Simultaneous Distance and Gray Image Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spatial information detecting devices require complex association treatments between gray images and distance information, leading to time lags and increased size and cost, as they typically use separate devices for generating gray images and extracting distance information.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device that generates both distance and gray images using light intensity-modulated at a modulation frequency, allowing for simultaneous pixel-based distance and gray value determination, thereby eliminating the need for complex association treatments and reducing device size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate pixels are used for gray values and distance values, then distance information can be obtained, but complex association treatment is required between gray images and distance information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection of gray values and distance information into a single pixel structure. The light receiving element captures both the intensity-modulated light for distance measurement and the reflected light for gray value extraction from the same pixel, eliminating the need for separate pixels and complex association treatments between gray images and distance information.
2Measurement precision
If light is scanned in target space using triangular surveying method, then distance information can be obtained, but time lag between gray image generation and distance information generation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous and simultaneous extraction of both gray values and distance information from the same pixel without time lag. By using the same pixel for both functions and processing the light signals in parallel, the system eliminates the sequential scanning process that causes time lags in conventional triangular surveying methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices are used for gray image generation and distance measurement, then both functions can be performed, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal light receiving element that performs multiple functions: extracting gray values from reflected light and measuring distance through intensity-modulated light detection. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices (TV camera and position sensitive detector) into a single integrated system, reducing overall apparatus size and cost.
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 the simultaneous generation of spatial information from both gray and distance images without complex association treatments, reducing device size and cost while improving accuracy and efficiency in extracting object outlines and 3D information.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving element such as photoelectric converter configured to receive the light reflected from an object in the target space and generate an electrical output corresponding to an intensity of the received light
Implementation Method 2
a light source configured to irradiate a light intensity-modulated at a modulation frequency to a target space
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device for generating both of a distance image and a gray image from an electrical output of a light receiving element on the precondition that a light intensity-modulated at a modulation frequency is irradiated into a target space. This device has an image generator for generating the distance image having pixel values, each of which provides a distance value between an object in the target space and the device, in accordance with a phase difference between the irradiated light and the received light, and the gray image having pixel values, each of which provides a gray value of the object, in accordance with an intensity of the received light. By use of an output of the image generator, an outline of the object can be extracted.