Phase-Modulated Projection Patterns for Accurate Active Stereo Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distance measuring methods using active stereo techniques struggle with inaccurate distance estimation due to variations in projection pattern hits on objects and errors from object reflectance and external light, leading to unreliable matching.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that generates adaptive projection patterns using a phase modulation scheme, adjusting light amount and density based on object reflectance and shape to improve measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed light pattern with distribution of different intensities is projected on an object, then the active stereo method can be implemented, but the distance estimation accuracy deteriorates due to variations in projection pattern hits and object reflectance
Solution Approach 1:
The projection pattern is made dynamic by adjusting its parameters (such as spatial frequency, orientation, or intensity distribution) based on detected object characteristics like reflectance and shape. This allows the system to adapt the projection pattern to match the specific object being measured, thereby maintaining high distance estimation accuracy across various object types and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters of the projection pattern (e.g., spatial frequency, contrast, orientation) according to the detected object characteristics. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system optimizes the projection pattern for each specific object, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a fixed projection pattern is used, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to errors from object reflectance and external light
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the projection pattern is initially projected, the object characteristics are detected from the captured images, and then the projection pattern is adjusted based on this feedback. This closed-loop approach improves measurement accuracy by adapting to actual object conditions while keeping the overall system architecture relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of object characteristics (such as reflectance and shape) before finalizing the projection pattern parameters. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare an optimized projection pattern in advance, improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the actual measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If adaptive projection patterns are generated using phase modulation, then distance estimation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with phase modulation of the projection pattern. By using phase modulation, the system can dynamically adjust projection pattern parameters through electrical control rather than mechanical means, thereby improving distance estimation accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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 apparatus enhances distance estimation accuracy by adapting projection patterns to object characteristics, reducing errors from reflectance and external light, and ensuring precise distance measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a generation unit that generates a projection pattern of light to be projected on an object using a phase modulation scheme
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes: a generation unit that generates a projection pattern of light to be projected on an object using a phase modulation scheme; and an estimation unit that estimates distance information indicating a distance from an imaging device to the object on the basis of a captured image obtained by imaging the object on which the projection pattern generated by the generation unit is projected by the imaging device.