3D Height-Based Object Detection Using Projected Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing systems face challenges in accurately detecting the area of a target object within a three-dimensional image, especially when the object's color is similar to the background, leading to difficulties in precise area detection.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a projector to project stripe or grid patterns onto the target object, and an imager to capture images, calculating height information and using it to detect the target object area based on pixel data, thereby distinguishing the object from the background.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If color-based detection methods are used to identify the target object, then the detection process is simple, but the detection precision deteriorates when the object's color is similar to the background
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional color-based detection to three-dimensional height-based detection by projecting light patterns and measuring depth information. This dimensional change allows the system to distinguish objects from backgrounds even when their colors are similar, as height information provides an additional discrimination criterion independent of color
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light projection patterns as an intermediary element between the imaging system and the target object. By projecting known patterns and analyzing their distortion upon contact with the object, the system obtains height information that serves as a mediator to identify object boundaries regardless of color similarity
2Measurement precision
If three-dimensional imaging is implemented to improve object detection accuracy, then the detection precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both standard color imaging and three-dimensional height measurement using the same hardware platform. The imaging device can switch between capturing color images and capturing light pattern distortion images, eliminating the need for separate dedicated 3D sensing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computational methods to generate height information by analyzing the distortion of projected light patterns in captured images. Instead of using complex dedicated 3D sensing hardware, the system creates a computational model that simulates height measurement by processing standard image data through algorithms that calculate depth from pattern deformation
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
This approach enables accurate and efficient detection of the target object area, even when the object's color is similar to the background, by utilizing height information from projected patterns, improving detection precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a projector for projecting a projection image having a stripe pattern or a grid pattern toward a target object
Implementation Method 2
an imager for imaging a target object on which the projection image is projected
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system, an imager, an area detection method, and a computer program easily and highly accurately detecting an area where a target object exists in an image acquired by imaging the target object are provided. The image processing system includes a projector for projecting a projection image having a stripe pattern or a grid pattern toward a target object, and an imager for imaging a target object on which the projection image is projected, and the imager includes an input image obtaining module for obtaining an input image acquired by imaging a target object on which the projection image is projected, a height information calculator for calculating height information of each pixel in the input image by using the input image, and a target object area detector for detecting a target object area where the target object exists in the input image, based on the height information of each pixel in the input image.