TOF Camera Depth Measurement Without Mechanical Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time-of-flight (TOF) camera devices face challenges in achieving high depth resolution for moving objects due to complex structures and limited rapid response speed, making it difficult to implement them in small sizes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A TOF camera device with a light output unit, a light input unit comprising pixels with first and second receiving units, and a calculating unit that calculates distance using the difference in light amounts, along with tunable lenses that adjust refractive indices and directions with applied voltages, eliminating the need for a scanner and enabling rapid light irradiation of an object's front surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scanner and mirror are used to adjust light angle and optical path in a TOF camera, then depth information can be extracted, but the structure becomes complicated and difficult to implement in a small size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the scanner and mirror from the optical system, extracting only the essential function of light direction control. This is achieved by using a fixed optical path with strategic placement of beam splitters and mirrors that redirect light without requiring active scanning mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining depth measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam splitters as intermediary optical elements that divide and redirect light paths. These beam splitters act as mediators between the light source and the sensor, enabling the light to traverse multiple optical paths and reflect off multiple surfaces without requiring mechanical scanning, thus reducing structural complexity
2Speed
If a scanner is used to rapidly adjust the angle of light, then the refractive index can be adjusted with rapid response speed, but the scanner itself has technical limitations in achieving rapid response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanner system with a static optical arrangement. Instead of using a mechanically moving scanner to adjust light angles, the invention uses fixed beam splitters and mirrors positioned at specific angles to achieve the same light redirection function, eliminating mechanical response limitations and achieving instantaneous optical path adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates dynamic light path control through static optical elements by using multiple beam splitters and mirrors arranged to create multiple reflected paths. This allows the system to dynamically access different spatial regions of the object surface without mechanical movement, achieving rapid response through optical design rather than mechanical actuation
3Measurement precision
If multiple light reflections are required in the TOF camera, then depth measurement is possible, but implementing the device in a small size becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compact optical layout where beam splitters and mirrors are arranged in a nested configuration. The optical paths are folded back on themselves multiple times within a confined space, allowing multiple reflections to occur within a small volume. This nested arrangement of optical elements enables sufficient light path length for accurate depth measurement while keeping the overall device footprint minimal
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 solution allows for precise depth information extraction with improved optical efficiency, reduced power consumption, and simplified assembly, enabling mass production of compact TOF cameras without the need for a scanner.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens that refracts light output from the light output unit in a first direction and a second lens that refracts light output from the light output unit in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric element arranged on the glass film. The shape of the polymer may change according to a voltage applied to the piezoelectric element
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A camera device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a light output unit that outputs IR (infrared) light; a light input unit including a plurality of pixels respectively having a first receiving unit and a second receiving unit, and having light that is reflected by an object and input therein after the light is output from the light output unit; and a calculating unit that calculates the distance to the object by using the difference in the amount of light input to the first receiving unit and the second receiving unit of the light input unit. The camera device further comprises a first lens and a second lens disposed between the light output unit and the object, wherein the first lens refracts the light output from the light output unit in a first direction, and the second lens refracts the light output from the light output unit in a second direction.