Stereo Triangulation Using Structured Light Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereo vision systems for distance measuring and 3-D imaging are time-consuming and often require expensive devices, limiting their efficiency and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for stereo triangulation using two cameras and a scanner that outputs collimated light, allowing for 3-D imagery by matching corresponding pixels and optimizing image capture through structured light sequences and control of the scanner's horizontal and vertical travel, intensity, and position, enabling efficient 3-D imaging even with one camera disabled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional stereo vision systems are used for distance measuring and 3-D imaging, then measurement capability is achieved, but processing time is excessive and device cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic scanning of structured light patterns (e.g., sinusoidal or rectangular waves) across the scene. By projecting sequential light patterns at regular time intervals and capturing reflected light at corresponding phases, the system achieves depth measurement through temporal phase analysis. This periodic illumination scheme enables real-time 3-D imaging by converting spatial depth information into temporal phase differences, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration of the stereo camera system and structured light projector before actual measurement. During calibration, the geometric relationships between cameras and projector, as well as intrinsic parameters, are pre-computed and stored. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during operation, significantly reducing processing time while preserving accurate depth measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If conventional stereo vision systems are used for distance measuring and 3-D imaging, then measurement capability is achieved, but device cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified system architecture where the structured light projector serves both illumination and depth encoding purposes, while the stereo cameras simultaneously capture intensity and phase information. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate depth sensors or complex hardware configurations, reducing device cost while maintaining high measurement precision through the combined capabilities of the integrated system.
3Measurement precision
If structured light sequences are used for optimizing image capture, then 3-D imaging accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system varies parameters of the structured light patterns (frequency, amplitude, phase, wavelength) to encode different depth information. By changing these optical parameters sequentially and capturing the corresponding reflected light, the system extracts depth information through phase shift analysis. This parameter modulation approach enables accurate 3-D imaging using standard camera hardware, avoiding the need for complex specialized sensors while improving measurement precision.
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 enables efficient and accurate 3-D imaging with reduced processing latency and cost, allowing for real-time data processing and generation of 3-D images with improved accuracy and reduced noise, suitable for various applications including automotive platforms and user-worn devices.
Implementation Method 1
A first camera may receive first reflected light, where the first reflected light is the source light reflected from the object to the first camera. A second camera may receive second reflected light, where the second reflected light is the source light reflected from the object to the second camera
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a disclosure for detection of objects using projected light of one or more frequencies, where the light may be structured or non-structured.