Movable Structured Light Projector for Mapping Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems, such as those used in VR or AR devices, face accuracy issues in mapping local areas due to small errors in projector and imaging subsystem positioning, which can be exacerbated by physical shocks or changes in device calibration.
Innovation Solution
A movable structured light projector system that includes a light projector assembly, an imaging device, and an actuator, allowing precise adjustment of the projector's position during calibration and operation to enhance mapping accuracy and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the projector and imaging subsystem are positioned close to each other to save space, then device compactness is improved, but mapping accuracy deteriorates due to small positioning errors having significant impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable projector assembly that can be dynamically repositioned relative to the imaging subsystem using an actuator. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to compensate for positioning errors and maintain accurate spatial relationships between the projector and imaging subsystem, even when they are positioned close together for compactness.
2Measurement precision
If the device is closely calibrated by the manufacturer, then initial mapping accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to calibration drift from physical shocks or impacts during use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically adjusting the projector assembly position using the actuator based on feedback from the imaging subsystem. This self-service calibration mechanism allows the device to correct for calibration drift caused by physical shocks or impacts during use, maintaining reliability without requiring external recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the imaging subsystem captures images of reflected structured light, and the control system processes these images to determine the actual spatial relationship between the projector and imaging subsystem. This feedback information is used to adjust the projector assembly position via the actuator, compensating for calibration drift and maintaining accurate mapping.
3Device complexity
If a stationary projector assembly is used, then device complexity is reduced, but mapping resolution deteriorates due to inability to capture reflections from multiple positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable projector assembly that can be repositioned to multiple locations relative to the imaging subsystem. By dynamically changing the projector position, the system can capture reflections from multiple angles and positions, thereby improving mapping resolution without requiring multiple fixed projector units.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a movable structured light projector may include (1) a light projector assembly that receives a light control signal and projects structured light into a local area based on the light control signal, (2) an imaging device that receives a capture control signal and captures a reflection of the structured light from the local area based on the capture control signal, and (3) an actuator, coupled to the light projector assembly, that receives an actuator control signal and moves the light projector assembly relative to the imaging device based on the actuator control signal. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.