Distance Determination Using Spatial Image Angular Velocity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining object distances in three-dimensional space are either limited in application or require complex technical implementations, often struggling with dynamic environments and high precision requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines object distances by evaluating sensor element signals to calculate the relative speed and angular velocity of an image capturing device, using the spatial image angular velocity and offset angle to derive the object distance, allowing for rapid and comprehensive distance measurement across a wide range of dynamic tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation method is used to determine object distance, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but the optical field of view is restricted and measurement access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D image sensors to a spatial light detector that captures three-dimensional spatial images directly. This dimensional upgrade enables distance determination for multiple objects across a broader field of view without being constrained by the triangulation triangle geometry, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and field of view coverage.
2Measurement precision
If stereo camera systems are used for three-dimensional detection, then depth information can be obtained, but complex subsequent signal processing is required and correspondence problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts distance information directly from the spatial image data captured by the spatial light detector, eliminating the need for complex correspondence matching and signal processing required by stereo camera systems. The spatial image inherently encodes depth information, allowing direct determination of object distances without solving the correspondence problem.
3Reliability
If active illumination is used for distance measurement, then measurement capability in various lighting conditions is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive lighting conditions, utilizing ambient light already present in the environment rather than requiring active illumination systems. The spatial light detector captures spatial images using existing light sources, eliminating the need for additional illuminators and reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
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
Enables simple and efficient detection of object distances with high accuracy, suitable for dynamic three-dimensional measuring tasks, using a conventional 2D camera and eliminating the need for complex active illumination or high-resolution spatial image quality.
Implementation Method 1
the image generation element 2--a lens in the present embodiment--images part of the room onto the sensor 3
Implementation Method 2
this may initially be understood to be limited to the optical imaging of visible light. Of course, this is not a restriction, it can be any electromagnetic radiation, especially that in the terahertz range. Even the use of acoustic image acquisition devices is conceivable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the distance (R) between at least one object (1) situated in space and an image capture apparatus having an image generation element (2) and a sensor (3), wherein the sensor (3) comprises a plurality of sensor elements (4) arranged flat next to one another, the image generation element (2) maps at least one portion of the space onto the sensor (3), and wherein a space portion sensed by the image generation element (2) at a particular angle of deviation (a) is mapped onto a particular sensor element (4). The invention allows the comprehensive detection of object distances, particularly in a large portion of the sensed space using simple technical means. The relative speed (v) of the movement of the image capture apparatus relative to the object (1) is ascertained and a space map angle speed (?mes,sensor) is determined by evaluating the sensor element signals from at least two sensor elements (4) - voxels (5). The object distance (R) is determined using the relative speed (v) of the image capture apparatus, the orthogonal object angle speed (?mes) obtained from the space map angle speed (?mes,sensor) of the object (1) mapped onto the sensor elements (4) and the angle of deviation (a) of the object (1).