Camera System Depth Estimation Using Metasurface Lightwave Angle Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pseudo-lidar systems using multiple cameras and sensors are computationally intensive and face challenges in efficiently and accurately estimating depth due to image distortion and processing complexity, particularly when dealing with moving vehicles and objects.
Innovation Solution
A camera system employing directional optics with a lens, inverter, metasurface, and detector array that resolves lightwave angles according to optimized parameters, using per pixel or quadrant filtering to improve depth estimation, reducing image distortion and processing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pseudo-lidar systems use multiple cameras and sensors to estimate depth, then depth estimation accuracy is improved, but computational complexity and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the computationally intensive image overlap search and matching process from the depth estimation pipeline. By using a single camera with a specialized lens that optically encodes depth information directly in the image plane, the system eliminates the need for complex multi-camera coordination and computational stereo matching, achieving LIDAR-like depth estimation without the computational burden
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the computational/mechanical system of multiple cameras and processors with an optical system. The specialized lens uses optical principles (diffraction, interference, or geometric optics) to directly map three-dimensional scene information onto the two-dimensional sensor plane, substituting physical optical processing for computational processing
2Measurement precision
If pseudo-lidar systems combine data from multiple sensors to improve depth estimation, then measurement precision improves, but device size and hardware complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple sensors (cameras, LIDAR, depth sensors) into a single imaging device. The specialized lens integrates depth encoding capabilities directly into the optical path, allowing a single camera sensor to perform what previously required multiple separate sensing systems, thereby reducing hardware footprint while maintaining depth estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal imaging system where a single camera with the specialized lens performs multiple functions: standard 2D image capture and 3D depth estimation. This multi-functional device replaces what previously required separate 2D cameras and 3D depth sensors, reducing overall system complexity and size
3Measurement precision
If pseudo-lidar systems search for image overlap to resolve images from multiple cameras, then depth estimation accuracy improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-encoding depth information optically during image capture rather than computing it afterward. The specialized lens structure (with diffractive elements, phase plates, or asymmetric aperture) pre-processes the light waves to directly encode depth cues in the intensity pattern, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-capture image matching and overlap search algorithms
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
The camera system enhances depth estimation accuracy and efficiency by producing feature-rich image data that simplifies subsequent processing tasks, similar to LIDAR systems but with reduced complexity and hardware size.
Implementation Method 1
a metasurface that resolves an angle of the light from the inverter according to the parameters of the metasurface
Implementation Method 2
a lens that receives light associated with a scene
Implementation Method 3
an inverter that inverts the light from the lens
Implementation Method 4
a detector that senses the light from the metasurface to form image data by integrating intensity of the light per pixel to estimate depth
Data Source
AI summary
System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to an improved camera system including directional optics to estimate depth of grayscale images. In one embodiment, the camera system includes a lens that receives light associated with a scene and an inverter that inverts the light from the lens. The camera system also includes a metasurface that resolves an angle of the light from the inverter according to parameters of the metasurface. The camera system also includes a detector that senses the light from the metasurface to form image data by integrating intensity of the light per pixel to estimate depth of an object in the scene.