Distance Measuring Apparatus with Selective Patterned Light Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance measuring techniques fail to satisfactorily measure distances, particularly in regions with poor texture or repeated patterns, due to limitations in measurement accuracy and parallax calculation.
Innovation Solution
A distance measuring apparatus and method that includes an imaging unit capable of capturing images from different viewpoints and a projecting unit positioned optically conjugate to the imaging unit, which projects patterned light on specific regions based on calculated projection control information to enhance measurement accuracy by adjusting pattern, illuminance, and wavelength, thereby improving distance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional passive imaging techniques are used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates in regions with poor texture or repeated patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the captured image to identify regions with poor texture or repeated patterns before distance measurement. Based on this preliminary assessment, it selectively projects patterned light only on the problematic regions, thereby improving measurement precision where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity in well-textured regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly projecting patterned light across the entire field of view, the system applies patterned light locally only to specific regions that require improved measurement accuracy. This localized approach enhances measurement precision in critical areas while maintaining simplicity in other areas, effectively resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If patterned light is projected on the entire field of view, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements spatially selective patterned light projection by controlling the projecting unit to illuminate only specific regions identified as problematic. This local quality approach ensures high measurement precision in regions with poor texture while avoiding the complexity of projecting patterns across the entire field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than applying patterned light universally (excessive action), the system applies it partially only to regions where measurement difficulties are detected. This partial action strategy achieves sufficient measurement precision without the overhead of a fully complex projection control system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple imaging units are used to capture images from different viewpoints, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single imaging unit that performs multiple functions: capturing both the original image and the image with projected patterned light. This multi-functional approach enables parallax calculation and distance measurement with the same hardware, improving measurement precision without increasing device complexity through multiple imaging units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the functions of multiple imaging units into a single imaging unit by capturing images from the same viewpoint under different illumination conditions (with and without patterned light). This merging approach maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
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
The apparatus effectively measures distances by projecting patterned light on desired regions, improving measurement accuracy and overcoming limitations in texture and pattern complexity, resulting in a more reliable and accurate distance image.
Implementation Method 1
acquire a plurality of images having view points different from one another, calculating a parallax amount on the basis of a correlation among the acquired plurality of images
Implementation Method 2
projecting a patterned light on an object having a poor texture to thereby improve measurement accuracy of a correlation
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a distance measuring apparatus, a distance measuring method, and an imaging apparatus that can satisfactorily measure a distance. A distance measuring apparatus includes an imaging unit capable of acquiring a plurality of images having view points different from one another and a controlling unit configured to perform control to acquire the plurality of images with the imaging unit in a state in which a patterned light is projected on any region using a projecting unit disposed in a position optically conjugate to the imaging unit and measure a distance on the basis of the plurality of images acquired by the imaging unit.