Depth Data Generation Using Edge Detection on Multiple Focus Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for determining distance typically require multiple image sensors, which is not feasible for portable electronic devices due to size and power consumption constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a single image capture device to capture image data at multiple focus positions, applying edge detection to generate depth data by identifying hard and soft edges, allowing for the differentiation between foreground and background in a scene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple image sensors are used for distance determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image data into multiple focus planes (first focus plane and second focus plane) and processes each plane separately through edge detection. This segmentation allows the system to determine depth information by comparing edges across different focus planes, achieving accurate distance measurement without requiring multiple physical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates synthetic depth information by copying and processing the same physical image data through multiple focus positions. Instead of using multiple sensors to capture different perspectives, the system captures a single image and generates multiple focus plane representations through computational methods, then compares edges across these representations to determine depth.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image sensors are used for distance determination, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing task into distinct focus plane processing stages, where each stage independently analyzes edges in a specific focus plane. This segmented approach reduces the computational burden compared to simultaneously processing multiple sensor inputs, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining depth measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple focus plane representations from a single captured image through computational copying rather than using multiple physical sensors. This approach reduces the total data processing volume and energy consumption compared to simultaneously capturing and processing images from multiple sensors, while still achieving accurate depth information through edge comparison across the copied focus planes.
3Measurement precision
If edge detection is applied to multiple focus positions, then depth data accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary edge detection on each focus plane independently before comparing results across planes. By pre-processing each focus plane to identify edges in advance, the system reduces the overall processing time compared to simultaneously analyzing all focus planes together, while still achieving accurate depth data through the comparison of pre-detected edges.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of generating depth data using edge detection are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, first image data is received corresponding to a scene recorded by an image capture device at a first focus position at a first distance. Second image data is received corresponding to a second focus position at a second distance that is greater than the first distance. Edge detection generates first edge data corresponding to at least a first portion of the first image data and generates second edge data corresponding to at least a second portion of the second image data. The edge detection detects presence or absence of an edge at each location of the first portion and the second portion to identify each detected edge as a hard or soft edge. Depth data is generated based on the edge data generated for the first and second focus positions.