Hemispherical Non-Visible Light Depth Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current depth detection methods using visible light cameras are limited in accuracy and efficiency, especially for spherical or hemispherical scenes, due to high resource and computational costs, and limited field of view, which restricts their three-dimensional depth detection capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method and apparatus for spherical or hemispherical non-visible light depth detection by projecting a hemispherical non-visible light static structured light pattern, detecting the reflected non-visible light, and determining three-dimensional depth information using a processor and sensor, such as a hemispherical non-visible light projector and detector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If visible light cameras are used for depth detection, then the system can capture images and perform object detection, but the accuracy and efficiency of depth detection is limited due to high resource and computational costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth detection accuracyVSAvoidresource and computational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces visible light camera systems with non-visible light (infrared) structured light projection and detection systems. This substitution uses infrared light instead of visible light for depth detection, which reduces computational complexity while maintaining or improving depth accuracy through time-of-flight measurement methods that are inherently more efficient for depth mapping than visible light image processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light from visible spectrum to infrared spectrum. This parameter change enables the use of non-visible light for structured light projection, which allows for more efficient depth detection algorithms and reduces the computational burden associated with processing visible light images for depth information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If visible light cameras are used for depth detection, then the system can perform three-dimensional depth detection, but the field of view is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional depth detection capabilityVSAvoidfield of view

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a hemispherical or spherical arrangement for the infrared structured light projector and detector assembly. This curved geometric configuration expands the field of view beyond the limitations of flat camera sensors, enabling comprehensive three-dimensional depth detection across a wider angular range while maintaining measurement precision through the structured light pattern projection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If visible light systems are used, then the system can detect objects, but resource consumption and computational costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject detection capabilityVSAvoidresource and computational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes visible light-based object detection with non-visible light (infrared) time-of-flight depth detection. This replacement reduces energy consumption and computational costs by using direct time-of-flight measurement principles that require less processing power compared to analyzing visible light images for depth information, while maintaining reliable object detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The infrared structured light system inherently provides depth information through the time-of-flight measurement of projected and reflected infrared light patterns. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex computational algorithms required by visible light systems, reducing both energy consumption and computational resource requirements while maintaining detection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enhances the accuracy and efficiency of depth detection by utilizing non-visible light, reducing resource and computational costs, and improving the three-dimensional depth detection capabilities beyond the limitations of visible light systems.

Implementation Method 1

projecting a hemispherical non-visible light static structured light pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

detecting non-visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

determining three-dimensional depth information based on the detected non-visible light and the projected hemispherical non-visible light static structured light pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS11611698B2Method and apparatus of depth detection, and computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD

AI summary

Spherical or hemispherical non-visible light depth detection includes projecting a hemispherical non-visible light static structured light pattern, in response to projecting the hemispherical non-visible light static structured light pattern, detecting non-visible light, determining three-dimensional depth information based on the detected non-visible light and the projected hemispherical non-visible light static structured light pattern, and outputting the three-dimensional depth information.