Abstract: Image sensor modules include primary high-resolution imagers and secondary imagers. For example, an image sensor module may include a semiconductor chip including photosensitive regions defining, respectively, a primary camera and a secondary camera. The image sensor module may include an optical assembly that does not substantially obstruct the field-of-view of the secondary camera. Some modules include multiple secondary cameras that have a field-of-view at least as large as the field-of-view of the primary camera. Various features are described to facilitate acquisition of signals that can be used to calculate depth information.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an interface and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive a spherical video stream. The processor may be configured to (a) generate an encoded spherical video stream from the spherical video stream, (b) select a target area for one or more frames of the encoded spherical video stream corresponding to a pre-determined region of interest, (c) encode entire fields of view of the one or more frames of the encoded spherical video stream using second parameters, (d) select and encode an additional area next to the target area using third parameters, and (e) transmit the encoded spherical video stream comprising the encoded target area, the encoded additional area, and encoded entire fields of view of the one or more frames to a playback device.

Abstract: Image sensor modules include primary high-resolution imagers and secondary imagers. For example, an image sensor module may include a semiconductor chip including photosensitive regions defining, respectively, a primary camera and a secondary camera. The image sensor module may include an optical assembly that does not substantially obstruct the field-of-view of the secondary camera. Some modules include multiple secondary cameras that have a field-of-view at least as large as the field-of-view of the primary camera. Various features are described to facilitate acquisition of signals that can be used to calculate depth information.

Abstract: Image sensor modules include primary high-resolution imagers and secondary imagers. For example, an image sensor module may include a semiconductor chip including photosensitive regions defining, respectively, a primary camera and a secondary camera. The image sensor module may include an optical assembly that does not substantially obstruct the field-of-view of the secondary camera. Some modules include multiple secondary cameras that have a field-of-view at least as large as the field-of-view of the primary camera. Various features are described to facilitate acquisition of signals that can be used to calculate depth information.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to illumination modules operable to increase the area over which an illumination source, such as a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser or light-emitting diode, illuminates. Such illumination modules include a substrate having electrical contacts, an illumination source electrically connected to the substrate, a collimation assembly operable to collimate the light generated from the illumination source, a translation assembly operable to translate light over an area, and a mask assembly. In various implementations the illumination source may be rather small in area, thereby reducing the cost of the illumination module. Some implementations of the illumination module can be used for the acquisition of three-dimensional data in some cases, while in other cases some implementations of the illumination module can be used for other applications requiring projected light.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an interface and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive a spherical video stream. The processor may be configured to (a) generate an encoded spherical video stream from the spherical video stream, (b) select a target area for one or more frames of the encoded spherical video stream corresponding to a pre-determined region of interest, (c) encode entire fields of view of the one or more frames of the encoded spherical video stream using second parameters, (d) select and encode an additional area next to the target area using third parameters, and (e) transmit the encoded spherical video stream comprising the encoded target area, the encoded additional area, and encoded entire fields of view of the one or more frames to a playback device.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes optoelectronic modules that, in some implementations, address the need to combine precise measurements of scenes over a range of near and far distances. For example, an optoelectronic module can include a light emitter operable to direct modulated structured light onto a scene. The module includes an imager to receive reflected light signals from the scene. The imager includes demodulation pixels operable to provide amplitude and phase information based on the reflected light signals. Various techniques can be used to derive distance or three-dimensional information about the scene based on the signals from the pixels.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an interface and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive video streams each from a respective capture device, receive data from a playback device to determine a region of interest and output one or more upcoming video frames of an encoded panoramic video stream to a communication device. The processor may be configured to (a) generate the encoded panoramic video stream from the video streams, (b) select a target area for the upcoming frames of the encoded panoramic video corresponding to the region of interest, (c) encode the target area using first parameters, (d) encode a remaining area of the panoramic video outside of the target area using second parameters and (e) present the upcoming frames to the interface. Encoding using the first parameters generates a different bitrate than using the second parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an interface and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive (i) a spherical video stream and (ii) data from a playback device to determine a region of interest. The processor may be configured to (a) generate an encoded spherical video stream from the spherical video stream, (b) select a target area for one or more upcoming frames of the encoded spherical video stream corresponding to the region of interest, (c) encode the target area using first parameters, (d) encode a remaining area of the encoded spherical video stream outside of the target area using second parameters and (e) present the one or more upcoming frames to the playback device. Encoding using the first parameters may have a different bitrate than using the second parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an interface and a processor. The interface may (a) receive a panoramic video, (b) present a plurality of encoded target areas to a network and (c) present a downscaled panoramic video to the network. The processor may (a) generate target areas by cropping sections of the panoramic video, (b) encode each of the target areas using first parameters and (c) use second parameters to encode the downscaled panoramic video. Encoding using the first parameters generates a different bitrate than using the second parameters. The target areas cover an entire field of view of the panoramic video. Each of the target areas covers a different position of the panoramic video. The network presents one of the encoded target areas to a playback device corresponding to a region of interest of the playback device. The network presents the downscaled panoramic video to each playback device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes various modules that can provide ultra-precise and stable packaging for an optoelectronic device such as a light emitter or light detector. The modules include vertical alignment features that can be machined, as needed, during fabrication of the modules, to establish a precise distance between the optoelectronic device and an optical element or optical assembly disposed over the optoelectronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing structured light comprises a first optical arrangement which comprises a microlens array (L1) comprising a multitude of transmissive or reflective microlenses (2) which are regularly arranged at a lens pitch P and an illumination unit for illuminating the microlens array. The illumination unit comprises an array (S1) of light sources (1) for emitting light of a wavelength L each and having an aperture each, wherein the apertures are located in a common emission plane which is located at a distance D from the microlens array. For the lens pitch P, the distance D and the wavelength L, the following equation applies P2=2LD/N, wherein N is an integer with N?1. High-contrast high-intensity light patterns can be produced. Devices comprising such apparatuses can be used for depth mapping.

