Adaptive Depth Imaging Interference Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Depth imaging devices experience cross-device interference when multiple devices with similar spectral characteristics operate in close proximity, leading to inaccurate depth maps due to interference from emitted light, which is particularly problematic in scenarios like head-mounted computing, autonomous vehicles, and 3D scanning applications.
Innovation Solution
A method for adjusting the timing of depth camera operations by introducing random delays in illumination and detection periods to avoid capturing interfering light, allowing depth imaging devices to operate concurrently without interference, by recognizing and responding to interfering pulsed illumination through adaptive timing adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple depth imaging devices operate concurrently in close proximity, then productivity increases, but cross-device interference occurs leading to corrupted depth maps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by introducing random delays between illumination pulses and detection periods. Each depth imaging device operates in periodic cycles with variable timing offsets, allowing multiple devices to coexist without continuous interference. The random delay parameter is adjusted dynamically to desynchronize devices and eliminate overlapping illumination and detection windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing parameters of illumination and detection based on detected interference levels. When interference is detected in returned light, the device modifies its operational timing characteristics in real-time, creating adaptive synchronization that resolves conflicts between multiple concurrent devices while maintaining high productivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If random delays are introduced in illumination and detection periods, then cross-device interference is reduced, but time synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where each depth imaging device monitors the returned light for signs of interference from other devices. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts its illumination and detection timing parameters. This closed-loop control simplifies the overall coordination by allowing devices to self-regulate rather than requiring complex centralized timing management.
Solution Approach 2:
Each depth imaging device independently manages its own timing adjustments based on local interference detection. The random delay parameters are autonomously modified by each device without requiring external coordination or complex inter-device communication protocols, reducing overall system complexity while effectively mitigating interference.
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 effectively reduces the occurrence of corrupted depth maps by minimizing the impact of interfering light, ensuring accurate depth data capture even in environments with multiple active depth imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
actively emitting illumination, such as pulsed or structured light
Implementation Method 2
sensing light returned to the camera in order to determine depth values
Implementation Method 3
sensing light returned to the camera
Implementation Method 4
depth cameras operate by actively emitting illumination, such as pulsed or structured light, followed by sensing light returned to the camera in order to determine depth values
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination source is operated to illuminate an operating environment and an optical sensor is periodically operated for a detection period to detect illumination reflected from one or more subjects within the operating environment. Upon recognizing a source of interfering pulsed illumination within the operating environment, the timing of a subsequent detection period may be varied. In this way, sensing of the interfering pulsed illumination may be averted.