Structured Light Depth System Spatial Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional structured light depth systems face interference and limited ability to analyze reflections due to the aperture of the receiver, which affects the identification of light distribution away from the center, leading to reduced accuracy in depth measurement.

Innovation Solution

The active depth system employs a spatial distribution of light points with varying densities, where the density decreases as the distance from the center increases, and uses diffractive optical elements or adjustable light sources to project and receive reflections, optimizing the light distribution to compensate for aperture interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a uniform spatial distribution of light points is used in structured light depth systems, then the system structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the receiver aperture causes interference that limits the ability to identify light distribution away from the center, reducing depth measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth measurement accuracyVSAvoidlight distribution complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the density of light points across different regions of the spatial distribution. Specifically, the first region (central area) has a higher density of light points than the second region (peripheral area), optimizing measurement precision where it is most needed while accounting for aperture interference effects that vary by location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of light point density across different spatial regions. By adjusting the density parameter - higher in the first region and lower in the second region - the system compensates for aperture interference and improves depth measurement accuracy without requiring complex additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the density of light points is high across the entire spatial distribution, then resolution is maximized, but aperture interference severely affects the identification of light points at the edges and corners

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth measurement resolutionVSAvoidaperture interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the light point density location-dependent. The first region (central area) maintains high density for high resolution, while the second region (peripheral area) has reduced density to minimize the impact of aperture interference, thus optimizing the overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of aperture interference into a beneficial design criterion by deliberately reducing light point density in regions most affected by interference. This transforms the limitation into a guide for optimal light distribution, improving edge and corner detection despite the interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If the density of light points is low in peripheral regions to reduce aperture interference, then edge detection improves, but overall light distribution complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge and corner detection reliabilityVSAvoidspatial distribution configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the light point density between central and peripheral regions. This localized adjustment improves edge and corner detection reliability in the second region while maintaining adequate resolution in the first region, without requiring complex dynamic adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances the resolution and accuracy of depth measurement by minimizing interference and improving the detection of reflections at the edges and corners of the spatial distribution, while maintaining high resolution at the center.

Implementation Method 1

uses diffractive optical elements or adjustable light sources to project and receive reflections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

receives the reflections of the spatial distribution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3781900B1Light distribution for active depth systems
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP3781900B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3781900B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3781900B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for structured light depth systems. An example active depth system may include a receiver to receive reflections of transmitted light and a transmitter including one or more light sources to transmit light in a spatial distribution. The spatial distribution of transmitted light may include a first region of a first plurality of light points and a second region of a second plurality of light points. A first density of the first plurality of light points is greater than a second density of the second plurality of light points when a first distance between a center of the spatial distribution and a center of the first region is less than a second distance between the center of the spatial distribution and the center of the second region.