Ranging Device Sampling Point Estimation for Sparse Depth Accuracy

The patent introduces an image processing unit that uses image information as an intermediary to guide the selection of sampling points for depth measurement. By selecting sampling points based on image features (edges, corners, regions of interest), the system achieves accurate depth estimation at fewer points while maintaining high frame rates. The image information acts as a mediator that enables intelligent sampling point selection.

The patent dynamically changes the sampling rate parameter based on image content analysis. Different regions of the image receive different sampling densities - high-density sampling in important regions (edges, corners, moving objects) and low-density or no sampling in less important regions. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain measurement precision while increasing overall frame rate.

The patent applies different sampling densities to different local regions of the image based on their importance. Critical regions (edges, corners, moving objects) receive dense sampling to ensure sufficient depth information, while less critical regions receive sparse or no sampling. This local quality differentiation maintains the quantity of depth information where needed while reducing overall processing time.

The patent segments the image into different regions of interest and processes each region with appropriate sampling density. By dividing the image into important and less important regions, the system can allocate processing resources efficiently - spending more time on critical regions and less on non-critical regions, thereby maintaining information quantity while reducing total processing time.