Structured Light Depth Sensor with Regular Point Source Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structured light depth sensors face challenges with low accuracy due to irregularly arranged point light sources and large detection block sizes, which affect the precision of depth calculation in applications like face recognition and 3D scanning.
Innovation Solution
A structured light depth sensor design featuring a multi-point light source with point light sources arranged in rows and equally spaced, utilizing a diffractive optical element and a processor to project structured lights with different codes, capture reflected images, and calculate depth using disparity between coding and capturing blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If point light sources are arranged irregularly in the projector, then the device can be implemented with simple structure, but the sensing accuracy deteriorates due to large detection block size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection area into multiple small detection blocks by arranging point light sources in regular rows with equal spacing. This segmentation approach transforms one large detection block into multiple smaller blocks, thereby improving depth sensing accuracy while maintaining a simple projector structure using standard LED arrays.
2Ease of manufacture
If point light sources are arranged irregularly, then device implementation is easier, but depth calculation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement parameters of point light sources from irregular to regular grid pattern with equal spacing. This parameter change enables easier manufacturing using standard LED arrays while simultaneously improving depth calculation precision through uniform detection block distribution across the sensing area.
3Area of stationary object
If detection block size is large, then the device covers larger area, but sensing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large detection area into multiple smaller detection blocks by arranging point light sources in regular rows. This segmentation maintains comprehensive area coverage while improving depth measurement accuracy through reduced individual block sizes, allowing precise depth calculation across the entire sensing area.
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 design enhances sensing accuracy by reducing the size of the detection block and improving the precision of depth calculation, enabling more precise object depth measurement.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a diffractive optical element and a processor to project structured lights with different codes
Data Source
AI summary
A structured light depth sensor for sensing a depth of an object, comprises: a projector for projecting structured lights with different codes to the object; a camera located on one side of the projector and configured for capturing the structured lights reflected by the object; a storage device for storing parameter information of the camera and distance information between the projector and the camera; and a processor electrically connected to the projector, the camera, and the storage device. The processor controls the projector to sequentially project the structured lights with different codes to the object, controls the camera to sequentially capture the structured lights reflected by the object, and calculates the depth of the object. A sensing method adapted for the structured light depth sensor is also provided.