3D Focal Plane Array Laser Ranging with Segmented Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D imaging technologies require high laser energy for long-range imaging and mechanical scanners, which are costly and high maintenance, and struggle with efficiently capturing full-frame 3D images in scenarios with rapid motion or low light reflection.

Innovation Solution

The development of an Energy-Reduced Flash Ladar System (ERFLS) using a 3D focal plane array (FPA) with a pulsed laser source and a compact scanning mirror system, which narrows the laser beam to reduce energy requirements and eliminates the need for mechanical scanners by automatically registering pixels within an array, enabling efficient 3D imaging with minimal mechanical motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If high laser energy is used for long-range imaging, then imaging range is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging rangeVSAvoidlaser energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging process is segmented into multiple sequential steps: first capturing a 2-D image to locate the target, then using that information to guide a focused laser beam to the specific target location for 3-D depth measurement. This segmentation allows the system to use minimal laser energy only where needed rather than illuminating the entire field of view with high energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary 2-D image acquisition to identify and locate the target before directing the laser beam. This preliminary action provides the spatial coordinates needed to focus the laser energy precisely on the target, eliminating the need for high-energy omnidirectional illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical scanners are used for 3D imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D imaging capabilityVSAvoidmechanical scanner complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a stationary 3-D focal plane array that automatically registers pixel positions. The system uses electronic coordination between 2-D and 3-D sensors to achieve 3D imaging without any moving mechanical parts, thereby eliminating complexity and maintenance requirements associated with mechanical scanners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The 3-D focal plane array serves multiple functions: it captures 3-D depth information, automatically registers pixel positions, and works in coordination with the 2-D sensor for target acquisition. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate mechanical scanning subsystems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If full-frame 3D imaging is implemented, then scene coverage is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescene coverageVSAvoidlaser energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging process is segmented into two stages: first, a 2-D sensor captures the entire scene to identify potential targets; second, the laser beam is directed only to the identified target locations for 3-D measurement. This segmentation enables full-frame scene coverage while minimizing laser energy consumption to only the necessary areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying laser energy to the entire field of view, the system uses partial action by directing the laser beam only to the specific target locations identified by the 2-D sensor. This selective approach achieves full-frame 3D imaging capability while consuming minimal laser energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The ERFLS achieves efficient 3D imaging with reduced laser power consumption, mechanical simplicity, and low weight, allowing for full-frame 3D image acquisition and tracking with minimal energy, suitable for military, navigation, and entertainment applications.

Implementation Method 1

a pulsed laser source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

the time of flight of the laser pulse to the object of interest can be calculated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

the light reflected from an object is focused by a lens onto the focal plane of the camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 4

Each pixel in the 3-D FPA comprises structures to convert the light falling on it into an electronic signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9874639B2Laser ranging,tracking and designation using 3-D focal planes

Publication Date: 2018.01.23 CONTINENTAL AUTONOMOUS MOBILITY US LLC

AI summary

The present invention tracks or locates small moving objects, or generates a 3-D frame of data by using 3-D focal plane arrays with low laser energy and few mechanically moving parts. The invention may be used to determine the direction of a laser designating a target, for target tracking, used as a 3-D movie/video camera or used to provide data for autonomous navigation.