3D Camera Module X-Prism Single Sensor Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D camera modules require two image sensors and complex circuitry to generate stereoscopic images, making them prone to malfunction and costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A 3D camera module with an X-prism and a single image sensor that uses a pair of shutters and polarizers to differentially polarize and reflect incident light, allowing the image sensor to generate left/right images with a time difference, simplifying the circuitry and reducing the number of image sensors needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two camera modules with two image sensors are used to generate 3D images, then left/right images can be captured simultaneously, but the circuitry becomes complicated and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of two image sensors into a single image sensor by using temporal separation. The single sensor captures left and right images at different time points, eliminating the need for complex dual-sensor circuitry while maintaining 3D imaging capability. This directly resolves the contradiction by reducing device complexity without sacrificing the ability to capture stereoscopic pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through sequential shutter operation. The shutters open and close in a periodic manner to alternately direct light from the left and right optical paths to the single image sensor. This temporal multiplexing allows one sensor to perform the work of two sensors, reducing circuit complexity while preserving simultaneous left/right image capture capability.
2Reliability
If two image sensors are used to capture 3D images, then stereoscopic vision is achieved, but maintenance cost increases when one sensor malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the functionality of two sensors into one, the patent eliminates the risk of differential malfunction between sensors. A single sensor requires only one set of maintenance procedures and has a unified failure mode, simplifying repair decisions and reducing maintenance costs compared to managing two independent sensors with potentially different failure characteristics.
3Device complexity
If a single image sensor is used with temporal separation, then circuit complexity is reduced, but image capture requires sequential processing with time difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent minimizes the time loss by using high-speed periodic shutter operation. The shutters switch between left and right paths rapidly in a periodic cycle, capturing both images in quick succession. This temporal multiplexing approach reduces the effective time difference to a minimum necessary for the mechanical shutter transition, thereby reducing circuit complexity while limiting time loss.
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 enables the generation of 3D images using a single image sensor, reducing the complexity of the sensor driving circuit and enhancing the reliability of the 3D camera module by utilizing differential polarization and reflection to create left/right images.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of polarizers vertically polarizing the incident light having passed any one shutter of the pair of shutters, and horizontally polarizing the incident light having passed the other shutter of the pair of shutters
Implementation Method 2
an X-prism shaped of a rectangular parallelepiped coupled with four prism units and coated with a reflection film for selectively reflecting the vertically polarized incident light and the horizontally polarized incident light to each diagonal surface of the rectangular parallelepiped
Implementation Method 3
an image sensor activated in association with the pair of shutters, and an X-prism capable of sequentially generating left/right images through a differential reflection caused by polarization
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a 3-dimensional camera module having an X-prism, and a using method thereof, the camera module including: a pair of lenses condensing incident light; a pair of shutters positioned at a center axis of each lens to open/close with a time difference for interrupting or passing the condensed incident light; a pair of polarizers vertically polarizing the incident light having passed any one shutter of the pair of shutters; an X-prism shaped of a rectangular parallelepiped coupled with four prism units and coated with a reflection film for selectively reflecting the vertically polarized incident light; and an image sensor continuously receiving the vertically polarized incident light and the horizontally polarized incident light reflected to the reflection film with a time difference to generate left/right images corresponding to the vertically polarized incident light and the horizontally polarized incident light in association with the pair of shutter.