3D Imaging Binner for Count-Free Depth Histograms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-photon 3D imaging systems face computational, power, and memory constraints due to the formation of standard histograms, which limits their applicability in resource-constrained settings.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive equi-depth histograms are constructed using a binner that classifies photon return events as early or late, determining a control value to estimate object distance without forming explicit histograms, reducing the need for large memory and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard histograms are formed in each pixel for 3D imaging, then depth information can be captured, but computational cost, power consumption, and memory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for depth estimation by using a binner that outputs a single control value representing the median photon arrival time, rather than computing and storing complete histograms. This extraction approach eliminates redundant data while preserving the core depth measurement capability, directly reducing power consumption and memory usage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming complete histograms and then extracting depth information, the patent inverts the approach by directly estimating depth through adaptive binning that converges on the median photon arrival time. This inversion eliminates the intermediate step of full histogram formation, reducing computational overhead and energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If standard histograms are formed in each pixel for 3D imaging, then depth information can be captured, but memory requirements within each pixel increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for depth estimation by using a binner that outputs a single control value representing the median photon arrival time, rather than computing and storing complete histograms. This extraction approach eliminates redundant data while preserving the core depth measurement capability, directly reducing power consumption and memory usage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming complete histograms and then extracting depth information, the patent inverts the approach by directly estimating depth through adaptive binning that converges on the median photon arrival time. This inversion eliminates the intermediate step of full histogram formation, reducing computational overhead and energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If standard histograms are formed in each pixel for 3D imaging, then depth information can be captured, but computational expense increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for depth estimation by using a binner that outputs a single control value representing the median photon arrival time, rather than computing and storing complete histograms. This extraction approach eliminates redundant data while preserving the core depth measurement capability, directly reducing power consumption and memory usage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forming complete histograms and then extracting depth information, the patent inverts the approach by directly estimating depth through adaptive binning that converges on the median photon arrival time. This inversion eliminates the intermediate step of full histogram formation, reducing computational overhead and energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
4Quantity of substance
If equi-depth histograms are used instead of standard histograms, then bandwidth requirements are reduced, but the approach requires adaptive binning algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The binner implements a feedback mechanism where the control value is continuously adjusted based on the relative proportion of early to late photon events. This adaptive feedback loop allows the system to converge on the median photon arrival time dynamically, enabling equi-depth histogram formation with reduced bandwidth requirements while managing algorithmic complexity through iterative refinement.
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
This approach allows for efficient distance estimation in resource-constrained environments by utilizing equi-depth histograms, which are a more succinct representation of photon distributions, thereby reducing power and bandwidth requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A single-photon 3D camera captures the round-trip time of a laser pulse by precisely time-tagging the arrival of individual photons at each camera pixel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for count-free, equi-depth histograms that may be used in 3D imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a binner, a stream of photon return events from a pixel of an imaging detector, the stream of photon return events generated by photons transmitted from a pulsed light source and reflected off an object in a scene, classifying, with the binner, each photon return event as either an early event or a late event based on a reference signal controlled by a control value, the control value configured to change based on a relative proportion of early events to late events, and outputting, from the binner, the control value upon request, the control value usable to determine a distance of the object in the scene.