Subframe Pattern Superimposition for Corresponding Point Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for corresponding point detection using Imperceptible Structured Light (ISL) schemes require doubling the frame rate, leading to increased development and manufacturing costs due to the need for specialized projector devices.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that superimposes a pattern image on subframe images corresponding to a frame, allowing for corresponding point detection during content viewing without the need for high-speed projector devices, by using a single-panel projector that transforms each frame into multiple subframes and projects them sequentially, thereby maintaining cost efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ISL scheme is used with ordinary projector device, then corresponding point detection can be realized during content viewing, but frame rate must be doubled which increases device complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorresponding point detection accuracyVSAvoidprojector device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides a single frame into multiple subframes, each containing a portion of the structured light pattern. By sequentially projecting these subframes and capturing them with the camera, the system achieves complete pattern coverage without requiring the camera to capture at doubled frame rates, thus avoiding the need for specialized high-speed projector devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic projection of patterned subframes interspersed with content subframes. The structured light pattern is projected in a periodic sequence across multiple subframes, allowing the camera to capture the pattern at appropriate intervals while maintaining normal content display, thereby avoiding the need for continuous high-speed projection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If frame rate is doubled for ISL scheme, then corresponding point detection is enabled, but development and manufacturing costs increase due to dedicated device requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorresponding point detection speedVSAvoiddevice manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the structured light pattern across multiple subframes rather than requiring complete pattern projection in a single frame. This segmentation allows the use of ordinary projector devices operating at standard frame rates, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated high-speed projection hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares multiple subframes in advance, each containing a portion of the structured light pattern. These pre-prepared subframes are then sequentially projected in a controlled manner, allowing the system to achieve complete pattern coverage without requiring real-time high-speed generation or projection capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If pattern image is superimposed on subframe images, then corresponding point detection is achieved during content viewing, but image processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent viewing compatibilityVSAvoidimage processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent alternates between projecting content subframes and patterned subframes in a periodic sequence. This periodic structure simplifies the image processing requirements, as the system only needs to perform pattern extraction and corresponding point detection during patterned subframe intervals, rather than continuously processing all frames

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the structured light pattern from the captured subframe images by comparing with reference patterns. This extraction process isolates the pattern information from the content, simplifying subsequent corresponding point detection by focusing only on the extracted pattern features rather than processing the entire image content

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3429194B1Image processing device and method
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3429194B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3429194B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3429194B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an image processing apparatus and method that realize corresponding point detection during content viewing while at the same time keeping cost increase to a minimum. A pattern image including a given pattern is superimposed on any one of a plurality of subframes corresponding to a frame, each subframe is sequentially projected onto a projection section, a capture section is caused to capture the projected subframe image, projected by the projection section, on which the pattern image has been superimposed in synchronism with the projection control, and corresponding points between the projected image and a captured image are detected on the basis of the pattern image included in the captured image acquired as a result of capture by the capture section, in accordance with the capture control. The present disclosure is applicable, for example, to an image processing apparatus, a projection apparatus, a capture apparatus, a projection/capture apparatus, a control apparatus, a projection/capture system, and so on.