Dot Pattern Depth Imaging for Distant Object SNR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Time of Flight (TOF) cameras face challenges in acquiring reliable depth images of distant objects due to insufficient light reception, leading to decreased signal-to-noise ratio and reduced resolution, while also needing to limit light emission to protect eyes.
Innovation Solution
A depth image generating apparatus using multiple light sources that emit light in a dot pattern, controlled by a controller to optimize light distribution and scanning patterns, ensuring sufficient light reception and high-resolution depth data acquisition while protecting eyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the strength of light emitted to the object is increased to improve depth image quality, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but eye protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The light emission is segmented into multiple discrete dots arranged in a pattern, where each dot corresponds to a specific region on the object. This segmentation allows the total light energy to be distributed across multiple points rather than concentrated, improving depth image reliability while maintaining eye safety through controlled distribution of light intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The light sources are controlled to emit light in a scanning pattern that moves periodically across the object. By sequentially activating different light sources in the dot pattern rather than illuminating all areas simultaneously, the system accumulates sufficient signal for high-quality depth images while limiting the temporal exposure of any single location, thereby protecting eyes
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light emission is reduced to protect eyes, then eye safety is maintained, but the signal-to-noise ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from uniform two-dimensional surface illumination to a structured dot pattern in space. By arranging light sources in specific spatial configurations and scanning patterns, the system concentrates light energy into discrete points that can be efficiently detected, improving signal-to-noise ratio while keeping overall light emission low for eye safety
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning process continuously moves the dot pattern across the object surface, ensuring that every region receives adequate light exposure over time. This continuous scanning accumulates sufficient signal information for reliable depth imaging while maintaining low instantaneous light intensity at any given point, thus preserving eye safety
3Area of stationary object
If the light is emitted as a surface light source to cover the entire object, then the illumination area is maximized, but the resolution of depth images decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination area is segmented into multiple discrete dot regions rather than continuous surface lighting. Each dot in the pattern corresponds to a specific spatial location and can be independently controlled, allowing the system to cover the entire object area while maintaining high resolution through precise spatial mapping between light dots and object regions
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniform illumination across the entire surface, the system applies light locally at discrete dot positions with specific intensity and timing characteristics. Each dot in the scanning pattern provides localized high-intensity illumination that enhances resolution for its corresponding region, while the overall coverage remains comprehensive through the scanning motion
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 solution enhances the reliability and resolution of depth images for distant objects by controlling light emission patterns, maintaining eye protection and improving signal-to-noise ratio, and allows for High Dynamic Range (HDR) implementation.
Implementation Method 1
The TOF scheme is a scheme for measuring a depth of an object by calculating a time of reflective light returning from an object after directly irradiating light to the object
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor 122 configured to convert the received light into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A depth image generation apparatus is disclosed including a light source for generating light to be emitted toward an object in order to solve an SNR problem caused by resolution degradation and an insufficient amount of received light, while not increasing a light-emitting amount when photographing a remote object; a first optical system for emitting a dot pattern at the object, the light generated by the light source; an image sensor for receiving light reflected from the object and converting the light into an electrical signal; an image processor for acquiring depth data through the electrical signal; and a control unit connected to the light source, the first optical system, the image sensor and the image processor, where the control unit controls the first optical system so as to scan the object by moving the dot pattern in a preset pattern.