Apple Inc.
SENSOR-BASED DEPTH ESTIMATION

Abstract:

Various implementations disclosed herein include techniques for estimating depth using sensor data indicative of changes in light intensity. In one implementation a method includes acquiring pixel events output by an event sensor that correspond to a scene disposed within a field of view of the event sensor. Each respective pixel event is generated in response to a specific pixel sensor within a pixel array of the event sensor detecting a change in light intensity that exceeds a comparator threshold. Mapping data is generated by correlating the pixel events with multiple illumination patterns projected by an optical system towards the scene. Depth data is determined for the scene relative to a reference position based on the mapping data.