Wafer Level Optics Folded Path Single Sensor Depth Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereoscopic imaging systems face limitations in resolving small objects and functionality in bright sunlight due to the need for two image sensors, which increases cost and power consumption, and suffer from low disparity between captured images, making them unsuitable for certain depth sensing applications.
Innovation Solution
A single-sensor stereoscopic imaging system with folded optic paths that redirect light from a target scene to a single image sensor, utilizing refractive prisms and wafer-level optics to increase the field of view and disparity between images, allowing for compact design and operation in bright sunlight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two image sensors are used in conventional stereoscopic imaging systems, then the field of view and disparity between images are improved, but the cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate image sensors into a single image sensor by using folded optic paths. Multiple optical paths are directed to different regions of the same sensor, allowing stereoscopic imaging with only one sensor, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining disparity measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces folded optic paths that redirect light from different spatial directions to a single image sensor. This dimensional approach allows multiple optical paths to converge on one sensor, achieving the functionality of multiple sensors through spatial redistribution of light paths
2Measurement precision
If two image sensors are used in conventional stereoscopic imaging systems, then the field of view and disparity between images are improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two image sensors into one by using folded optic paths that direct multiple light paths to different regions of a single sensor. This reduces component count and cost while maintaining the disparity measurement capability needed for stereoscopic imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The single image sensor is designed to handle multiple optical paths simultaneously, making it a multi-functional component that replaces what would traditionally require two separate sensors. This universal approach reduces system complexity and cost
3Measurement precision
If conventional stereoscopic imaging systems are used, then depth sensing is achieved, but the system cannot resolve small objects effectively due to low disparity
Solution Approach 1:
The folded optic paths introduce additional spatial dimensions and angles for capturing images. By redirecting light from multiple directions through folds, the system achieves greater effective baseline separation, which improves both disparity measurement and the resolution of small objects
4Measurement precision
If conventional stereoscopic imaging systems are used, then depth sensing is achieved, but the system suffers from low disparity between captured images
Solution Approach 1:
The folded optic paths create additional spatial separations and angular differences between the two captured images. By folding the light paths at different angles and positions, the system maximizes the disparity information available for depth sensing, preventing loss of critical depth cues
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 system effectively captures high-resolution stereoscopic images with increased disparity, enabling accurate depth sensing and reducing costs by eliminating the need for a second image sensor, while maintaining operability in bright sunlight.
Implementation Method 1
a refractive prism having an input surface, a light folding surface, and an output surface, the light folding surface positioned to redirect light propagating through the input surface along a first optical axis to a second optical axis passing through the output surface
Implementation Method 2
a plastic first lens comprising a first lens surface, the first lens formed in or secured to the input surface; a plastic second lens comprising a second lens surface, the a second lens formed in or secured to the output surface, the first and second lens surfaces collectively having inverted telescopic optical properties to increase the field of view
Implementation Method 3
a first wafer-level optical stack positioned along the second optical axis to receive the light from the plastic second lens, the first wafer-level optical stack comprising a first optical wafer, a third lens surface of a first wafer-level lens secured with an epoxy on a first side of the first optical wafer
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects relate to wafer level optical designs for a folded optic stereoscopic imaging system. One example folded optical path includes first and second reflective surfaces defining first, second, and third optical axes, and where the first reflective surface redirects light from the first optical axis to the second optical axis and where the second reflective surface redirects light from the second optical axis to the third optical axis. Such an example folded optical path further includes wafer-level optical stacks providing ten lens surfaces distributed along the first and second optical axes. A variation on the example folded optical path includes a prism having the first reflective surface, wherein plastic lenses are formed in or secured to the input and output surfaces of the prism in place of two of the wafer-level optical stacks.