Adaptive Structured Light Scanning via Dynamic Illumination Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-resolution computational imaging systems face intractable problem sizes due to increasing speed and resolution, particularly in structured light scanning, which limits their ability to achieve real-time rendering and efficient imaging.
Innovation Solution
The use of highly parallel raytracing models on GPU hardware, combined with light steering mechanisms to dynamically adjust the field of view and illumination, allowing for adaptive transport-aware optimization in computational cameras, enabling real-time operation and improved imaging quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution imaging is implemented, then image quality is improved, but problem size becomes intractable and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging problem into manageable segments by processing different regions of the scene separately. The light steering mechanism divides the field of view into multiple regions, allowing the system to process each region independently with appropriate computational resources, making high-resolution imaging tractable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the field of view and light steering based on scene content and areas of interest. Rather than uniformly processing the entire scene at maximum resolution, the system adapts its processing strategy in real-time, focusing computational effort where needed while reducing effort in less critical areas.
2Area of stationary object
If the entire scene is illuminated, then complete scene coverage is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly illuminating the entire scene, the patent applies illumination selectively to specific regions based on their importance. The light steering mechanism directs light only to areas of interest or regions requiring imaging, creating non-uniform illumination patterns that reduce power consumption while maintaining necessary scene coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system illuminates only the necessary portion of the scene rather than the entire field of view. By using light steering to target specific regions, the system performs partial illumination action that is sufficient for the imaging task while avoiding the excessive power consumption of full-scene illumination.
3Device complexity
If fixed pattern illumination is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but imaging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed, static illumination patterns to dynamic, adaptive illumination control. The light steering mechanism allows the system to change illumination patterns in real-time based on scene analysis, improving imaging efficiency by focusing light on relevant areas while the computational algorithms adapt to the dynamic 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 real-time high-resolution imaging with reduced power consumption and improved imaging quality by dynamically focusing light on areas of interest, overcoming the limitations of traditional imaging systems in complex scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor that measures the projected light
Data Source
AI summary
A system to process images includes a light source configured to emit a first illumination pattern onto one or more first portions of a scene. The system also includes an image sensor configured to capture light reflected from the scene in response to the emitted first illumination pattern. The system also includes an optimizer configured to perform raytracing of the light reflected from the scene. The system further includes a processor operatively coupled to the optimizer. The processor is configured to determine a parameter of a surface of the scene based on the raytracing, cause the light source to emit a second illumination pattern onto one or more second portions of the scene based at least in part on the parameter of the surface, and refine the parameter of the surface of the scene based on additional raytracing performed on reflected light from the second illumination pattern.