ToF Camera Module With Switchable Spot and Flood Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ToF cameras are limited to a single light pattern, making them insufficient for various application fields that require either high-resolution depth maps or depth maps at long distances, as they cannot adapt to different requirements.
Innovation Solution
A ToF camera module with a light emitting unit that can switch between spot and flood light patterns by adjusting the distance between a light source and a lens assembly using a driving module, allowing for adaptive light emission based on the application's needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional TOF camera uses a fixed light pattern structure, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different application fields is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the light pattern adjustable through a movable lens assembly. The lens assembly can be positioned at different distances from the light source (first position for flood light pattern, second position for spot light pattern), allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different application requirements without changing the physical structure of the light source itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single TOF camera device that can perform multiple functions through adjustable light patterns. The same device can provide both flood light pattern for high-resolution depth maps and spot light pattern for long-distance depth maps, eliminating the need for separate devices for different applications.
2Measurement precision
If a TOF camera uses flood light pattern for high resolution depth map, then the measurement precision is improved, but the light intensity at long distance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between flood light and spot light patterns by adjusting the lens assembly position. When long-distance measurement is required, the lens assembly moves to the second position to concentrate light intensity. When high-resolution measurement is required, the lens assembly moves to the first position to provide uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by adjusting the distance between the light source and lens assembly. This parameter change transforms the light pattern from flood type to spot type, allowing the system to optimize both illumination intensity and measurement precision for different应用场景.
3Illumination intensity
If a TOF camera uses spot light pattern for long distance depth map, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the depth map resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the light pattern by moving the lens assembly between two positions. For long-distance applications, the lens assembly is positioned at the second position to concentrate light intensity. For high-resolution applications, the lens assembly is positioned at the first position to provide uniform illumination across the field of view.
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 the ToF camera module to provide high-resolution depth maps when needed and maintain precision at long distances, balancing power consumption and safety while adapting to diverse application scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit which emits light with a spot light pattern or flood light pattern to an object... a lens assembly disposed to be spaced apart from an upper end of the light source
Implementation Method 2
a lens assembly disposed to be spaced apart from an upper end of the light source... changes a distance between the light source and the lens assembly by moving the lens assembly
Implementation Method 3
a light receiving unit which receives light reflected by the object
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a light emitting unit which emits light with a spot light pattern or flood light pattern to an object, and a light receiving unit which receives light reflected by the object, wherein the light emitting unit includes a light source including a plurality of emitters disposed at a predetermined pitch, a lens assembly disposed to be spaced apart from an upper end of the light source, and a driving module which changes a distance between the light source and the lens assembly by moving the lens assembly by a predetermined movement distance from a reference distance in an optical axis direction.