Shaped Lenses for Depth Sensing Error Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional depth sensing systems, such as those using infrared cameras and IR sources, face challenges with high power requirements and poor signal-to-noise ratios, leading to inaccurate depth estimation.
Innovation Solution
A position estimation system comprising 'shaped for depth sensing' lenses and light sensing devices, which include a lens profile designed for error propagation in depth estimation, and a position estimator that uses triangulation to determine the position of objects with respect to a display screen, utilizing CCD or CMOS cameras and light gratings to control light bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared cameras and IR sources are used for depth sensing, then depth estimation can be achieved, but power requirements become high and signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active infrared illumination systems with a passive optical system using shaped lenses and light sensing devices. Instead of emitting infrared light and measuring reflection, the system uses shaped lenses to focus ambient light onto specific sensor regions, enabling depth sensing without high power consumption active illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter by introducing shaped lenses with specific curvature profiles rather than conventional flat lenses. These shaped lenses modify light path and focus characteristics to enable depth information extraction from ambient light, fundamentally changing how depth sensing is achieved without requiring high power IR sources.
2Measurement precision
If infrared cameras and IR sources are used for depth sensing, then depth estimation can be achieved, but signal-to-noise ratio becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the active IR illumination system with a passive optical system that uses shaped lenses to focus ambient light. This substitution eliminates the noise issues associated with IR sources while maintaining depth sensing capability through optimized light path control and lens shaping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs shaped lenses with specific curvature profiles that optimize light focusing and path control. These curved lens surfaces enable precise control over light rays to enhance signal quality and reduce noise in depth estimation, improving the signal-to-noise ratio compared to conventional flat lenses.
3Ease of operation
If conventional lenses are used, then image formation is achieved, but depth sensing capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens function into two distinct components: conventional lenses for image formation and separate shaped lenses for depth sensing. This segmentation allows each lens type to be optimized for its specific function, with shaped lenses specifically designed to extract depth information from ambient light while conventional lenses handle standard imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where shaped lenses serve dual purposes: they work in conjunction with conventional lenses for image formation while simultaneously enabling depth sensing. The shaped lenses are integrated into the optical path to provide both imaging and depth measurement capabilities through a unified optical design.
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 system provides accurate and efficient depth sensing by minimizing relative error responses, enabling precise estimation of object positions, including multiple fingertips, with reduced power consumption and improved signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
light sensing devices... for sensing light to facilitate in the determination of the position of object 140
Implementation Method 2
shaped for depth sensing lenses... include a lens profile directly based on distance estimation propagation of errors
Data Source
AI summary
A position estimation system comprising a plurality of ‘shaped for depth sensing’ lenses comprising a lens profile directly based on distance estimation propagation of errors; a plurality of light sensing devices associated with the plurality of ‘shaped for depth sensing’ lenses; and a position estimator for estimating a position of at least a first object with respect to a second object based on the plurality of ‘shaped for depth sensing’ lenses and the plurality of light sensing devices.