TOF Camera Module with Movable Optics for High-Resolution Depth Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time of flight (TOF) methods for camera modules face challenges such as low resolution, increased manufacturing cost and volume due to higher pixel counts, and potential harm to human eyes from modified light signals, along with degraded energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design that includes a light emitting unit with a drive unit to modify the shape of a light signal, a light receiving unit with a second optical unit and image sensor, and a control unit to adjust the distance between optical elements, enabling high-resolution imaging through super resolution techniques and reducing oscillation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of pixels of a sensor is increased to increase resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the volume and manufacturing cost of a camera module are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the optical unit movable relative to the light source through a drive mechanism. By dynamically adjusting the distance between the optical unit and light source, the system can modify light signal patterns (e.g., from concentrated to dispersed) to achieve super-resolution effects without increasing sensor pixel count, thus improving resolution while maintaining compact volume
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters by varying the distance between the optical unit and light source. This parameter change modifies the light signal characteristics and enables super-resolution imaging through pattern modulation, achieving high resolution without requiring a higher pixel-count sensor that would increase module volume
2Measurement precision
If the number of pixels of a sensor is increased to increase resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the manufacturing cost is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The movable optical unit with drive mechanism provides a cost-effective approach to super-resolution by using mechanical movement and light pattern modulation rather than requiring expensive high-resolution sensors. This dynamic adjustment capability achieves enhanced resolution at lower manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the distance parameter between optical unit and light source, the system achieves super-resolution through optical physics rather than sensor complexity, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining high resolution capability
3Measurement precision
If a pattern of an output light signal is modified according to a distance, then resolution may be improved, but there is a problem of damaging a human eye or the like and energy efficiency is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the distance to the object and provides feedback to adjust the light signal pattern accordingly. When the object is close, the system modifies the light pattern to be more dispersed, reducing intensity and preventing eye damage, while maintaining super-resolution capability through the movable optical unit
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes light signal parameters (pattern, intensity, distribution) based on distance measurements. By modifying these parameters, the system achieves super-resolution imaging while preventing harmful effects on human eyes and improving energy efficiency
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
The camera module achieves high-resolution depth mapping without significantly increasing sensor pixels, prevents human body damage from light signals, and reduces power consumption by dynamically adjusting light patterns and optical distances.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit including a light source and a first optical unit disposed at a distance from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a camera module that is used in a time of flight (TOF) method to increase a resolution
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed according to an embodiment of the present invention is a camera module, comprising: a light source; an optical unit which converts light, output by the light source, into a planar form or a multi-point form and outputs same; and an image sensor, wherein the light source is periodically turned on/off, and when the light source is turned on, the optical unit moves to be positioned in a first position, and when the light source is turned off, the optical unit moves to the initial position thereof.