3D Camera System Switching Triangulation and Time-of-Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional imaging systems using triangulation for distance measurement face accuracy issues with distant objects, as the accuracy degrades significantly beyond a certain distance, necessitating an improved method for precise distance measurement.
Innovation Solution
A camera system incorporating a steerable laser and a camera with a high-precision time-measuring circuit, capable of switching between triangulation and direct time-of-flight measurement, using a second laser for accurate distance calculation of distant objects by illuminating with a flash and measuring the round-trip time of flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation is used for distance measurement, then measurement precision is good for close objects, but measurement precision deteriorates for distant objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between triangulation mode (for close objects) and direct time-of-flight mode (for distant objects) based on the measured distance. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision across varying distances by selecting the appropriate measurement method for each range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from triangulation (angle-based) to direct time-of-flight (time-based) depending on the distance range. This parameter change enables the system to overcome the distance limitation of triangulation while maintaining measurement accuracy for both close and distant objects.
2Measurement precision
If direct time of flight measurement is used, then measurement precision is good for distant objects, but it requires high-precision time-measuring circuits increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing direct time-of-flight measurement across the entire measurement range, the system applies it only partially - specifically for distant objects where triangulation accuracy deteriorates. This partial application reduces the burden on the time-measuring circuit while still achieving the goal of improved distant object measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement range is segmented into two zones: close-range measurement using triangulation and distant-range measurement using direct time-of-flight. This segmentation allows the system to use simpler triangulation for most close objects while reserving the more complex time-of-flight method only when necessary for distant objects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single measurement method is used, then device complexity is low, but adaptability to different distances is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functionality by integrating both triangulation and direct time-of-flight measurement capabilities into a single device. This universal approach allows the system to adapt to different distance ranges and object types, providing versatile measurement capability while managing complexity through intelligent method selection.
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
Enhances distance measurement accuracy for both close and distant objects by combining triangulation with direct time-of-flight measurement, ensuring reliable three-dimensional imaging across varying distances.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel including a photodetector and a pixel circuit
Implementation Method 2
measuring the round-trip time of flight
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system. In some embodiments, the camera system includes a first laser, a camera, and a processing circuit connected to the first laser and to the camera. The first laser may be steerable, and the camera may include a pixel including a photodetector and a pixel circuit, the pixel circuit including a first time-measuring circuit.