Hello,
I am working on an interactive system using an Intel RealSense D405 placed outside an enclosure, observing interactions through a 3 cm thick glass panel.
Because placing sensors inside is not possible, I am exploring an alternative approach:
Instead of measuring true depth behind the glass, I aim to detect when an object (e.g., a finger) is close to the glass surface, effectively implementing a “virtual touch” based on proximity to the glass plane.
Setup:
- D405 placed ~15 cm from the glass
- Camera perpendicular to the surface
- Glass thickness: 3 cm
- Interaction happens directly on the other side
Challenges observed:
- Depth instability and noise near the glass likely caused by refraction and reflections
- Occasional incorrect or missing depth values
Questions:
Has anyone implemented a “proximity-to-plane” detection using D400 series cameras?
Is it possible to reliably estimate distance to a known planar surface (glass) despite refraction?
My goal is not precise depth reconstruction, but robust and repeatable detection of contact or near-contact with the glass.
Any insights or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
