Distance Measurement Correction Using Reliability-Scored Depth Data

The patent uses image data from the same camera that is being corrected, rather than requiring a separate high-precision distance measurement unit. The system processes multiple images taken at different times to extract distance information, effectively using readily available data instead of expensive additional hardware. This resolves the contradiction by achieving correction without requiring a second high-accuracy measurement device that would have limited scene adaptability.

The patent creates virtual distance measurement data by processing image data through optical flow calculations and depth map generation. Instead of relying on physical second measurement hardware, the system generates synthetic distance information from image sequences, copying the essential measurement function through computational methods. This allows the correction to work across various scenes without the constraints of additional physical sensors.

The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment based on scene conditions and data quality. Rather than using a fixed high reliability threshold, the system adapts the correction acceptance criteria according to the specific situation, including factors like scene complexity, object characteristics, and data quality metrics. This dynamic approach maintains correction accuracy when conditions are favorable while allowing more corrections to be applied when conditions permit, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and correction probability.

The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously to balance accuracy and correction probability: it adjusts the reliability threshold based on scene characteristics, modifies the valid time interval according to camera stability conditions, and varies the correction strength based on confidence levels. These parameter changes allow the system to maintain high accuracy standards while increasing the overall rate of successful corrections by adapting to different operational contexts.

The patent performs preliminary validation of correction values before applying them to distance measurements. The system pre-processes correction data by checking validity conditions, including time interval constraints, scene consistency, and quality metrics, before the actual correction is applied. This preliminary action ensures that only reliable correction values are stored and used, maintaining both correction reliability and accuracy by filtering out potentially outdated or inaccurate values in advance.

The system implements feedback mechanisms where each generated correction value is evaluated against previous corrections and current scene conditions. The validity determination unit uses feedback from multiple sources including temporal consistency checks, spatial coherence analysis, and comparison with expected distance ranges to accept or reject correction values. This feedback loop ensures that correction reliability is maintained over time while preventing the use of outdated or inaccurate corrections by continuously validating against current conditions.