Interlaced Laser Scanning for 3D Depth Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structured light 3D sensing systems typically require many frames of captured light reflections to achieve high accuracy, making them time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Combining time-of-flight (TOF) measurements with structured light processing, using interlaced or alternating patterns of structured and non-structured light to balance accuracy and acquisition speed, and dynamically adjusting light patterns based on 3D point cloud content for efficient data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If structured light patterns are projected and captured in multiple frames to achieve high accuracy 3D sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the scanning pattern between structured and non-structured light based on detected motion in the field of view. When motion is detected, the system switches to non-structured light for rapid updates; when static, it uses structured light for high accuracy. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching the scanning method to the actual scene conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic alternating between structured light patterns and non-structured light patterns at predetermined intervals. This periodic switching allows the system to achieve both high accuracy (during structured light phases) and fast acquisition (during non-structured light phases), resolving the time-accuracy tradeoff through temporal division.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple frames of structured light patterns are captured to generate accurate 3D point clouds, then manufacturing precision of the measurement is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial structured light patterns (projecting patterns on only certain lines or regions) rather than complete full-frame structured light patterns. This partial application maintains sufficient measurement precision for the region of interest while significantly reducing the total number of frames required, thus improving productivity without sacrificing essential accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the field of view into regions with motion and regions without motion, applying different scanning strategies to each segment. Static regions use structured light for accuracy while dynamic regions use non-structured light for speed, allowing the system to maintain overall precision while improving total acquisition speed.
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 allows for rapid generation of accurate 3D point clouds by leveraging the speed of TOF measurements while enhancing accuracy through structured light processing, with the ability to adapt to dynamic or static features in the field of view.
Implementation Method 1
A light source includes at least one light source capable of emitting pulses of laser light. A photodetector receives reflections of the pulses of laser light. A time-of-flight measurement circuit measures times-of-flight of the pulses of laser light
Implementation Method 2
The modulated laser beam is reflected by a scanning mirror to generate a scanning pattern in a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
Laser light pulses are generated and scanned in a raster pattern in a field of view. The laser light pulses are generated at times that result in structured light patterns and non-structured light patterns. The structured light patterns and non-structured light patterns may be in common frames or different frames. Time-of-flight measurement is performed to produce a first 3D point cloud, and structured light processing is performed to produce a second 3D point cloud.