Optical Sensor Matrix Positioning via Epipolar Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D sensing methods face challenges with unreliable results due to multiple reflections and high computational power demands, particularly in outdoor and mobile applications, leading to limitations in real-time applications and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A detector system utilizing a matrix of optical sensors with an evaluation device that determines the position of an object by analyzing reflection images and generating a combined signal to calculate longitudinal coordinates, allowing for accurate positioning with reduced computational resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation methods using structured light or stereo cameras are used, then 3D sensing capability is achieved, but computational power demand increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the correspondence problem solution into two stages: first identifying feature points in one image, then using epipolar geometry to constrain the search space in the other image to a single line. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity from quadratic to linear scaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces epipolar geometry as an intermediary constraint that mediates between two camera views. By establishing epipolar lines based on known camera geometry, the system creates an intermediate representation that simplifies the correspondence matching process significantly.
2Reliability
If quadratic scaling evaluation algorithms are employed to solve correspondence problems, then measurement reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the evaluation algorithm dynamic by adapting the search strategy based on epipolar constraints. Instead of evaluating all possible correspondences, the system dynamically narrows the search to points lying on epipolar lines, reducing computational effort while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If high computational power is used for real-time 3D sensing, then frame rate increases, but heat generation and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces computationally intensive mechanical-like processing (quadratic algorithms) with a more efficient geometric approach based on epipolar constraints. This substitution reduces the computational load and associated heat generation while maintaining real-time performance.
4Measurement precision
If structured light patterns are projected for depth mapping, then measurement precision improves, but multiple reflections cause unreliable results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of multiple reflections into a beneficial constraint. By using epipolar geometry, the system can distinguish between direct reflections and multiple reflections, as multiple reflections will not satisfy the epipolar constraint, allowing the system to filter them out reliably.
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 enables reliable and efficient determination of object positions with low technical effort and resource requirements, overcoming the limitations of high computational power demands and environmental interference.
Implementation Method 1
each optical sensor being designed to generate at least one sensor signal in response to an illumination of its light-sensitive area by a reflection light beam propagating from the object to the detector
Data Source
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AI summary
A detector (110) for determining a position of at least one object (112) is proposed. The detector (110) comprises -at least one sensor element (116) having a matrix (118) of optical sensors (120), the optical sensors (120) each having a light-sensitive area (122), wherein each optical sensor (120) is designed to generate at least one sensor signal in response to an illumination of its respective light-sensitive area (122) by a reflection light beam (182) propagating from the object (112) to the detector (110), wherein the sensor element (116) is adapted to determine at least one reflection image (126); -at least one evaluation device (128), wherein the evaluation device (128) is adapted to select at least one reflection feature of the reflection image (126), wherein the evaluation device (128) is configured for determining at least one longitudinal region (130) of the selected reflection feature of the reflection image (134) by evaluating a combined signal Q from the sensor signals, wherein the evaluation device (128) is adapted to determine at least one displacement region (132) in at least one reference image (134) corresponding to the longitudinal region (130), wherein the evaluation device (128) is adapted to match the selected reflection feature with at least one reference feature within the displacement region (132).