Single-Channel Imager Depth Estimation Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optical single-channel systems lack optimization for depth estimation precision and image acquisition conditions, with prior methods failing to improve precision and only optimizing image quality or diaphragm encoding without considering the entire optical system.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for designing an electro-optical imaging system that jointly optimizes optical and digital image processing subsystems based on a spatial model, using performance metrics to minimize the discrepancy between estimated and actual distances, allowing for simultaneous design of optical and processing components to enhance depth estimation precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chromatic optics are used to obtain variable sharpness levels in different color channels, then depth estimation capability is enabled, but manufacturing precision and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameter by introducing chromatic optics that exploit wavelength-dependent focal lengths. Different color channels (red, green, blue) focus at different distances, creating variable sharpness levels that encode depth information. This parameter change enables depth estimation without adding mechanical complexity or multiple sensors.
2Measurement precision
If the image is divided into multiple pixel zones and sharpness is measured for each zone, then depth information can be extracted, but processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into multiple pixel zones or super-pixels, where sharpness is measured collectively for each zone rather than individually for every pixel. This segmentation reduces the total number of measurements required while preserving depth information, thereby decreasing processing time and computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by measuring sharpness only in selected representative zones rather than processing every pixel. This selective measurement approach provides sufficient depth information for most applications while significantly reducing processing overhead compared to full-image pixel-by-pixel analysis.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard optics and sensors are used without optimization, then system cost is reduced, but depth estimation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by implementing chromatic optics with specific focal length characteristics for different wavelengths. This parameter modification enables standard, low-cost sensors and optics to provide depth estimation capability that would otherwise require expensive specialized equipment, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for designing an electro-optical imaging system for estimating the distance of a source includes use of an optical subsystem, a detector subsystem and a digital image processing subsystem. The method includes the modelling of the propagation of radiation from its source through the optical subsystem, the detector subsystem and the digital image processing subsystem; the modelling being based on a spatial model of the source; the method including a joint step of simultaneously designing the optical subsystem and the digital image processing subsystem, the designing step being based at least on one performance metric depending on a comparison between the local estimation of the distance from the source and the actual distance from the source.