Depth Sensing Using Multiple Line Pattern Generators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth sensing technologies using single line pattern generators face ambiguity and inaccuracy in distance measurements, especially when the size of the target object is unknown or varies, due to phase ambiguity issues beyond a limited range of depths.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple line pattern generators producing different line patterns with varying angular distances and positions, combined with a camera and processor to analyze phase shifts and calculate accurate distances by capturing images of the target object illuminated by each LPG, either sequentially or simultaneously, and processing these images to determine the distance based on phase differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single line pattern generator is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to phase ambiguity beyond a limited depth range
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the depth sensing task into multiple measurements using multiple line pattern generators, each providing a different angular distance. This segmentation allows the system to resolve phase ambiguity by combining measurements from multiple generators, thereby improving distance measurement precision across extended depth ranges while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an additional dimension to the measurement system by using multiple line pattern generators with different angular distances rather than relying on a single generator. This dimensional expansion in the angular space allows the system to disambiguate phase shifts and achieve accurate depth measurements beyond the limited range of a single generator
2Measurement precision
If multiple line pattern generators are used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple line pattern generators are designed with identical structural configurations but different angular distances, allowing each generator to serve the same functional purpose of projecting line patterns while contributing different measurement dimensions. This universality improves measurement precision through multi-angle observations while minimizing device complexity by repeating a proven modular design rather than creating entirely new components
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the angular distance parameter among multiple line pattern generators while keeping other structural parameters constant. This parameter change allows each generator to provide complementary measurement information that resolves phase ambiguity, improving distance measurement precision while maintaining device simplicity through consistent design patterns across generators
3Ease of operation
If a single line pattern is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to phase ambiguity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple line pattern measurements to resolve phase ambiguity. By comparing phase shifts across multiple generators with different angular distances, the system automatically disambiguates depth measurements without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving measurement precision through computational synthesis of multiple observations
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 reduces phase ambiguity and provides accurate distance measurements across a wider range of distances, even when the target object's size is unknown, by utilizing multiple line patterns to distinguish phase shifts and calculate distances with higher precision.
Implementation Method 1
Line pattern generators are used to illuminate objects in target areas with a pattern of light, e.g., visible, infrared, or ultraviolet optical radiation
Implementation Method 2
Observation of an object illuminated with a pattern can be used to determine information about the object
Implementation Method 3
a camera to capture images of the target object illuminated by each LPG
Data Source
AI summary
A distance measurement system includes two or more line pattern generators (LPGs), a camera, and a processor. Each LPG emits a line pattern having a first set of dark portions separated by a respective first set of bright portions. A first line pattern has a first angular distance between adjacent bright portions, and a second line pattern has a second angular distance between adjacent bright portions. The camera captures at least one image of the first line pattern and the second line pattern. The camera is a first distance from the first LPG and a second distance from the second LPG. The processor identifies a target object illuminated by the first and second line patterns and determines a distance to the target object based on the appearance of the target object as illuminated by the first and second line patterns.