Stereo Camera Depth Calculation via Adaptive Re-projection Modes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional dual-lens camera methods for calculating depth information are limited to planar modes and cannot be applied to non-planar modes like cylinder or spherical modes, leading to inaccurate depth information calculations in such scenarios.

Innovation Solution

An image capture device with a stereo camera module and processing unit that determines the re-projection mode based on the operation scenario and transforms image information into depth information corresponding to that mode, using techniques like structured light, time-of-flight, or trigonometric parallax, allowing for adaptive selection between planar, cylinder, and spherical modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional dual-lens camera method uses planar mode re-projection, then depth information calculation is simple, but it cannot be applied to non-planar modes (cylinder or spherical mode) leading to inaccurate depth information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to different projection modesVSAvoiddepth information accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects the re-projection mode (planar, cylindrical, or spherical) based on the operation scenario and field of view characteristics. The processing unit determines the appropriate mode in real-time, allowing the depth calculation algorithm to adapt to different imaging scenarios, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the re-projection mode parameter according to the operation scenario. By switching between different re-projection modes (planar, cylindrical, spherical), the system optimizes depth information calculation accuracy for each specific scenario, preventing the use of inappropriate planar mode formulas for non-planar scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system supports multiple re-projection modes (planar, cylinder, spherical), then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple projection modesVSAvoidprocessing unit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple re-projection modes (planar, cylindrical, spherical) within a single device. This universal design allows the system to support diverse operation scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode, thus improving adaptability while controlling overall device complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic mode selection based on operation scenarios to manage complexity. Rather than permanently implementing all complex processing capabilities simultaneously, the system activates only the necessary re-projection mode processing for each specific scenario, effectively managing computational resources and device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 accurate depth information calculation in various modes by selecting the appropriate re-projection mode, preventing errors associated with using planar mode formulas for non-planar scenarios, thus improving the precision of depth information acquisition.

Implementation Method 1

Time-of-flight ranging is to obtain depth information by calculating the time difference between the emitted light and the arrival of the reflected light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

Trigonometric parallax ranging uses two linearly arranged lenses to shoot at the same time, and uses the principle of triangulation to obtain depth information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTrigonometric parallax: Parallax

Data Source

PatentUS11778157B2Image capture device and depth information calculation method thereof

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 EYS3D MICROELECTRONICS CO

AI summary

The present invention discloses an image capture device and depth information calculation method thereof. The depth information calculation method includes: acquiring, a stereo camera module, an image information; and determining a re-projection mode according to a usage scenario, and transforming the image information to a depth information corresponding to the re-projection mode according to the re-projection mode. The re-projection mode is planar mode, cylinder mode or spherical mode, and the corresponding coordinate systems are planar coordinate system, cylinder coordinate system and spherical coordinate system respectively.