Deformable Object Shape Reconstruction via Light Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for measuring distances and displacements in deformable objects lack spatial resolution, depth information, and can be complex or unreliable, especially for sensing ranges of several tens of centimeters, making them unsuitable for accurate shape reconstruction of deformable objects.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device comprising a deformable object filled with a light-absorbing material, equipped with light sources and an imaging unit to capture images, and circuitry that reconstructs the shape based on these images, using the Lambert-Beer law to determine light travel distance and intensity for real-time shape detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical sensors or photoelectric switch devices are used to detect object presence, then detection capability is provided, but spatial resolution and depth information are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D image capture to 3D shape reconstruction by incorporating depth information through light absorption measurements. The light-absorbing material enables the system to measure distance along the light path, adding a third dimension to the captured data and allowing full 3D reconstruction of the deformable object's shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-absorbing material embedded in the deformable object acts as an intermediary that enables depth measurement. By measuring the absorption of light at different positions, the system can determine distances and reconstruct 3D shape information that would otherwise be unavailable from standard 2D imaging alone.
2Measurement precision
If time-of-flight sensors are used to measure distances, then depth information is obtained, but the system becomes complex and unreliable for short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex time-of-flight measurement system with a simpler light absorption-based method. Instead of measuring the time for light to travel to and from the object, the system uses the absorption characteristics of embedded light-absorbing material to determine distance, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining accuracy for short distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from time-of-flight to light absorption intensity. By measuring how much light is absorbed by the light-absorbing material at different positions, the system can determine depth information through a simpler optical measurement rather than requiring precise timing measurements.
3Reliability
If capacitive or inductivity proximity sensors are used, then non-contact detection is achieved, but sensing range is limited to millimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging unit serve multiple functions: it captures both 2D images and depth information simultaneously through the light-absorbing material. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve both non-contact detection and extended sensing range using a single integrated system rather than requiring separate sensors for each function.
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 detection and reconstruction of shape deformations in deformable objects, providing improved spatial resolution and depth information, suitable for applications in gaming, robotics, and other fields where traditional methods fall short.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable object which is at least partially filled with a light-absorbing material, one or more light sources configured to illuminate the inside of the deformable object
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device comprising a deformable object which is at least partially filled with a lightabsorbing material, one or more light sources configured to illuminate the inside of the deformable object, an imaging unit configured to capture respective images of the light sources, and circuity configured to reconstruct the shape of the deformable object based on the captured images of the light sources.