Adaptive Depth Camera Assembly for Headsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional depth camera imaging architectures for virtual and augmented reality systems are large, heavy, and power-intensive, limiting their effectiveness in head-mounted systems that require varied depth information capture across different environments and distances.
Innovation Solution
A depth camera assembly within a head-mounted display that uses an illumination source and imaging device to project structured light patterns of varying density and frequency based on detected depth zones, allowing for efficient capture of depth information across near and far objects by adjusting the pattern from lines to dots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single depth camera imaging architecture is used, then the system size and power consumption are reduced, but the depth information capture capability across varied depth zones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between multiple depth camera imaging architectures (time-of-flight, structured light, stereo vision) based on detected depth zones. The system adapts the imaging architecture in real-time according to the operational conditions and depth requirements, allowing a single physical system to exhibit multiple functional states. This resolves the contradiction by making the system dynamically configurable rather than statically fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple depth camera imaging architectures within a single system, enabling one device to perform multiple depth measurement functions. The system can switch between time-of-flight for far distances, structured light for mid-range, and stereo vision for close objects, making the single system universally capable across varied depth zones rather than specialized for one function.
2Measurement precision
If a dense structured light pattern is used, then depth information capture for near objects is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structured light pattern densities to different depth zones rather than using a uniform pattern throughout the field of view. Dense patterns are applied only to near objects where high measurement precision is needed, while sparse or no patterns are used for far objects where power consumption would be excessive. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing both precision and power consumption in their respective zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the structured light pattern parameters (density, type, intensity) based on the detected depth zone and imaging architecture being used. The system transitions between different pattern configurations depending on operational conditions, allowing optimization of measurement precision for near objects while reducing power consumption for far objects through parameter adaptation rather than fixed configuration.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a less dense structured light pattern is used, then power consumption is reduced for far objects, but depth information capture capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of imaging architectures based on depth zones. For far objects, the system switches from structured light to time-of-flight imaging, which maintains measurement precision capability while reducing power consumption compared to using dense structured light patterns at long distances. This dynamic architecture switching resolves the contradiction by selecting the appropriate technology for each depth zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes structured light imaging with time-of-flight imaging for far distance measurement. Time-of-flight technology replaces the mechanical/optical structured light projection system with a different physical principle (light travel time measurement), achieving comparable or superior measurement precision for far objects while consuming less power than dense structured light patterns would require.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple depth camera imaging architectures are integrated, then depth information capture across varied depth zones is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple depth camera imaging architectures (time-of-flight, structured light, stereo vision) into a single integrated system. Rather than using separate independent systems, the patent combines these technologies into one unified depth camera assembly that can switch between architectures, resolving the contradiction by consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching mechanisms that allow the system to select between multiple imaging architectures based on operational conditions. This dynamic control system manages the complexity of having multiple architectures by providing automated, condition-based selection, reducing the operational complexity burden while maintaining the versatility benefits of multiple imaging technologies.
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
Enables improved depth information capture with reduced power consumption and increased user experience by adapting structured light patterns to specific depth zones, enhancing the functionality of head-mounted systems in diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination source illuminates the portion of the local area that includes the one or more objects using the determined SL illumination parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A depth camera assembly (DCA) configured to determine distances between the headset and one or more objects in an area surrounding the headset. The DCA includes an imaging device, an illumination source, and a controller. The controller identifies objects in a portion of the local area, determines a depth zone for each object and corresponding structured light (SL) illumination parameters including a SL pattern for each object based on the depth zone, instructs the illumination source to illuminate a scene comprising the one or more objects with the determined SL pattern, and instructs the imaging device to capture images of the illuminated objects. The controller determines the depth information for the illuminated objects and updates the depth information associated with the objects.