TOF Depth Camera Phase Map Filtering for Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time of flight (TOF) depth cameras face challenges with low accuracy, low resolution, and poor image quality, making it difficult to obtain high-accuracy depth information.
Innovation Solution
The method involves emitting light to a target object, receiving and sampling reflected light multiple times to obtain phase maps, which are then filtered using a joint bilateral filtering scheme with an amplitude map as a guiding map to enhance depth image accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional TOF depth camera methods are used, then the system is simple and fast, but the depth image accuracy and resolution are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing bilateral filtering on phase maps before depth image generation. The filtering process prepares the phase data in advance by removing noise and preserving edges, which improves the accuracy of subsequent depth calculations. This preprocessing step enhances measurement precision while managing processing complexity through efficient filter design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element by using filtered phase maps as a intermediate representation between raw sensor data and final depth images. The bilateral filtering process creates an intermediate processed phase map that serves as a mediator, improving the quality of depth information without requiring fundamental changes to the TOF measurement principle.
2Reliability
If multiple phase maps are filtered using joint bilateral filtering, then noise and aliasing are reduced, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively filtering phase maps based on their confidence levels. Instead of uniformly filtering all phase maps with equal intensity, the method applies bilateral filtering selectively to regions and maps where it most benefits depth quality. This approach improves depth information quality while reducing unnecessary processing time on already high-quality or low-impact regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting bilateral filtering parameters dynamically based on phase map characteristics. The filtering strength, kernel size, and other parameters are adapted according to the specific phase map being processed, allowing optimal balance between noise reduction and processing efficiency for each individual map.
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 approach results in a depth image with higher accuracy and improved resolution by effectively filtering noise and aliasing, leading to more precise depth information.
Implementation Method 1
a depth image formed by a time of flight (TOF) depth camera
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for acquiring a depth image, an apparatus for acquiring a depth image, and an electronic device are provided. The method includes the following. Light is emitted to a target object. Light reflected by the target object is received and sampling is performed a number of times, to obtain multiple phase maps. The multiple phase maps are filtered to obtain multiple filtered phase maps. The depth image is formed according to the multiple filtered phase maps.