit.
3Ease of manufacture
If all imaging units have the same polarizer configuration, then manufacturing ease is improved, but the ability to obtain polarization information in multiple directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally introduces asymmetry by designing imaging units with different polarizer configurations rather than using identical units throughout. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that polarization information in multiple directions can be obtained, as each unit contributes unique directional data that complements the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves universality by designing a modular imaging device where multiple imaging units with different configurations work together as a unified system. Each unit serves a specific function in capturing polarization information from different directions, and collectively they provide comprehensive polarization coverage that no single uniform configuration could achieve alone.
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
This approach increases the sensitivity and resolution of normal information, leading to improved accuracy of distance information by reducing the number of polarized pixels and utilizing non-polarized pixels effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the imaging unit includes a polarizer having at least one kind of polarization spindle angle
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device capable of further increasing the accuracy of distance information and an electronic apparatus equipped with the imaging device are provided. The present technology provides an imaging device that includes a stereo imager, and the stereo imager includes a plurality of sensors. Each sensor of the plurality of sensors has an imaging unit formed with a plurality of repeating units. The imaging unit includes a polarizer having at least one kind of polarization spindle angle, and at least two unit images obtained by a plurality of the imaging units are combined, to obtain information about polarization in at least three directions, and generate normal information. The present technology further provides an electronic apparatus equipped with the imaging device.