Stereo Camera Depth Measurement Without Infrared Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic image capture systems struggle to adaptively capture images during relative movements of objects, as they are either sensitive to environmental disruptions or require fixed settings that are not suitable for dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising synchronized digital image sensors, processing means for disparity information, and control mechanisms to adjust the field of view and image capture frequency based on movement speed, using USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, or Thunderbolt connections, allowing for adaptive image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time of flight cameras are used to measure depth, then depth information can be obtained, but the system becomes sensitive to environmental disruptions such as infrared waves from the sun or other cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time of flight measurement (which uses infrared light and is sensitive to environmental disruptions) with a stereoscopic vision system using visible light cameras. This substitution eliminates sensitivity to infrared disruptions while maintaining depth measurement capability through disparity calculation from multiple camera viewpoints.
2Measurement precision
If LIDAR systems are used to scan the environment, then depth information can be obtained, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires regular maintenance due to mechanical scanner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical LIDAR scanner system with a stereoscopic camera system that captures images simultaneously from multiple viewpoints. This eliminates the need for mechanical scanning components, reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements while achieving the same environmental mapping function.
3Ease of operation
If fixed resolution and image capture frequency are used in stereoscopic camera, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt dynamically to environments with objects moving at different speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the stereoscopic camera system to adjust its capture frequency and resolution based on the detected movement speed of objects in the environment. This enables the system to optimize performance for different scenarios: higher frequencies for fast-moving objects and lower frequencies for static or slowly moving scenes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters (image capture frequency and resolution) based on environmental conditions, specifically the movement speed of observed objects. This allows the camera to adapt to varying requirements without manual intervention, balancing detail capture with data transmission efficiency.
4Speed
If high image capture frequency and large field of view are used, then rapid movements can be captured, but the data transmission load exceeds the maximum throughput of transmission means
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the image capture frequency and field of view dimensions based on the detected movement speed of objects. When objects are moving rapidly, the system increases capture frequency and reduces field of view to focus on relevant areas. When movement is slow, it decreases frequency and expands field of view, optimizing the balance between capturing motion and managing data transmission within available bandwidth.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for three-dimensional image capture while moving. The system includes: an image capture device including at least two digital image sensors placed to capture a stereoscopic image; a processor for obtaining disparity information, associated with the digital images obtained by the image capture device and movement speed of elements in the digital images; a transmitter for sending the digital images to enable control of movement based on the digital images and the associated disparity information; and a controller for controlling the image capture device.