3D Ranging Device Using Computational Imaging and Light Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distance measurement methods, such as triangulation and time-of-flight methods, suffer from low spatial resolution, narrow field of view, and require bulky hardware, limiting their effectiveness in real-time depth measurement for applications like autonomous driving and 3D video games.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional distance measurement device that uses a light source unit to emit light pulses of varying wavelengths, polarizations, and spatial structures, combined with a photoreceptor unit for imaging, and a processor to determine scene distance information using a deep neural network, which processes images from multiple light pulses to generate accurate depth data without mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional triangulation or time-of-flight methods are used for distance measurement, then depth information can be obtained, but the spatial resolution is low and the field of view is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a computational imaging approach using a single photodetector and algorithmic processing. The system captures temporal information from reflected light pulses and reconstructs depth maps through computation, eliminating the need for mechanical scanners while achieving both high spatial resolution and wide field of view simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial scanning dimensions to temporal measurement dimensions by using time-resolved detection of light pulses. By measuring the time of flight of photons in the temporal domain and mapping this to spatial depth information, the system achieves high-resolution depth measurement across wide fields of view without mechanical movement
2Measurement precision
If dedicated hardware configurations are used for distance measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single photodetector perform multiple functions by detecting both intensity and temporal information from reflected light. The same hardware component used for basic light detection is leveraged for sophisticated time-of-flight measurements through computational processing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated depth sensing hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational model that replicates the function of complex mechanical scanning systems. By using algorithms to process temporal light detection data and reconstruct depth information, the system copies the depth measurement capability of bulky hardware systems while using minimal physical components
3Measurement precision
If point-to-point measurement methods are used, then distance can be measured, but a large number of scanning are required which limits productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous depth measurement by capturing temporal information from reflected light pulses in an uninterrupted manner. Instead of performing discrete point-to-point measurements that require sequential scanning, the system continuously detects photon arrival times across the entire field of view, enabling real-time depth map generation at high frame rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary capture of temporal light detection data for all spatial locations simultaneously. By collecting time-resolved information from the entire scene in parallel during a single illumination cycle, the system prepares all necessary measurement data at once, eliminating the need for sequential scanning and enabling immediate real-time depth reconstruction
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 accurate and real-time depth information acquisition without scanning limitations, using standard CCD or CMOS image sensors, improving reliability and reducing costs by eliminating the need for additional mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
receiving the light reflected by an object in the scene to be measured
Implementation Method 2
a photoreceptor unit, configured to receive a light transmitted through the optical transmission unit to perform imaging
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a three-dimensional distance measurement method and device. A three-dimensional distance measurement device includes: at least a light source unit, configured to emit light pulses to illuminate a scene to be measured; at least an optical transmission unit, configured to control transmission of a reflected light obtained after the light pulses are reflected by an object in the scene to be measured; at least a photoreceptor unit, configured to receive a light transmitted through the optical transmission unit to perform imaging; and at least a processor unit, configured to control the light source unit, the optical transmission unit and the photoreceptor unit, and to determine scene distance information of the scene to be measured based on an imaging result of the photoreceptor unit.