Single chip stereo image pick-up system with dual array design

摘要

A stereo imaging chip is presented that contains two imaging arrays located at opposite edges of the chip. Support circuitry, including a computational unit, is located on the chip in areas not occupied by the imaging arrays. A FPGA located on the chip is used to provide instructions to the computational unit and allow updates. A stereo focusing unit on a single optical substrate focuses a distant object onto the two imaging arrays. The semiconductor process producing the chip provides accurate alignment of the two imaging arrays and the use of a single optical substrate to containing the stereo lens provides additional dimensional accuracy and stability to allow calculations of the distance to distant objects.