Optical Depth Map Generation Using Direction and Time of Arrival
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical depth measurement methods face challenges such as high manufacturing costs, spatial limitations, computational complexity, and vulnerability to noise, particularly in outdoor environments, when generating high-resolution depth maps.
Innovation Solution
An optical device and method that combine direction-of-arrival and time-of-arrival depth maps using an antenna array with a correlation operation to generate a high-resolution depth map, capable of processing omnidirectional electromagnetic waves and adapting to multiple objects, employing time and spatial light modulation for improved accuracy and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precision impulse laser is used for depth measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the depth measurement process into multiple conventional light sources emitting at different wavelengths, rather than using a single precision impulse laser. Each wavelength component measures specific depth ranges, and the results are combined to achieve high-precision depth measurement across the full range, thereby avoiding the need for expensive impulse lasers.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional optical measuring method is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple conventional optical measuring methods that use different wavelengths of light into a single integrated system. By combining the depth information from multiple wavelength components, the system achieves high measurement precision while using only conventional, cost-effective light sources rather than expensive precision impulse lasers.
3Measurement precision
If multiple stereo cameras are used for depth measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical camera-based stereo vision system with an optical measurement system using multiple wavelengths of light. Instead of using multiple cameras that require precise mechanical alignment and complex image processing, the system uses optical interference and wavelength-dependent depth encoding to achieve high-precision depth measurement with a simpler device configuration.
4Device complexity
If conventional depth measurement method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability in noisy environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic modulation of multiple wavelength components at different frequencies. By encoding depth information in the temporal periodicity of reflected light at different wavelengths, the system can distinguish signal from noise through frequency analysis, significantly improving reliability in noisy outdoor environments while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 the generation of high-resolution depth maps over a wide area (180 degrees) with improved noise resistance and real-time processing, capable of accurately determining distances and object positions, even in outdoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
generating a second depth map for the object based on a time of arrival of the received reflected wave
Implementation Method 2
generating a first depth map for the object based on a direction of arrival of the received reflected wave
Implementation Method 3
receiving a reflected wave reflected from the object through an optical receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device is disclosed. An optical device of the present invention that generates a depth map for an object comprises: a projector for irradiating electromagnetic waves onto an object; an optical receiver for receiving reflected waves reflected from the object; and a processor for generating a first depth map for the object on the basis of the direction of arrival of the received reflected waves, generating a second depth map for the object on the basis of the arrival time of the received reflected waves, and combining the first depth map and the second depth map and generating a depth map for the object.