Hybrid Depth Map Generation for Extended Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile device hardware sensors and software depth sensing technologies are limited in range, often providing accurate depth information only up to 5 to 10 meters, which is insufficient for applications requiring depth information several dozen or hundreds of meters away.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves generating a hybrid depth map by combining device-generated depth maps with external depth information downloaded from a network device. This external depth information is transformed to match the format of the device-generated depth maps and then merged to extend the range of the depth map beyond the limitations of the mobile device's capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If device depth map is generated using hardware sensors or software, then depth information is obtained, but the range is limited to 5 to 10 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines device-generated depth maps with externally downloaded depth information to create a hybrid depth map. This merging allows the system to achieve both accurate near-field depth measurement (from device sensors) and extended far-field depth range (from external sources), resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and depth range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (external depth information source) that bridges the gap between the device's limited depth sensing capability and the required extended depth range. This intermediary provides supplementary depth data that extends beyond the device's native 5-10 meter limitation while maintaining compatibility through format transformation.
2Length of stationary object
If external depth information is downloaded and merged, then depth range is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the depth mapping function into two independent parts: device-based depth sensing for near-field and external depth information for far-field. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently within its optimal range, reducing the overall system complexity by avoiding the need for a single complex system to handle all depth ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid depth map generation system serves multiple functions: it provides accurate near-field depth measurement using device sensors and extended far-field depth range using external information. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified hybrid depth map interface that abstracts the complexity of coordinating multiple depth sources, allowing applications to access extended depth range without managing the underlying system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method including receiving (S605) a request for a depth map, generating (S625) a hybrid depth map based on a device depth map (110) and downloaded depth information (105), and responding (S630) to the request for the depth map with the hybrid depth map (415). The device depth map (110) can be depth data captured on a user device (515) using sensors and/or software. The downloaded depth information (105) can be associated with depth data, map data, image data, and/or the like stored on a remote (to the user device) server (505).