Structured Light 3D Acquisition Using Pulsed LED Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices used for acquiring 3D information via structured-light methods face challenges in providing sufficient light output to overcome ambient brightness, as they have lower light output compared to dedicated devices, leading to difficulties in generating high enough light for accurate 3D data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus adjusts the duty rate and peak current of the light source, using LEDs or laser diodes, to increase instantaneous light output in 3D mode, while compensating for reduced light amount by extending exposure time in the photographing unit, and modulating patterned light to ensure effective 3D data capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light source output is increased to overcome ambient brightness for accurate 3D data acquisition, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is driven using periodic pulse signals with variable duty rates instead of continuous operation. The controller generates pulse signals that turn the light source on and off periodically, adjusting the duty rate (ratio of on-time to total period) to control the effective light output. This periodic action allows the system to achieve high instantaneous brightness for accurate 3D data acquisition while maintaining simpler device architecture and manageable power consumption through pulsed operation rather than continuous high-power output.
2Illumination intensity
If the duty rate of the light source is increased to provide sufficient light output, then the illumination intensity is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the duty rate of the light source based on real-time requirements for illumination intensity and power consumption. The controller varies the duty rate dynamically - increasing it when high brightness is needed for accurate 3D data acquisition and decreasing it when power conservation is prioritized. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between illumination intensity and power consumption rather than operating at a fixed duty rate, enabling adaptive power management while maintaining measurement accuracy when needed.
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 enables the acquisition of 3D information with sufficient brightness to overcome ambient light, even in mobile devices, by optimizing light source parameters and exposure time, ensuring accurate depth information extraction.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus adjusts the duty rate and peak current of the light source, using LEDs or laser diodes
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus adjusts the duty rate and peak current of the light source, using LEDs or laser diodes
Implementation Method 3
a photographing unit configured to capture an image of the object onto which the patterned light has been radiated
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for acquiring 3-dimensinal (3D) information, a method for driving a light source thereof, and a system for acquiring 3D information are provided. The apparatus includes: a projector, a photographing unit, and a controller which causes a driving signal to be applied to the projector. The driving signal has a first peak current in a display mode and a second peak current, higher than the first peak current, in a 3D mode.