Compact 3D Camera Using Flash Structured Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional imaging systems are costly and bulky, making them inconvenient for portability and industrial applications, which necessitates the development of cost-efficient and compact devices capable of capturing surface profiles or depth information.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that capture images with both color and depth components using a spatial light modulator and image sensor, projecting structured light patterns and synchronizing a flashing unit with an image detection unit to obtain depth information, enabling the creation of compact 3D cameras suitable for portable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation methods or scanning mechanisms are used to capture depth information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source, spatial light modulator, and image sensor into a single integrated device. The flash unit serves dual purposes as both illumination source and structured light projector, while the image sensor captures both color and depth information, eliminating the need for separate triangulation or scanning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor performs multiple functions: capturing color information, capturing reflected structured light patterns for depth measurement, and operating in both photoconductive and photovoltaic modes. The flash unit similarly serves as both illumination source and spatial light modulator.
2Measurement precision
If conventional 3D imaging systems are used, then depth information is captured, but cost and device size increase making them unsuitable for portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a compact integrated device that fits within standard camera form factors. The flash unit, spatial light modulator, and image sensor are combined in a single enclosure, enabling portable 3D imaging capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sequential projection of structured light patterns at high speed (consecutive patterns distanced by 1 millisecond or less) to capture depth information in rapid succession, enabling portable real-time 3D imaging without requiring bulky continuous scanning mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If structured light patterns are projected using micromirrors, then depth information accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential light modulating function from complex micromirror systems. The flash unit with spatial light modulator projects structured light patterns without requiring individual addressable micromirrors, simplifying the device while maintaining depth measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a simplified light modulation approach that replicates the depth measurement function of complex micromirror systems through projected light patterns, achieving the same measurement precision with reduced structural 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 the production of compact 3D cameras that can be integrated into standard cameras, allowing for accurate and efficient capture of depth information, facilitating the creation of stereoscopic images while maintaining portability and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
projecting a sequence of structured light patterns to the object using an array of micromirrors
Implementation Method 2
capturing the light patterns reflected from the object... an image sensor comprising an array of light detection cells
Implementation Method 3
a shutter for synchronizing the flashing unit and the image detection unit
Implementation Method 4
a mirror plate attached to a deformable hinge... an electrode formed on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device capable of capturing depth information or surface profiles of objects is disclosed herein. The imaging device uses an enclosed flashing unit to project a sequence of structured light patterns onto an object and captures the light patterns reflected from the surfaces of the object by using an image sensor that is enclosed in the imaging device. The imaging device is capable of capturing an image of an object such that the captured image is comprised of one or more color components of a two-dimensional image of the object and a depth component that specifies the depth information of the object.