3D Structured Light Camera Imaging Principle

The 3D structured light camera mainly is composed of the following parts:

Imaging Sensor

Used to capture light in the scene and convert it into digital images.

Projector

Used to project structured light or encoded patterns onto the object being captured. These patterns can be used for subsequent 3D reconstruction and measurement.

Control Circuit and Processor

These components are used to control the camera’s functions and parameters and process the data obtained from the imaging sensor. The processor typically executes algorithms such as depth image processing and 3D reconstruction.

The imaging process is as follows:

Projection of Encoded Light: The projector emits light with specific encoding, which can be in the form of grids, stripes, or other specific patterns. This encoding is known optically and can be used for subsequent computation and analysis.
Reflection from Object Surface: The encoded light projected onto the object’s surface reflects back to the imaging sensor in different ways. Differences in the shape of the object surface result in variations in the position and shape of the reflected light.
Image Capture by Imaging Sensor: The imaging sensor captures the reflected light to form a structured light image. This image contains variations of the encoded light on the object’s surface, representing distortions of the projected pattern on the object’s surface.
Extraction of Depth Information: By analyzing the distortions of the encoded light in the structured light image, depth information of the object surface can be inferred. This process typically involves using computer vision and image processing algorithms such as triangulation and phase analysis.
Calculation of Position Information: In addition to depth information, structured light images can also be used to calculate the position of the object. By analyzing the shapes and positions of the encoded patterns in the image, the object’s position in the camera coordinate system can be inferred.