3D Optical Sensing Through Complex Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D optical sensing techniques fail to produce precise results when objects are surrounded by media with complex optical properties, leading to inaccuracies in determining the object's position and structure, especially when sensing multiple similar objects or varying media conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using optical sensors that capture images of objects through differing optical media, accounting for refraction and other optical effects by combining optical and non-optical data, such as index of refraction, reflectivity, and spatial location, to provide accurate three-dimensional structure and position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical sensing techniques are used to determine 3D structure and position of objects through media, then the sensing process is simple and fast, but the measurement precision deteriorates when media have complex optical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the media's optical properties (refractive index, reflectivity) before conducting the 3D sensing measurement. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-calculate correction factors and compensation parameters, which are then applied during the actual measurement process to maintain high precision without adding complexity to the core sensing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes the relationship between optical sensor data and actual object positions. This intermediary layer applies mathematical models and correction algorithms that account for media optical properties, effectively mediating between the raw sensor measurements and the accurate 3D reconstruction, thereby maintaining precision without requiring direct modification of the optical sensing hardware.
2Reliability
If conventional optical sensing is applied to multiple similar objects or varying media conditions, then the operation is efficient, but the reliability of measurements deteriorates due to object or media variation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters such as wavelength, exposure time, and angular resolution based on the detected optical properties of the media and characteristics of the objects being measured. This parameter adaptation allows the system to maintain reliable measurements across varying conditions by optimizing the sensing parameters for each specific measurement scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the optical properties of the media and the quality of the measurements obtained. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts its measurement strategy, correction factors, and processing algorithms to maintain high reliability when sensing multiple objects or dealing with varying media conditions.
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 enables more precise and accurate determination of object positions and structures by accounting for varying optical properties, improving the reliability of 3D sensing in complex media environments, such as containers with fluids or gases.
Implementation Method 1
taking into account and adjusting for refraction and other optical effects of media that are between the optical sensor and the object of interest
Implementation Method 2
combining optical and non-optical data, such as index of refraction, reflectivity, and spatial location
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of optical sensing comprising generating optical data associated with an object of interest, generating non-optical data associated with the object of interest, and analyzing the optical and non-optical data.