Correcting Depth Estimation Using Acoustic Reflections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer applications face challenges in accurately estimating depth in real-world environments, particularly with mirrored and transparent surfaces, as these surfaces are difficult to detect using image data alone and can lead to unreliable depth estimations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using acoustic information by transmitting an acoustic wave and analyzing its reflection to correct depth estimations derived from image data, leveraging the reflective properties of mirrored and transparent surfaces to improve depth estimation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If depth estimation is performed using image data alone, then the system is simple and fast, but the measurement precision deteriorates for transparent and mirrored surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines image data processing with acoustic wave processing to determine depth estimations. By merging visual information from cameras with acoustic reflection information from microphones, the system achieves improved depth estimation accuracy for transparent and mirrored surfaces that are difficult to detect with image data alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to detect surfaces that are invisible or difficult to detect with light. The acoustic waves serve as a mediator that can penetrate or reflect off transparent and mirrored surfaces, providing complementary information to visual sensors for more accurate depth estimation.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic wave processing is added to improve depth estimation, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing device components multi-functional. The microphone array, originally designed for audio processing, is also used for acoustic echo localization and depth estimation. The speaker system serves both audio output and acoustic wave transmission for depth measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own acoustic emissions (self-generated sounds from speakers) as the probe signal for depth estimation, eliminating the need for external acoustic sources. The device serves itself by using its own audio output as the acoustic wave for measurement, and its own microphones to detect the reflections.
3Reliability
If multiple sensing modalities are used, then reliability improves, but loss of information increases due to data integration challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously compares depth estimations from image data and acoustic data, identifies mismatches, and uses the acoustic echo localization results to correct the image-based depth estimations. This feedback loop resolves information mismatches and improves overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite information representation by fusing image data and acoustic data into a unified depth estimation. Like composite materials combine different materials' properties, this composite approach combines the strengths of visual sensing (good for most surfaces) and acoustic sensing (good for transparent and mirrored surfaces) to create a more reliable overall system.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of depth estimation by resolving mismatches between image-based and acoustic-based depth measurements, effectively addressing the limitations of image data alone in detecting transparent and mirrored surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, using the audio transceiver, an acoustic reflection of an acoustic wave, wherein the acoustic wave is transmitted in a known direction relative to the device
Data Source
AI summary
In one implementation, a method includes: obtaining a first depth estimation characterizing a distance between the device and a surface in a real-world environment, wherein the first depth estimation is derived from image data including a representation of the surface; receiving, using the audio transceiver, an acoustic reflection of an acoustic wave, wherein the acoustic wave is transmitted in a known direction relative to the device; and determining a second depth estimation based on the acoustic reflection, wherein the second depth estimation characterizes the distance between the device and the surface in the real-world environment; and determining a confirmed depth estimation characterizing the distance between the device and the surface based on resolving any mismatch between the first depth estimation and the second depth estimation.