Structured Light Ranging Device Using Trigonometric Depth Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time-of-flight ranging technologies require high-cost elements and complex calculation circuits, making them impractical for accurate depth measurement.
Innovation Solution
A ranging device and method utilizing a light source to project multiple projection patterns onto an object, synchronized with an image sensor to capture sensing images, which are then analyzed by a processor performing trigonometric calculations to determine depth information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time-of-flight ranging technology is used to achieve accurate depth measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex time-of-flight calculation circuits with a purely optical solution using structured light projection and image processing. The depth information is extracted by analyzing the deformation of projected patterns in captured images, eliminating the need for expensive and complex time measurement electronics while maintaining ranging accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses projected light patterns as optical copies to encode depth information. By projecting known geometric patterns and analyzing their deformation on the target surface, the system creates optical representations of depth data that can be processed through simple image analysis rather than complex time measurements.
2Measurement precision
If time-of-flight ranging technology is used to achieve accurate depth measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive components such as standard LED light sources, conventional lenses, and off-the-shelf image sensors to replace expensive time-of-flight elements. The system achieves accurate ranging using affordable, readily available components that can be manufactured at low cost, making the technology economically viable for mass production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes expensive time measurement electronics with affordable optical projection and image processing systems. By using standard imaging components and computational algorithms instead of specialized high-cost ranging elements, the system dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while preserving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple projection patterns are projected at different times to obtain sensing images, then depth information accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic projection of structured light patterns at high speed, cycling through multiple patterns in rapid succession. This periodic action allows the system to capture multiple depth-related measurements in quick succession, maintaining high depth information accuracy while minimizing the total time required for ranging operations.
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
Enables accurate depth measurement without the need for expensive components or complex circuits, improving ranging accuracy and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (120), an image sensor (130), and a processor (110)... the light source is configured to project a plurality of projection patterns onto a surface of an object to be measured
Data Source
AI summary
A ranging device and a ranging method are provided. The ranging device includes a light source, an image sensor, and a processor. The light source projects a plurality of projection patterns onto a surface of an object to be measured at different times. The image sensor senses the surface of the object to be measured in synchronization with projection times of the projection patterns to obtain a plurality of sensing images respectively corresponding to the projection patterns. The processor analyzes the sensing images to determine depth information of the object to be measured. The processor performs trigonometric calculations to obtain the depth information.