Method and apparatus for approximating depth of an object's placement onto a monitored region with applications to virtual interface devices
AssigneeCanesta, Inc.
InventorsCarlo Tomasi, Salih Burak Gokturk
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Structured light is directed across a monitored region. An image is captured of a light pattern that forms on the object as a result of the object intersecting the structured light when the object is placed at a first position in the monitored region. A geometric characteristic is identified of the image of the light pattern. The geometric characteristic is variable with a depth of the first position relative to where the image is captured. The depth of the first position is approximated based on the measured geometric characteristic.
Claims40
An electronic device for detecting a depth of an object's placement on a monitored region, the electronic device comprising:
- one or more light sources configured to direct structured light across the monitored region, wherein the structured light is capable of creating a geometric characteristic when forming a light pattern on the object in the monitored region;
- a light detecting device configured to capture an image of a light pattern that forms on the object as a result of the object intersecting the structured light when being placed at a first position in the monitored region;
- and
- a processor configured to:
- identify a geometric characteristic of the image of the light pattern, wherein the geometric characteristic of the image is variable with a depth of the first position relative to where the light detecting device captures the image;
- and
- approximate the depth of the first position based on the identified geometric characteristic.
An electronic device for approximating a depth of an objects placement on a monitored region, the electronic device comprising:
- processor configured to:
- receive information from a light detecting device, including information from an image of a light pattern that is formed on the object as a result of the object intersecting a structured light when being placed at a first position in the monitored region;
- identify a geometric characteristic of the image of the light pattern, wherein the geometric characteristic of the image is variable with a depth of the first position relative to where the light detecting device captures the image, and wherein the geometric characteristic is based on at least one of (i) a dimension of at least a portion of the light pattern, or (ii) a separation distance between two or more portions of the light pattern;
- and
- approximate the depth of the first position based on the identified geometric characteristic.
An electronic device comprising:
- one or more light sources to project structured light over a monitored region, the one or more light sources including a first end that is distal to a surface upon which the monitored region is provided on, wherein the structured light is capable of creating a geometric characteristic when forming a light pattern on the object in the monitored region;
- and
- a light detecting device that is configured to capture an image of the object intersecting the structured light when being placed at a first position in the monitored region;
- and
- a processor that is configured to use the image to determine a depth of the first position relative to where the light detecting device captures the image;
- wherein the light detecting device is placed so that a center of the light detecting device is more proximate to the surface than the first end of the one or more light sources.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.