TOF Camera Pixel Precision Calculation for Noise Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time of flight (TOF) cameras face challenges in accurately measuring distances due to random noise, external factors like object movement and light changes, leading to dispersion and inaccuracy in distance values, which are exacerbated by saturation and insufficient light intensity.
Innovation Solution
A distance-measuring apparatus that includes a light emission section, light-sensitive elements storing electric charges at predefined phases, a distance calculation section, and a precision calculation section to determine the accuracy of distance measurements for each pixel, outputting precision data to correct for errors and improve measurement reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a TOF camera measures distance using phase difference method, then distance measurement capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to random noise and external factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism by calculating precision information based on the relationship among charge amounts Q1-Q4 and using this precision information to determine whether to output distance values or singular values. The precision calculation section computes precision based on charge amount relationships, and this precision feedback controls the output decision, thereby improving measurement reliability while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly determining distance accuracy from distance values, the patent inverts the approach by determining precision from the relationship among charge amounts (Q1-Q4) before distance calculation. This inversion allows the system to assess measurement quality based on raw signal relationships rather than processed distance data, improving reliability.
2Measurement precision
If light-sensitive elements capture reflected light, then distance measurement is enabled, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to saturation or insufficient light intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of charge amount relationships (Q1-Q4) before final distance output to identify cases of saturation or insufficient light intensity. By calculating precision information from charge relationships in advance and using it to determine output validity, the system prevents inaccurate distance values from being output due to these harmful factors.
3Loss of information
If distance values are output without precision information, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information occurs regarding measurement quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces precision information as an intermediary between distance measurement and final output. This intermediary carries measurement quality information without requiring major structural changes to the TOF camera. The precision calculation section and determination section act as intermediaries that process charge amount relationships to generate and evaluate precision information, preserving measurement quality data while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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
The apparatus provides precise distance values by calculating and correcting for errors at each pixel, enhancing the accuracy of applications such as object detection and shape recognition, and reducing the margin of error in distance measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light-sensitive elements that store electric charges in response to incident light from the target space to be measured
Implementation Method 2
TOF (time of flight) cameras that output a distance based on the time of flight of light
Data Source
AI summary
A distance-measuring apparatus includes a precision calculation section that calculates a precision for each pixel, the precision based on a relation among the amounts of the electric charges stored at a plurality of timings that respectively delay by certain phases from a timing of the emission of the measuring light, wherein the precision is outputted from the distance-measuring apparatus.