3D Imaging System Using Micro-Channel Plates for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional imaging technologies fail to capture images quickly, economically, and with high spatial resolution while being simple to use and compact, due to the challenges of integrating two-dimensional imaging and ranging technologies effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing micro-channel plates to sample and amplify reflected emissions from a target scene, processing phase and amplitude on a pixel-by-pixel basis to generate three-dimensional images, with a coherent burst waveform and a combination of optical and electronic components for efficient image capture and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional two-dimensional imaging and ranging technologies are integrated to create three-dimensional imaging systems, then three-dimensional image capture capability is achieved, but the systems become complex, expensive, and difficult to mass-produce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two-dimensional imaging and ranging functions into a single integrated device. The camera captures both the intensity image and the modulated reflected signal simultaneously using the same optical path and detector, eliminating the need for separate imaging and ranging systems. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining three-dimensional imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device performs multiple functions using a single system: it captures two-dimensional intensity images, measures distance through phase-shift keying modulation detection, and generates three-dimensional images. The same camera and optical components serve both imaging and ranging purposes, making the system universal and reducing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If high spatial resolution three-dimensional imaging is achieved, then image quality is improved, but the system becomes more expensive and less economically producible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses conventional, mass-producible components such as standard cameras and off-the-shelf modulators rather than specialized expensive equipment. By utilizing commercially available technology that can be mass-produced, the system achieves cost-effectiveness while maintaining high spatial resolution through software-based phase analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical ranging systems with an optical modulation and detection approach. Instead of using mechanical scanners or multiple physical sensors, the system uses phase-shift keying modulation of the reflected light and detects it electronically, reducing mechanical complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining high spatial resolution.
3Productivity
If three-dimensional images are captured quickly, then productivity is improved, but the system requires complex processing and becomes harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase-shift keying modulation to the reflected light signal before it reaches the detector, encoding distance information in the phase of the modulated signal. This preliminary encoding allows the camera to capture both spatial and depth information simultaneously in a single exposure, enabling quick three-dimensional image capture without requiring multiple shots or complex post-capture processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically extracts phase information and calculates distance for each pixel through digital signal processing of the modulated signal. The processing is performed autonomously by the system itself without requiring manual intervention or complex external equipment, maintaining ease of operation while achieving rapid three-dimensional image generation.
4Volume of moving object
If the imaging system is made compact, then portability is improved, but integrating all necessary components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illuminator, modulator, imaging lens, and detector into a single integrated camera body. The reflected light from the target scene passes through the same optical system used for imaging, and the modulated signal is detected by the camera sensor. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate ranging instruments and reduces overall system size while maintaining compact form factor.
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
Enables the capture of three-dimensional images in color or monochrome with high spatial resolution, economic production, and ease of use, while maintaining a compact design, by leveraging micro-channel plates for signal amplification and phase/amplitude analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The micro-channel plate system samples and amplifies the relatively weak electronic signal by several orders of magnitude
Implementation Method 2
The fluorescent screen converts the electrons back into photons which are directed onto a conventional two-dimensional imaging array
Implementation Method 3
The photocathode converts the imaged photons into electrons which are directed through a micro-channel plate system
Implementation Method 4
A coherent burst or otherwise sinusoidally modulated waveform, as from a laser, is emitted to illuminate a three-dimensional target scene
Implementation Method 5
The photocathode converts the imaged photons into electrons which are directed through a micro-channel plate system coupled to a high voltage power supply through a narrow-pass optical filter
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for three-dimensional imaging include sampling one or more emissions which are reflected back from a target scene with one or more micro-channel plates. The one or more sampled emissions are processed in one or more frames. Within each frame a phase is extracted and a distance to the target scene and amplitude is determined on a pixel-by-pixel basis. A three dimensional image of the target scene is generated and provided based on the extracted phase and the determined distance and amplitude for the one or more frames.