3D Imaging Using Non-Co-linear Transmitter Sensor Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging techniques for three-dimensional scenes are limited by the number of detectors or transmitters, restricting spatial resolution and requiring multiple sensors or transmitters to achieve high-resolution imaging.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing at least one transmitter, such as a diffused laser or LED, and three or more sensors, where at least one sensor is not co-linear with the others, to emit and detect modulated electromagnetic radiation, processing signals to estimate reflective coefficients and calculate three-dimensional motion vectors based on phase differences and path delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an array of detectors is used for imaging distant objects and scenes, then the imaging capability is improved, but the spatial resolution is limited by the size of the array
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional sensor arrays to three-dimensional spatial configuration of transmitters and sensors. By positioning transmitters and sensors in 3D space with non-co-linear arrangements, the system achieves spatial resolution independent of detector array size, resolving the contradiction between imaging capability and spatial resolution limits
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameters of the imaging approach by using modulated continuous waves or pulsed sequences with specific temporal patterns. By analyzing phase differences and time delays of reflected signals from multiple non-co-linear transmitter-sensor pairs, the system achieves high spatial resolution through mathematical analysis rather than relying on large detector arrays
2Measurement precision
If multiple detectors or transmitters are used to achieve high-resolution imaging, then the spatial resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each transmitter in the system serves multiple functions: emitting modulated electromagnetic sequences, providing reference signals for phase comparison, and enabling spatial localization through non-co-linear positioning. Similarly, each sensor detects reflected signals from multiple transmitters and contributes to three-dimensional spatial reconstruction. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining high spatial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses mathematical modeling to create virtual copies of the physical transmitter-sensor geometry in the processing arrangement. By analyzing phase differences and time delays, the system reconstructs three-dimensional spatial information through computational methods, effectively copying the spatial relationships without requiring proportional physical hardware complexity
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 three-dimensional imaging with improved spatial resolution and velocity vector calculation using fewer detectors or transmitters, accounting for obstructions and second-order reflections, and enhancing imaging capabilities with increased sampling rates and sensor sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
The object reflects a portion of the waves, and the reflected waves are detected by one or more sensors
Implementation Method 2
uses radio waves provided by a transmitter, and detects reflected waves
Implementation Method 3
determine the distance between the source and the object based on the round-trip travel time from the source to the object and back to the sensors
Implementation Method 4
The velocity of moving objects can also be estimated using such systems based on, e.g., the rate of change of the phase differences between the transmitted waves and the reflected waves
Implementation Method 5
The velocity of moving objects can also be estimated using such systems based on, e.g., the rate of change of the phase differences between the transmitted waves and the reflected waves
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for imaging three-dimensional scenes and objects by detecting reflections from emitted sequences of electromagnetic radiation. At least one transmitter is provided for emitting a sequence of electromagnetic radiation, and at least three sensors are provided for detecting radiation reflected from the scene and objects being imaged. Signals based on the detected radiation are used, together with spatial information of the transmitters and sensors, to calculate reflectivity coefficients for points of interest in the scene. Velocity vectors associated with moving objects within the scene can also be determined based on the rate of change of the phase differences between the emitted and reflected radiations.