Reflectance-Based Depth Sensing Using Controlled Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the distance or depth of objects relative to devices, such as cameras, is challenging due to hardware limitations and complex surroundings, affecting settings like autofocus and sound direction.
Innovation Solution
Devices use a light source with known intensity to illuminate objects, measuring reflected illuminance and comparing it to reflectance values in a library to calculate distance and optimize settings like autofocus and exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional depth sensing methods are used, then device hardware requirements are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates in complex surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light source as an intermediary element to illuminate the scene and enable reflectance-based depth estimation. By using the light source to create controlled illumination conditions, the system can determine object distances through reflectance measurements without requiring complex depth sensing hardware, thus improving measurement precision while managing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the illumination parameter by using a light source with known intensity to illuminate objects at different distances. By measuring the reflected illuminance and comparing it to expected values based on object reflectance, the system can infer depth information. This parameter-based approach allows accurate depth measurement without complex hardware
2Productivity
If reflectance library lookup is used, then determination speed is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate for unknown objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary determination by looking up reflectance values in a library based on object identification. This partial action provides a quick initial estimate that can be used immediately, while allowing for further refinement if needed. The lookup provides sufficient accuracy for many cases without requiring complex real-time analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by comparing the measured reflected illuminance with expected values from the reflectance library. This comparison allows the system to verify the accuracy of the determined reflectance value and make adjustments if necessary, improving precision while maintaining the speed benefits of the lookup approach
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 devices to automatically determine object distances and reflectance values, optimizing settings for improved performance and user experience by adjusting camera focus and audio direction based on object proximity and material properties.
Implementation Method 1
measuring reflected illuminance from objects in the scene
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for determining a depth or reflectance of objects. Example methods may include causing, by a camera device, infrared illumination within a field of view of the camera device, wherein the field of view is at least partially illuminated at a first illuminance value, detecting a human face present in the field of view, determining, using the first illuminance value, a depth value of a portion of the human face, determining, using the depth value, a user account associated with a user having the human face, and causing presentation of information associated with the user at the camera device based at least in part on the user account.