Ultrasonic Depth Sensor Array for Outdoor RGB-D Imaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RGB-D cameras fail to operate effectively in outdoor settings, particularly under sunlight due to infrared light interference, leading to poor depth information acquisition and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An RGB-D imaging system incorporating an ultrasonic depth sensor array that uses beamforming to acquire depth information independently of ambient light, combined with an RGB camera, reducing power consumption and enhancing operational capabilities in various environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If infrared light detection approach is used for acquiring depth information, then depth information can be acquired in indoor settings, but the system fails to operate effectively in outdoor settings under sunlight due to infrared light interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth information acquisitionVSAvoidoperational capability in various environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical detection system (infrared light detection) with an ultrasonic detection system. The ultrasonic depth sensor array uses acoustic waves instead of light waves to measure depth, thereby eliminating the interference from ambient infrared light in sunlight while maintaining depth information acquisition capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from optical wavelength (infrared) to acoustic frequency (ultrasonic). This parameter change allows the system to operate independently of the electromagnetic spectrum and avoid interference from sunlight's infrared signature, enabling reliable outdoor operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If infrared light source power is increased to overcome sunlight interference, then depth detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth detection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the high-power infrared light source with a low-power ultrasonic transducer array. The ultrasonic system achieves reliable depth detection without requiring high energy input, as acoustic waves are not affected by ambient light conditions and can operate effectively at lower power levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces ultrasonic waves as an intermediary medium for depth detection. Instead of using powerful infrared light to penetrate sunlight interference, the system uses ultrasonic waves that propagate through air independently of optical conditions, achieving reliable detection with lower energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If ultrasonic depth sensor array with beamforming is used, then the system operates independently of ambient light and reduces power consumption, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capability in various environmentsVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the depth sensing function into multiple ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array. Each transducer element can be individually controlled and processed, allowing the system to achieve beamforming capability through segmented operation. This segmentation enables sophisticated signal processing while using relatively simple individual sensor elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ultrasonic transducer array serves multiple functions: depth measurement, spatial mapping, and environmental adaptation. The same hardware structure enables operation in diverse conditions (indoor, outdoor, varying lighting) without requiring separate systems, thereby managing complexity through multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides reliable three-dimensional imaging and distance detection without infrared interference, suitable for outdoor use and mobile platforms like UAVs, with reduced power usage.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic array, which is configured to generate a depth-map array that includes distance values corresponding to a depth map of the observed field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

An RGB-D imaging system incorporating an ultrasonic depth sensor array that uses beamforming to acquire depth information independently of ambient light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Data Source

PatentUS9843788B2RGB-D imaging system and method using ultrasonic depth sensing

Publication Date: 2017.12.12 SZ DJI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

RGB-D imaging system having an ultrasonic array fin generating images that include depth data, and methods fin manufacturing and using same. The RGB-D imaging system includes an ultrasonic sensor array positioned on a housing that includes an ultrasonic emitter and a plurality of ultrasonic sensors. The RGB-D imaging system also includes an RGB camera assembly positioned on the housing in a parallel plane with, and operably connected to, the ultrasonic sensor. The RGB-D imaging system thereby provides/enables improved imaging in a wide variety of lighting conditions compared to conventional systems.