VCSEL Stereodepth Camera with Moveable Projection Lens
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereo cameras face challenges in determining depth due to correspondence processing issues, particularly in scenes lacking sufficient natural texture, leading to depth blindness and significant errors in depth computations.
Innovation Solution
A stereodepth camera system utilizing a VCSEL projector with a controlled projection lens emits a dynamically alterable projected pattern to enhance correspondence processing, allowing for accurate depth determination even in featureless scenes by adjusting focus, contrast, and pattern distribution based on ambient light and distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional stereo cameras use correspondence processing to determine depth, then depth information can be obtained, but depth determination accuracy deteriorates in scenes lacking sufficient natural texture
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by projecting a coded light pattern onto the scene before depth measurement. This pre-projection of known patterns provides artificial texture information that enables accurate correspondence processing even in featureless scenes, eliminating the need to rely on natural scene texture.
Solution Approach 2:
The coded light projector acts as an intermediary that introduces known reference patterns into the scene. These projected patterns serve as mediators between the camera system and the target objects, providing detectable features for correspondence processing regardless of the natural texture of the scene.
2Measurement precision
If a laser projector is used to improve correspondence processing, then depth sensing capability is enhanced, but speckle noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a moveable lens that can dynamically adjust its position to change the focus of the projected pattern. By varying the focus between sharp and diffuse, the system can optimize performance for different depth ranges while managing speckle noise characteristics, as diffuse projection reduces coherent speckle effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the projected light by adjusting lens focus position. This parameter change transforms the projection from a sharp focused pattern to a diffuse pattern, which reduces speckle noise while maintaining the ability to provide structured light for depth sensing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple depth sensing systems are used to cover varying conditions and distances, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality through a single integrated depth camera assembly that combines VCSEL projector, moveable lens, and stereoscopic cameras. By making the projection lens moveable and controllable, one system can adapt to multiple measurement conditions and distance ranges, replacing what would otherwise require multiple specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable lens provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the system to adjust its characteristics in real-time to suit different measurement conditions and distances. This dynamic adjustment capability enables a single system to perform the functions of multiple fixed systems, reducing overall 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 addresses depth determination accuracy and resolution issues by providing adaptable illumination and reducing speckle noise, enabling reliable depth mapping across varying conditions and distances without the need for multiple systems.
Implementation Method 1
a depth camera having a Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser projector to emit a plurality of infrared beams
Implementation Method 2
a moveable lens to control the focus of the plurality of infrared beams emitted from the VCSEL projector
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with disclosed embodiments, there are provided systems, methods, and apparatuses for implementing a stereodepth camera using a VCSEL projector with a controlled projection lens. For instance, a depth camera is described having therein a Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser projector (VCSEL projector) to emit a plurality of infrared beams; a moveable lens to control the focus of the plurality of infrared beams emitted from the VCSEL projector, in which the plurality of infrared beams are projected through the moveable lens to form a projected pattern projected onto a scene; stereoscopic image capture devices to capture stereoscopic imagery from the scene having the projected pattern projected thereupon; and processing circuitry to determine depth to an object in the scene based on the captured stereoscopic imagery from the scene having the projected pattern represented therein as projected from the VCSEL projector. Other related embodiments are disclosed.