Imaging Unit Temperature Correction for Depth Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of ranging in imaging systems using coded imaging methods is compromised by changes in environmental temperature, which affect the distance between the optical system and the imaging device, leading to inaccurate depth estimation.
Innovation Solution
An imaging unit and method that incorporate a coded aperture pattern, a Time Of Flight sensor for depth measurement, and a correction mechanism to adjust depth information based on environmental temperature, using a memory unit to correlate and store relationships between depth information and temperature, ensuring accurate depth estimation across varying temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If coded imaging method is used for depth estimation, then depth information can be acquired from image blur, but ranging accuracy deteriorates when environmental temperature changes cause displacement of optical system or imaging device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a TOF sensor as an intermediary measurement device to obtain reference depth information that is not affected by temperature-induced displacement. This reference measurement mediates between the temperature-sensitive coded imaging system and the ground truth, enabling correction of ranging errors through comparison and calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by acquiring depth information through two different methods (coded imaging blur analysis and TOF time-of-flight measurement). By comparing these different parameter sets, the system identifies temperature-induced errors and corrects the coded imaging depth estimates to maintain accuracy across varying temperatures.
2Measurement precision
If single depth measurement method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature-induced errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging system multi-functional by integrating both coded imaging depth estimation and TOF-based depth measurement capabilities. The system universally handles depth acquisition through multiple methods, allowing it to select or combine approaches based on environmental conditions, thereby improving precision without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two different depth measurement techniques (coded imaging and TOF) into a single integrated system. By combining the blur-based depth estimation with time-of-flight reference measurements, the system achieves higher ranging accuracy while managing device complexity through unified processing and correction mechanisms.
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 ranging accuracy by correcting depth information in each pixel based on environmental temperature, improving the precision of depth estimation regardless of temperature fluctuations, thereby complementing the limitations of both coded imaging and Time Of Flight methods.
Implementation Method 1
a correction sensor measuring a time between reflection of emitted light by a surface of an arbitrary imaging object and return
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging unit includes an imaging apparatus having an aperture unit and an imaging device, a TOF sensor measuring a time between reflection of emitted light by a surface of an arbitrary imaging object and return, a ranging result acquisition unit acquiring first depth information in each of a plurality of pixels of the imaging device, an actual distance acquisition unit acquiring second depth information of the imaging object based on a measurement result of the TOF sensor, a memory unit correlating and storing a relationship between the first depth information and the second depth information with an environmental temperature, a temperature acquisition unit acquiring an environmental temperature based on the first depth information and the second depth information, and a correction unit correcting the first depth information in each of the plurality of pixels based on the environmental temperature.