Depth Information Processing Device Using Disparity-Based Block Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth processing devices face challenges in achieving accurate depth information, particularly for objects at greater depths, as higher resolution and narrower field of views require significant computation resources and limit the effective range of depth information.
Innovation Solution
A depth information processing device that uses a processor to select reference blocks and corresponding target blocks with varying sample periods, adjusting the pixel step length between target blocks based on disparity, to improve accuracy without increasing the total number of comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If higher resolution is used to obtain more accurate disparity, then depth measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and computation resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the target image into multiple target blocks and selectively processes only certain target blocks based on disparity thresholds, rather than processing all blocks at high resolution. This segmentation approach reduces computation resources while maintaining depth measurement precision for relevant regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing qualities to different regions of the image based on their disparity values. Regions with small disparity (deeper objects) receive reduced processing, while regions with large disparity (shallower objects) receive full processing attention, optimizing the balance between precision and computational load.
2Measurement precision
If the distance between image capturing devices is increased to improve depth accuracy, then depth measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters (sample periods, block selection criteria) based on disparity values rather than physically changing the device configuration. This allows achieving improved depth accuracy through software-based parameter optimization without increasing physical device complexity or baseline distance.
3Measurement precision
If field of views of image capturing devices is narrowed to improve depth accuracy, then depth measurement precision is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the processing focus based on disparity values calculated from the full field of view. By selectively applying detailed processing only to relevant regions (those with significant disparity), the system maintains broad adaptability and effective range while achieving high depth accuracy where needed.
4Measurement precision
If more target blocks are processed with smaller sample periods, then depth measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased number of comparisons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial processing action by selectively processing only certain target blocks that meet specific disparity criteria, rather than processing all target blocks uniformly. This approach achieves sufficient depth accuracy for critical regions while maintaining processing efficiency by skipping unnecessary comparisons in less critical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the sample period parameter based on disparity values. For target blocks with small disparity (deeper objects), larger sample periods are used to reduce comparisons. For target blocks with large disparity (shallower objects), smaller sample periods are used to maintain accuracy, thus optimizing the balance between precision and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A depth information processing device includes a first image capturing device, a second image capturing device, and a processor. The first image capturing device captures a reference image, and the second image capturing device captures a target image. The processor is coupled to the first image capturing device and the second image capturing device. The processor selects a reference block from the reference image, selects a plurality of target blocks corresponding to the reference block from the target image with different sample periods, and generates the depth information according to the reference block and a selected target block of the plurality of target blocks.