TOF Camera Mode Switching for Recognition Under Strong External Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
TOF cameras struggle to achieve sufficient recognition results in environments with strong external light due to low external light resistance.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device that includes a TOF camera with a first sensor mode emitting infrared light for distance measurement and a second sensor mode capturing images without infrared light, allowing for luminance image acquisition in high-light environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a TOF camera emits infrared light to measure distance, then distance measurement capability is improved, but external light resistance deteriorates in strong external light environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into two separate sensor modes: a first sensor mode for distance measurement using infrared light emission, and a second sensor mode for luminance image acquisition without infrared light emission. This segmentation allows the system to select the appropriate mode based on environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between distance measurement capability and external light resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between two sensor modes based on detected external light conditions. The control unit adjusts the sensor mode according to the imaging environment, enabling the system to adaptively maintain both distance measurement accuracy and external light resistance by selecting the appropriate mode for each situation.
2Measurement precision
If a TOF camera operates in first sensor mode for distance measurement, then distance information is obtained, but image recognition accuracy deteriorates in strong external light environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging operations into distinct first and second sensor modes, where the first mode captures distance information through infrared light emission, and the second mode captures luminance images without infrared emission for accurate recognition. This segmentation enables the system to use the appropriate mode for each task, ensuring both distance measurement and recognition accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that detects external light conditions and selects the appropriate sensor mode accordingly. This intermediary mechanism ensures that the system uses the first sensor mode when distance measurement is needed and the second sensor mode when accurate image recognition is required, preventing recognition failures in strong external light.
3Device complexity
If a TOF camera uses only one sensor mode, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different imaging environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional TOF camera system with two sensor modes that can be selectively activated based on environmental conditions. The first sensor mode provides distance measurement capability while the second sensor mode provides accurate luminance imaging without infrared interference. This multi-functionality enables a single device to adapt to various imaging environments including both indoor and strong external light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two sensor modes based on real-time detection of external light conditions. The control unit monitors the imaging environment and adjusts the sensor mode accordingly, providing adaptive behavior that enhances versatility without requiring multiple separate devices. This dynamic adaptation allows the TOF camera to maintain optimal performance across different environmental conditions.
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 image processing and recognition in environments with strong external light by utilizing luminance images, improving performance in conditions where infrared light is inhibited.
Implementation Method 1
emission of infrared light from a light emitting unit
Implementation Method 2
measuring a phase delay of reflected light reflected from the subject
Implementation Method 3
acquires an image by receiving external light by a light receiving unit
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an information processing device that includes an image acquisition unit, a measurement unit, and a recognition processing unit. The image acquisition unit acquires an image by receiving external light by a light receiving unit. The measurement unit measures a distance to a subject by using a first image based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit in response to emission of infrared light from a light emitting unit. The recognition processing unit performs subject recognition processing by using a second image based on an image acquired by the image acquisition unit that has received external light without infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit.