Stereo Imaging Depth Map Generation Using Time-of-Flight Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereoscopic imaging techniques face challenges in efficiently identifying matching pixel clusters across images, especially in scenes with limited texture, leading to resource-intensive and time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of Time-of-Flight (ToF) techniques within a stereo imaging system to aid in depth map and disparity map generation by using ToF sensors to measure distances and match pixel clusters across stereoscopic image pairs, even in low-texture environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional stereo matching algorithms are used to identify corresponding pixel clusters, then depth information can be obtained, but the process becomes resource-intensive and time-consuming, especially in low-texture environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stereo matching problem by dividing pixel clusters into regions and using ToF sensors to provide depth information for specific regions of interest, rather than processing the entire image. This segmentation allows the system to focus computational resources on critical areas while maintaining depth measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary depth estimation using ToF sensors before executing the full stereo matching algorithm. This preliminary action provides initial depth information that guides and constrains the subsequent stereo matching process, reducing the search space and computational requirements while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional stereo matching algorithms are used to identify corresponding pixel clusters, then depth information can be obtained, but the process requires significant computational resources and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stereo matching problem by dividing pixel clusters into regions and using ToF sensors to provide depth information for specific regions of interest, rather than processing the entire image. This segmentation allows the system to focus computational resources on critical areas while maintaining depth measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary depth estimation using ToF sensors before executing the full stereo matching algorithm. This preliminary action provides initial depth information that guides and constrains the subsequent stereo matching process, reducing the search space and computational requirements while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If stereo matching is performed in scenes with limited texture, then depth information can still be obtained, but the matching process becomes significantly more difficult and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ToF sensors as an intermediary that provides direct depth measurements to assist the stereo matching process. This intermediary depth information acts as a guide for matching pixel clusters in low-texture regions, reducing the complexity of the matching algorithm while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary depth estimation using ToF sensors before executing the full stereo matching algorithm. This preliminary action provides initial depth information that guides and constrains the subsequent stereo matching process, reducing the search space and computational requirements while maintaining accuracy.
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
This approach significantly reduces the time and resource requirements for matching pixel clusters by providing accurate distance measurements, enabling efficient generation of depth and disparity maps even in challenging imaging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor configured for estimating distance measurements
Data Source
AI summary
The current disclosure describes a stereo imaging system that is configured to use Time-of-Flight (“Tof”) techniques to aid in stereoscopic image processing. One process disclosed uses ToF to aid in identifying the same elements (e.g., pixel clusters) in stereo image pairs by narrowing down search areas for matching. Another process uses ToF to aid in identifying the same elements in stereo image pairs where there a small amount texture making it difficult to find a match.