Dynamic Baseline Depth Imaging System for Precision 3D Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional depth imaging systems face challenges in accurately obtaining reliable 3D depth information, as the baseline between imaging devices must be adjusted based on distance to ensure accurate triangulation, with close baselines providing poor depth near cameras and large baselines required for distant depth, leading to inefficiencies in capturing precise depth data.

Innovation Solution

A depth imaging system comprising a first and second imaging device mounted on a sliding base, with a detecting module, estimating module, calculating module, and control module, which adjusts the relative distance between the devices to achieve an optimal baseline for accurate depth information capture, allowing for real-time detection and focal length adjustments to ensure reliable depth data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the baseline between imaging devices is made small to obtain reliable depth information close to the cameras, then the angle between rays is large enough for close depth measurement, but the system cannot obtain reliable depth information far from the cameras

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth measurement precisionVSAvoiddepth measurement range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the baseline distance between the two imaging devices adjustable rather than fixed. The sliding base allows the baseline to be dynamically changed based on the depth of the target object. When measuring close objects, the baseline is set to a smaller value to ensure large ray angles and precise measurement. When measuring distant objects, the baseline is increased to maintain measurement reliability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between close-range precision and far-range capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the baseline between imaging devices is made large to obtain reliable depth information far from the cameras, then the depth measurement range is extended, but the angle between rays becomes too small for accurate close depth measurement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth measurement rangeVSAvoiddepth measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding base mechanism enables dynamic baseline adjustment, allowing the system to adapt to different measurement scenarios. For distant objects, a larger baseline provides sufficient ray angle separation for reliable triangulation. For close objects, the baseline is reduced to maintain adequate ray angles. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between extending measurement range and maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the baseline is fixed to ensure reliable depth measurement at a specific distance, then the measurement precision is maintained for that distance, but the system cannot accurately measure objects at other distances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth measurement precisionVSAvoiddepth measurement adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed baseline system into a dynamic one through the sliding base mechanism. The baseline distance can be adjusted according to the depth of the target object, allowing the system to maintain optimal measurement conditions for objects at various distances. This resolves the contradiction between maintaining precision at a specific distance and adapting to different measurement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enables the adjustment of an optimal baseline for precise depth information capture, ensuring accurate 3D data extraction for applications like facial recognition and surveillance, by dynamically adjusting the relative distance and focal lengths to achieve the desired angle of intersection for reliable depth measurement.

Implementation Method 1

The first imaging device is configured to capture a first image, and the second imaging device is configured to capture a second image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10715787B1Depth imaging system and method for controlling depth imaging system thereof
Publication Date: 2020.07.14 ULSEE
  • US10715787B1 patent drawing
  • US10715787B1 patent drawing
  • US10715787B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A depth imaging system and a control method thereof are provided. The depth imaging system includes a first imaging device, a second imaging device, a sliding base, a detecting module, an estimating module, a calculating module, and a control module. The first imaging device and the second imaging device are mounted on the sliding base. The detecting module detects a target region of the first image and the second image. The estimating module estimates an initial depth of the target region. The calculating module calculates a baseline corresponding to the initial depth. The control module controls the sliding base to adjust a relative distance between the first imaging device and the second imaging device. The calculating module generates an adjusted baseline according to the adjusted relative distance between the first imaging device and the second imaging device, such that the adjusted baseline is closer to the calculated baseline.