Adaptive Distance Image Capture System for Measurement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed number of distance images in composite processing leads to unstable distance measurement accuracy due to changes in targets, such as varying light reception and reflectance, making it difficult to reduce variations and ensure accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A distance image capture system that adjusts the imaging number based on estimated distance measurement error, using an image count determination unit to dynamically determine the number of first distance images needed to achieve a predetermined target error, thereby generating a stable composite distance image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed number of distance images are used in composite processing, then the processing is simple and fast, but the distance measurement accuracy becomes unstable due to target variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the imaging number adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the number of distance images to be captured based on real-time evaluation of distance measurement variations. When variations exceed a threshold, the system automatically increases the imaging number, transforming a static processing parameter into a dynamic one that responds to target conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by evaluating distance measurement variations from preliminary captured images and using this evaluation to determine whether to capture additional images. The system continuously monitors the quality of distance measurements and adjusts the imaging number accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures accurate distance measurement while avoiding unnecessary additional captures, thus balancing precision and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the imaging number is increased to reduce distance measurement variations, then the measurement accuracy improves, but the time required for image capture and compositing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by capturing only the necessary number of distance images required to achieve acceptable measurement accuracy. Instead of always capturing a large fixed number of images, the system evaluates variations and captures additional images only when needed, performing partially the action of increased imaging. This reduces unnecessary time consumption while maintaining measurement precision when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically evaluating distance measurement variations and determining the appropriate imaging number without external intervention. The evaluation unit assesses the quality of captured images and autonomously decides whether additional images are needed, enabling the system to self-regulate the balance between measurement accuracy and time consumption without requiring manual configuration or oversight.
3Reliability
If the imaging number is increased to ensure accurate detection, then the detection reliability improves, but the productivity decreases due to longer processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the imaging number adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the number of distance images to be captured based on real-time evaluation of distance measurement variations. When variations exceed a threshold, the system automatically increases the imaging number, transforming a static processing parameter into a dynamic one that responds to target conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert processing environment by establishing a standardized composite processing workflow that remains stable and reliable. The evaluation unit and composite processing unit operate within a controlled framework that ensures consistent detection reliability regardless of target variations, while the adaptive imaging number adjustment prevents unnecessary disruptions to the processing flow, maintaining productivity through a stable operational environment.
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 provides stable distance measurement accuracy and reduces wasted time by automatically adjusting the imaging number according to the target's conditions, ensuring accurate compositing even with changing targets.
Implementation Method 1
TOF (time of flight) sensors, which output distance based on the time of flight of light
Implementation Method 2
a phase difference method (the so-called 'indirect method'), in which a distance measurement value of the target space is output based on the phase difference between the reference light and light reflected from the target space
Data Source
AI summary
A distance image capturing system including: an image acquisition unit for capturing a plurality of images of an object at the same image capturing position and in the same image capturing orientation with respect to the object to acquire a plurality of first distance images; an image synthesis unit for synthesizing the plurality of first distance images to generate a second distance image; and a number-of-image-capturing-operation determination unit for estimating a distance measurement error in the second distance image and determining the number of image capturing operations for the first distance images at which the estimated distance measurement error is equal to or less than a predetermined target error.