Depth Mapping Device Ring Configuration Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth mapping devices in virtual reality and augmented reality applications face limitations in achieving comprehensive coverage of a local area due to the arrangement and configuration of cameras or projectors, which restricts the creation of accurate and immersive virtual environments.
Innovation Solution
A design system is employed to optimize the configuration of cameras or projectors arranged in rings, adjusting parameters to maximize coverage by determining the best arrangement that ensures a high degree of visibility across a local area, using methods such as virtual sphere analysis and Pascal triangle calculations to identify and optimize imaging component placements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a limited number of cameras or projectors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but coverage of the local area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging components are segmented into multiple rings arranged concentrically around the central axis. Each ring captures a specific angular sector, and the combination of multiple rings provides comprehensive 360-degree coverage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve full coverage with fewer total components compared to a single-plane arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional radial configuration. By distributing cameras or projectors across multiple concentric rings at different radial distances from the central axis, the system achieves volumetric coverage of the local area, maximizing the viewable space with a limited number of imaging components.
2Area of stationary object
If more cameras or projectors are added to increase coverage, then coverage of the local area improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple rings of imaging components are merged into a unified depth mapping device structure. The concentric arrangement allows all rings to work together synergistically, with each ring contributing to the overall coverage. This merging approach achieves comprehensive coverage more efficiently than dispersed or non-integrated arrangements would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging components across different rings serve multiple functions: each individual component captures depth information for its specific sector, while collectively they provide complete 360-degree coverage. The modular ring structure allows the system to function effectively whether all rings are present or if some are removed, providing flexibility and reducing the total number of components needed for full coverage.
3Device complexity
If imaging components are arranged in a single plane, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of depth mapping decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging components are arranged in concentric rings that form a cylindrical or spherical configuration around the central axis, rather than in a flat plane. This curved, three-dimensional arrangement creates multiple baseline distances for triangulation calculations, significantly improving depth mapping precision. The radial geometry allows for more accurate depth measurements across all angular sectors compared to planar arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
A depth mapping device comprises a plurality of imaging components arranged among one or more rings. A depth mapping device may be designed by identifying a plurality of configurations satisfying a set of input parameters that includes a number of imaging components, each configuration indicating a different arrangement of imaging components among one or more rings. Coverages for different configuration parameter sets for the configuration are analyzed to determine a configuration parameter set associated with the configuration having a highest coverage, where the coverage is indicative of an amount of a local area viewable by a depth mapping device using the configuration and associated configuration parameter set. A target configuration having a highest coverage is selected and used to generate a depth mapping device design to be manufactured.