Depth Map Generation Using Discrete Radiation Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth map generation methods using time of flight information face challenges in energy efficiency and accuracy, particularly due to limitations in sensor resolution and parallax effects, which can lead to errors in interpolation when combining sparse depth maps with other images.
Innovation Solution
The method involves illuminating a field of view with a plurality of discrete radiation beams to produce a sparse depth map, where the position of each point in the depth map corresponds to the position of the discrete radiation beam projected onto the field of view, rather than the sensor position. This approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining high-quality depth measurements and allows for accurate interpolation to create a dense depth map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a plurality of discrete radiation beams is used to illuminate the field of view, then energy consumption is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sparse sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is divided into multiple discrete regions, each illuminated by a separate radiation beam. The sensor array is correspondingly segmented into multiple sensing elements, with each element detecting reflected radiation from a specific beam. This segmentation enables sparse sampling that reduces energy consumption while maintaining measurement capability across the entire field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the depth mapping problem by using multiple discrete beams at different spatial positions and angles. Instead of relying on a single continuous illumination source, the system uses the spatial distribution of multiple beams as an additional dimension for depth information, allowing accurate depth reconstruction from sparse measurements through geometric relationships.
2Use of energy by moving object
If discrete radiation beams are used, then energy efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to errors in combining sparse depth maps with other images
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the sensor detects not only the presence of reflected radiation but also its intensity and temporal characteristics. This feedback information is used to adjust and refine the depth calculations, compensating for the sparsity of the discrete beam sampling and improving the accuracy of the final depth map without increasing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously: the spatial distribution of radiation beams, the temporal modulation characteristics, and the sensor detection parameters. By optimizing these parameters together, the system achieves accurate depth measurements with discrete beams, enabling high-quality interpolation when combining depth maps with other images while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If sensor position is used for depth map positioning, then measurement process is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates due to parallax effects
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using the sensor position to determine depth map coordinates (which causes parallax errors), the patent inverts the approach by using the known radiation beam emission positions and directions to define the depth map coordinate system. This inversion eliminates parallax effects because the reference frame is now tied to the illumination source rather than the detection device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the radiation beam trajectory and reflection geometry as an intermediary between the sensor detection and the final depth map positioning. By using the beam path information as a mediator, the system can accurately map sensor measurements to depth map coordinates without the parallax distortion that would result from direct sensor-position-based mapping.
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 method effectively reduces errors in interpolation by using projector-based position information, achieving sub-pixel accuracy in dot positioning, and improving the quality of the final depth map, especially near object edges, while maintaining energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
determine depth information of objects in the field of view from the radiation measured by the sensor... convert the time taken between emission of the radiation and the receipt of the reflected radiation into a depth using the speed of light
Implementation Method 2
measure a portion of the emitted radiation that is reflected from objects disposed in the field of view
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating a depth map for a field of view includes illuminating the field of view with a plurality of discrete radiation beams and detecting a reflected portion of at least some of the plurality of discrete radiation beams. The method further includes determining range information for an object within the field of view from which each reflected portion was reflected based on time of flight. The method further includes identifying a corresponding one of the plurality of discrete radiation beams from which each reflected portion originated. The method further includes generating a depth map including a plurality of points, each point having: a depth value corresponding to determined range information for a detected reflected portion of a discrete radiation beam; and a position within the depth map corresponding to a position of the identified corresponding one of the plurality of discrete radiation beams.