Active Light Source 3D Imaging via Environmental Subtraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional camera systems require precise mechanical structures for mass production and high-performance CPUs to generate depth maps, leading to high costs and potential errors in depth calculation.
Innovation Solution
A method using an active light source unit, an optical unit, and an image sensor to generate three-dimensional image data by continuously illuminating a target object with environmental light, capturing reflected light, and processing the signals to produce depth data, which reduces the need for precise mechanical structures and lowers computational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two independent two-dimensional cameras are used to generate three-dimensional image data, then depth information can be obtained through parallax calculation, but the system requires precise mechanical structures with very precise standards for mass production and high-performance CPUs, leading to high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stereo camera system with an active light source unit that projects structured light patterns onto the target object. The image sensor captures the deformed light patterns, and the image processing unit calculates depth information based on the light deformation rather than mechanical parallax. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical positioning of multiple cameras while maintaining depth measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an active light source unit as an intermediary between the image sensor and the target object. This light source projects structured light patterns that act as a mediator to encode depth information in the reflected light, allowing the single image sensor to capture both color and depth information without requiring precise mechanical structures.
2Measurement precision
If two independent two-dimensional cameras are used to generate three-dimensional image data, then depth maps can be generated through parallax calculation, but high-performance CPUs are needed, leading to high computational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary encoding of depth information by projecting structured light patterns onto the target object before capture. The active light source unit pre-structures the light in specific patterns (such as stripes or grids) that inherently encode spatial information. When the image sensor captures the reflected light, the depth information is already encoded in the light pattern deformation, significantly reducing the computational burden compared to calculating parallax from two independent images.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional light bulbs are used as light source units, then illumination can be provided, but the switching rate is slow and cannot synchronize with the image sensor exposure, resulting in insufficient exposure and poor real-time performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of the light source from conventional bulbs to light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs can be rapidly switched on and off at frequencies that synchronize with the image sensor's exposure rate (e.g., 30 FPS or higher). This parameter change in the light source type enables precise temporal synchronization between light emission and sensor exposure, ensuring sufficient light exposure while achieving real-time performance and noise resistance.
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 method enables the generation of three-dimensional image data with reduced computational costs and improved real-time noise resistance, producing both depth and color images efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
using an active light generated by an active light source unit to illuminate the target object while illuminated by the environmental light
Implementation Method 2
using an image sensor to receive the light reflected from the target object to generate a first electrical image signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of taking pictures for generating three-dimensional image data is disclosed. The method includes continuously illuminating a target object with an environmental light; using an image sensor to receive the light reflected from the target object to generate a first electrical image signal; illuminating the target object with an active light generated from an active light source unit during the period of exposure by the environmental light; using the same image sensor to receive another reflected light to generate a second electrical image signal; using an image processing unit to receive the first and second electrical image signals, convert the first electrical image signal to a two-dimensional image data, and subtract the first electrical image signal from the second electrical image signal to generate three-dimensional depth data; and combining the two-dimensional image data and the three-dimensional depth data to generate the three-dimensional image data.