3D Image Processing Apparatus ROI Depth Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Time of Flight (TOF)-based depth image technologies struggle to accurately capture 3D images of objects or people, requiring improved depth accuracy for applications like surveillance and virtual reality.
Innovation Solution
A 3D image processing method and apparatus that determines a Region Of Interest (ROI) within a sensing region, modulates the pulse of emitted light based on depth from a reference point, and obtains depth images using Time of Flight (TOF) measurements to enhance depth accuracy, allowing for precise depth information extraction and dynamic ROI adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If TOF-based depth image technology is used to capture 3D images in real-time, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing region into a Region of Interest (ROI) and other regions. By segmenting the measurement area, the system concentrates measurement resources on the ROI, improving depth accuracy for the region of interest while maintaining real-time performance. The depth image is obtained for the entire sensing region first, then depth information is extracted specifically for the ROI area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different measurement qualities to different regions. The ROI receives enhanced measurement precision through pulse modulation based on depth from a reference point, while other regions use standard measurement. This local quality enhancement improves depth accuracy where needed without sacrificing overall real-time capture capability.
2Measurement precision
If the entire sensing region is measured with high depth accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts depth information specifically from the ROI region after obtaining a depth image of the entire sensing region. By extracting only the necessary depth information from the ROI rather than processing and enhancing the entire sensing region, the system reduces energy consumption while maintaining high measurement precision for the region of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial measurement enhancement by applying pulse modulation only to the ROI region rather than the entire sensing region. This partial action approach provides sufficient depth accuracy for the critical ROI area without the excessive energy consumption that would result from enhancing the entire sensing region.
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 significantly improves depth accuracy by modulating the pulse of emitted light and adjusting the ROI, enabling more precise 3D image capture and real-time depth information extraction, suitable for applications such as surveillance and virtual reality.
Implementation Method 1
A depth image technology based on a Time of Flight (TOF), which is one of various methods of obtaining a depth image, may measure a time spent between when a light is emitted, reflected by an object, and returned.
Implementation Method 2
modulating a pulse of an emitted light based on a depth from a reference point in relation to the 3D image processing apparatus to the ROI
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to a three-dimensional (3D) image processing apparatus and method that may determine a Region Of Interest (ROI) in an entire sensing region of the 3D image processing apparatus, and may obtain a depth image of the ROI. Also, example embodiments may be applied to a surveillance camera system, a motion detection system, a virtual reality simulation system, a distance recognition system for vehicles, a robotic system, a background separation system based on depth information, etc.