Coded Optical Channel Layout for Precise 3D Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D localization and orientation systems face challenges in achieving high precision while minimizing size, weight, and power, due to limitations in spatial and angular resolution related to pixel density and system geometry.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of coded localization systems, which arrange optical elements similarly to radar systems, allowing field patterns from each element to overlap, and applying mathematical weights across the array, enables superior performance in localization tasks compared to traditional incoherent stereo-like imaging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the lens diameter is increased to capture more object information, then the spatial bandwidth product (SBP) and image quality improve, but the system size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from lens diameter to baseline distance between sensors. By increasing the baseline B rather than lens diameter, the system achieves higher spatial bandwidth product and localization precision without proportionally increasing the size of individual optical components, thus reducing overall system weight while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-lens 2D imaging approach to a multi-sensor stereo vision system that operates in 3D space. By utilizing the baseline dimension (distance between sensors) as an additional degree of freedom, the system achieves higher precision without increasing the area or weight of individual sensing elements.
2Measurement precision
If the pixel density is increased to improve resolution, then the spatial bandwidth product (SBP) increases, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the localization task across multiple independent sensors rather than requiring极高 pixel density in a single sensor. By segmenting the measurement function across N sensors with baseline separation, the system achieves high effective resolution through spatial diversity rather than temporal or spatial sampling density, reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each sensor element multi-functional by having it participate in both 2D imaging and 3D localization tasks simultaneously. The same sensor array used for standard imaging also performs stereo vision and depth estimation, eliminating the need for separate high-density pixel arrays dedicated solely to precision measurement, thus reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the baseline distance between sensors is increased to improve 3D localization precision, then the spatial bandwidth product increases, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple sensors within a compact optical assembly where the baseline distance is optimized for precision while the overall system length is minimized through integrated design. The sensors are positioned to achieve maximum effective baseline within the constraints of the optical housing, allowing high 3D localization precision in a compact form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
A coded localization system includes a plurality of optical channels arranged to cooperatively capture information from a scene. Each optical channel includes (a) a respective detector and (b) a respective localization code, located between the respective detector and the scene, that modifies electromagnetic energy propagating through the respective localization code. Each localization code (a) includes at least one of an amplitude mask, a phase mask, and a polarizer, and (b) differs from the respective localization code of each other of the plurality of optical channels.