Non-monotonic Light Intensity for Depth Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing depth and gesture detection methods require dedicated hardware and increased power consumption or complex image processing, making them inefficient for accurate object position and gesture detection.

Innovation Solution

A depth and gesture detecting apparatus using a light emitter with non-monotonic intensity characteristics, a camera, and a signal controller to analyze light intensity ratios and differences for precise object depth and gesture detection, which includes multiple light sources and beam shapers, and an image processor for image generation and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If TOF method with dedicated CIS or high-speed intensity modulator is used, then depth image can be acquired, but chip size increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the light intensity parameter from constant to non-monotonic temporal variation. By modulating the light intensity in a non-monotonic pattern over time, the system can extract depth information from the temporal variation of reflected light intensity, eliminating the need for dedicated high-speed intensity modulators and reducing power consumption while maintaining depth detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical intensity modulation system (requiring dedicated CIS or high-speed modulators) with a simpler light intensity variation approach. Instead of using complex hardware to modulate light intensity at high speeds, the system uses controlled non-monotonic intensity variation that can be processed by standard image sensors, thereby reducing chip size and power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If triangulation method with pattern-emitting lighting and dedicated ASIC is used, then depth information can be extracted, but device complexity increases and computing power increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth detection accuracyVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential depth detection function from complex triangulation systems with dedicated ASICs. By using non-monotonic light intensity variation and analyzing the temporal pattern of reflected light, the system achieves depth detection without requiring pattern-emitting lighting or specialized hardware circuits, thereby reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the light emitter serve multiple functions: it provides illumination for visible imaging and simultaneously encodes depth information through non-monotonic intensity variation. This eliminates the need for separate pattern-emitting lighting systems and dedicated depth processing hardware, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining depth detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If triangulation method with position-proportional lighting pattern is used, then depth information can be extracted, but computing power increases for pattern position analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth detection accuracyVSAvoidcomputing power

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the light intensity parameter from constant to non-monotonic temporal variation. By modulating the light intensity in a non-monotonic pattern over time, the system can extract depth information from the temporal variation of reflected light intensity, eliminating the need for dedicated high-speed intensity modulators and reducing power consumption while maintaining depth detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical intensity modulation system (requiring dedicated CIS or high-speed modulators) with a simpler light intensity variation approach. Instead of using complex hardware to modulate light intensity at high speeds, the system uses controlled non-monotonic intensity variation that can be processed by standard image sensors, thereby reducing chip size and power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient and accurate detection of object depth and gestures by analyzing non-monotonic light intensity characteristics, reducing hardware requirements and improving detection precision.

Implementation Method 1

a camera configured to capture light emitted from the light emitter and reflected by the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9699377B2Depth detecting apparatus and method, and gesture detecting apparatus and gesture detecting method

Publication Date: 2017.07.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A gesture detecting apparatus including a light emitter configure to emit light towards an object, a camera configured to capture light emitted from the light emitter and reflected by the object, and a signal controller configured to control the light emitter and the camera, in which the light emitter comprises a first light and second light, at least one of which is configured to emit light having non-monotonic intensity characteristics.