Adaptive Depth Sensing via Targeted Light Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current depth sensing technologies inefficiencies in accurately and precisely capturing 3D models of objects, as they often waste resources on stable surfaces and fail to adequately represent surfaces with high depth variation, due to uniform light projection patterns.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive depth sensing systems that selectively target regions with high depth variation by analyzing visual and depth imaging data to concentrate light projection on areas of interest, reducing resource consumption and enhancing detail in these regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the density of points of light projected upon a surface is increased to improve depth model accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the density of projected light points according to the depth variation characteristics of different regions. Regions with high depth variation receive higher density point projections, while regions with low depth variation receive lower density projections. This selective approach improves measurement precision where needed without uniformly increasing device complexity across the entire scene.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the projection pattern based on real-time analysis of depth variation. The processor continuously evaluates the scene and adapts the point density distribution accordingly, transitioning from static uniform projection to dynamic adaptive projection that responds to scene content, thereby improving accuracy without proportional increases in device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the density of points of light is increased to improve depth model accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but processing power and bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces processing power consumption by avoiding uniform high-density projection across the entire scene. Instead, it concentrates computational and processing resources on regions with high depth variation, where accurate measurement is most critical. This localized approach achieves improved measurement precision while minimizing overall processing power and bandwidth requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by projecting light points at high density only to the extent necessary for regions with high depth variation, rather than applying maximum density uniformly across the entire scene. This partial application of high-density projection achieves sufficient accuracy for critical regions while avoiding excessive processing power and bandwidth consumption.
3Device complexity
If uniform light projection patterns are used to simplify the imaging system, then device complexity is reduced, but depth model accuracy deteriorates for surfaces with high depth variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static uniform projection system into a dynamic adaptive system that automatically adjusts projection patterns based on scene analysis. The processor evaluates depth variation characteristics and modifies the projection distribution in real-time, maintaining relative simplicity while significantly improving accuracy for surfaces with high depth variation without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically analyzing the scene content and adjusting its own projection behavior without external control. The processor autonomously evaluates depth variation and adapts the projection pattern accordingly, maintaining system simplicity while achieving improved accuracy through self-regulation rather than requiring complex external control mechanisms.
4Reliability
If light points are projected on surfaces with stable depth to ensure complete coverage, then measurement coverage is improved, but resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces resource waste by applying different projection densities to different regions based on their depth variation characteristics. Surfaces with stable depth receive lower density projections sufficient for maintaining coverage, while surfaces with high depth variation receive higher density projections. This localized differentiation maintains necessary coverage reliability while minimizing overall resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by providing high-density projection only to the extent necessary for regions with high depth variation, rather than applying maximum density uniformly. This partial application maintains adequate coverage reliability for critical regions while avoiding excessive resource waste on regions where lower density is sufficient.
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 allows for efficient generation of accurate and detailed depth models without increasing bandwidth, processing power, or storage requirements, by dynamically adjusting light projection based on scene content.
Implementation Method 1
projecting visible or invisible light from a projector or other source, receiving reflections of the projected light by a sensor
Implementation Method 2
a time-of-flight sensor may also be used to illuminate a scene with points of light, to collect reflections of the light from aspects of the scene. Times elapsed between an emission of light and a return of the light to each pixel may be measured and multiplied by the speed of light to determine distances to aspects corresponding to each pixel
Data Source
AI summary
Three-dimensional models of objects may be generated according to adaptive depth sensing techniques. An imaging device may include a projector that is configured to project light (e.g., infrared light) onto selected portions of a scene, and a depth imaging sensor configured to capture reflections of the projected light. The projector may be used to project points of light onto aspects of a scene having high degrees of variation of depth, color, texture, curvature or other attributes, where an increased number of depth values may be required to accurately depict a profile of an object within a scene, and to avoid projecting light onto aspects of the scene having low degrees of variation of depth, color, texture, curvature or such other attributes, where the profile of the object may be accurately represented by comparatively fewer depth values.