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US 9,066,087 B2Granted
Depth mapping using time-coded illumination
AssigneeApple Inc.
InventorAlexander Shpunt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for depth mapping includes illuminating an object with a time-coded pattern and capturing images of the time-coded pattern on the object using a matrix of detector elements. The time-coded pattern in the captured images is decoded using processing circuitry embedded in each of the detector elements so as to generate respective digital shift values, which are converted into depth coordinates.
Claims28
A method for depth mapping, comprising:
- illuminating an object with a time-coded pattern;
- capturing images of the time-coded pattern on the object using a matrix of detector elements;
- storing reference values corresponding to a reference image of the time-coded pattern at a predefined reference frame;
- decoding the time-coded pattern in the captured images using processing circuitry embedded in each of the detector elements by generating respective output words from the detector elements based on the captured images, and taking differences by subtraction between the respective output words and the stored reference values so as to generate respective digital shift values;
- and
- converting the shift values into depth coordinates.
3 more elements
Apparatus for depth mapping, comprising:
- an illumination subassembly, which is configured to illuminate an object with a time-coded pattern;
- an image capture subassembly, which comprises:
- a matrix of detector elements configured to capture images of the time-coded pattern on the object;
- registers configured to store reference values corresponding to a reference image of the time-coded pattern at a predefined reference frame;
- processing circuitry, which is embedded in each of the detector elements and is configured to decode the time-coded pattern in the captured images so as to provide respective output words from the detector elements based on the captured images;
- and
- a subtracter, which is coupled to take differences between the respective output words and the stored reference values so as to output respective digital shift values;
- and
- a processor, which is configured to convert the shift values into depth coordinates.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.