ToF Sensor Motion Vector Correction for Distance Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information processing systems that rely on visible light images for improving distance measurement accuracy face deterioration in accuracy in dark places or backlight conditions.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that includes an estimation unit for estimating a motion vector of a distance measurement target based on distance information from a ToF sensor and motion information from an IMU, and a correction unit for correcting the distance information based on the estimated motion vector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a visible light image capturing device is used to improve distance measurement accuracy, then distance measurement accuracy is improved under normal lighting conditions, but distance measurement accuracy deteriorates in dark places or backlight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an infrared light-based distance measuring device as an intermediary that operates independently of visible light conditions. This device uses infrared light to measure distance, providing reliable distance information in dark places or backlight conditions where visible light imaging fails, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and illumination intensity dependence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from visible light imaging to infrared light-based distance measurement. By switching to a different spectral range (infrared), the system achieves distance measurement capability that is unaffected by visible light illumination conditions, thereby maintaining measurement precision across varying brightness environments
2Measurement precision
If motion information from a motion detection device is integrated with distance information, then distance measurement accuracy is improved through motion vector estimation, but system complexity increases due to multiple sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the distance measuring device serve multiple functions: it provides both distance information for static measurement and motion information for dynamic tracking. By using the same infrared-based distance measuring device for both purposes, the system achieves improved distance measurement accuracy through motion vector estimation without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the distance measurement function and motion detection function into a unified processing framework. The distance measuring device's output is processed to extract both position and motion information, which are then combined to improve distance measurement accuracy. This merging approach reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity
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 system effectively improves distance measurement accuracy even in dark places or backlight conditions by using infrared light and motion information unaffected by surrounding brightness, eliminating the need for visible light images.
Implementation Method 1
distance information on a distance to the distance measurement target, the distance information being measured by a distance measuring device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an information processing apparatus that includes an estimation unit and a correction unit. The estimation unit estimates a motion vector of a distance measurement target based on distance information on a distance to the distance measurement target input from a distance measuring device that measures the distance to the distance measurement target and motion information of the distance measuring device input from a motion detection device that detects a motion of the distance measuring device. The correction unit corrects the distance information based on the motion vector of the distance measurement target estimated by the estimation unit.