Abstract: Optical assemblies include a stack of optical elements each of which has one or more alignment features. Each alignment feature traces a respective curve along a surface of one of the optical elements. The alignment feature(s) of one optical element fit within the alignment feature(s) of the other. In some cases, the alignment features can help establish more precise lateral alignment of the optical elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes structured-stereo imaging assemblies including separate imagers for different wavelengths. The imaging assembly can include, for example, multiple imager sub-arrays, each of which includes a first imager to sense light of a first wavelength or range of wavelengths and a second imager to sense light of a different second wavelength or range of wavelengths. Images acquired from the imagers can be processed to obtain depth information and/or improved accuracy. Various techniques are described that can facilitate determining whether any of the imagers or sub-arrays are misaligned.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising one or more first image sensors, one or more second image sensors and a processor. The processor may be configured to (a) initiate an exposure of the first image sensors, (b) delay an exposure of the second image sensors until a portion of the first image sensors is started and (c) perform video stitching operations on video frames captured by the first image sensors and the second image sensors to generate a stitched video signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing structured light comprises a first optical arrangement which comprises a microlens array (L1) comprising a multitude of transmissive or reflective microlenses (2) which are regularly arranged at a lens pitch P and an illumination unit for illuminating the microlens array. The illumination unit comprises an array (S1) of light sources (1) for emitting light of a wavelength L each and having an aperture each, wherein the apertures are located in a common emission plane which is located at a distance D from the microlens array. For the lens pitch P, the distance D and the wavelength L, the following equation applies P2=2LD/N, wherein N is an integer with N?1. High-contrast high-intensity light patterns can be produced. Devices comprising such apparatuses can be used for depth mapping.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to illumination modules operable to increase the area over which an illumination source, such as a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser or light-emitting diode, illuminates. Such illumination modules include a substrate having electrical contacts, an illumination source electrically connected to the substrate, a collimation assembly operable to collimate the light generated from the illumination source, a translation assembly operable to translate light over an area, and a mask assembly. In various implementations the illumination source may be rather small in area, thereby reducing the cost of the illumination module. Some implementations of the illumination module can be used for the acquisition of three-dimensional data in some cases, while in other cases some implementations of the illumination module can be used for other applications requiring projected light.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes structured light projection in which a structured light projector includes a light emitter and a compound patterned mask. The mask includes a spacer substrate that is transparent to a wavelength of light emitted by the light emitter. On a first side of the spacer substrate is a first reflective surface having apertures therein to allow light to pass through. Lenses are arranged to focus light, produced by the light emitter, toward the apertures in the first reflective surface. A second reflective surface on a second side of the spacer substrate opposite the first side has apertures therein to allow light passing through the spacer substrate to exit the compound patterned mask.

Abstract: Image sensor modules include primary high-resolution imagers and secondary imagers. For example, an image sensor module may include a semiconductor chip including photosensitive regions defining, respectively, a primary camera and a secondary camera. The image sensor module may include an optical assembly that does not substantially obstruct the field-of-view of the secondary camera. Some modules include multiple secondary cameras that have a field-of-view at least as large as the field-of-view of the primary camera. Various features are described to facilitate acquisition of signals that can be used to calculate depth information.

Abstract: This disclosure describes various modules that can provide ultra-precise and stable packaging for an optoelectronic device such as a light emitter or light detector. The modules include vertical alignment features that can be machined, as needed, during fabrication of the modules, to establish a precise distance between the optoelectronic device and an optical element or optical assembly disposed over the optoelectronic device.