Depth Camera Dynamic Range Expansion via Time Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current depth camera methods, such as time-of-flight (ToF) techniques, face limitations in accurately measuring depth values due to saturation issues and limited dynamic range, which affect the precision of depth image acquisition.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dividing a time section into sub-time sections to measure depth values, using photodiodes to acquire voltage values, determining saturation, initializing voltage values, and quantizing these values to expand the dynamic range, allowing for more accurate depth value generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single time section is used to measure depth value, then the measurement process is simple, but the dynamic range is limited and saturation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single time section into multiple sub-time sections (first sub-time section, second sub-time section, etc.) to measure depth values. This segmentation allows the system to capture reflected light at different time intervals, expanding the measurable dynamic range and preventing saturation while maintaining relatively simple measurement processes.
2Ease of operation
If the photodiode measures total reflected light, then the measurement is straightforward, but saturation occurs reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of measuring total reflected light in one continuous period, the patent segments the measurement into multiple sub-time sections. The photodiode measures reflected light in the first sub-time section, then again in the second sub-time section after initialization. This segmentation prevents saturation while maintaining straightforward measurement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic measurement cycles where the photodiode initializes before each sub-time section and measures reflected light at discrete time points. This periodic action allows the system to handle varying light intensities without saturation, improving accuracy while keeping operations simple.
3Productivity
If no initialization is performed, then the process is faster, but saturation errors accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs initialization of the photodiode before each measurement sub-time section. This preliminary action resets the photodiode state to prevent saturation errors from accumulating, ensuring accurate depth value measurements while maintaining efficient measurement speed through streamlined initialization processes.
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 enhances the dynamic range of depth value measurement, improving the accuracy and precision of depth image acquisition by effectively handling saturation and increasing the measurable light range.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring a voltage value corresponding to the amount of light reflected from the subject in each sub-time section, by using at least one photodiode comprised in the depth camera
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for generating a depth value corresponding to a subject by using a depth camera includes dividing a predetermined time section into n sub-time sections in order to measure the depth value, acquiring a voltage value corresponding to the amount of light reflected from the subject in each sub-time section, by using at least one photodiode included in the depth camera, quantizing the voltage value to any one level among predetermined levels, on the basis of the acquired n voltage values, and outputting the quantized value.