Dynamic Range 3D Imaging with Adjustable Optical Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for acquiring three-dimensional images struggle to achieve high dynamic range, especially under varying environments with bright backgrounds or reflective surfaces, leading to difficulties in distinguishing objects due to limited optical intensity differences.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that control the gain of an optical detector to enhance the dynamic range of three-dimensional images, using a gain control terminal and modules to manage saturation and voltage, allowing for stable image acquisition regardless of reflectance, sunlight, and reflection angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If integration time is increased to improve dynamic range, then optical signal collection is improved, but detection time must be extended which is incompatible with short pulse width requirements for high distance resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the gain of the optical detector adjustable rather than fixed. The gain control terminal allows real-time adjustment of the optical amplification gain based on the detected optical signal intensity, enabling the system to adapt to varying light conditions without extending detection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of optical amplification gain dynamically. By controlling the gain according to the optical signal intensity, the system can maximize the dynamic range for each specific detection condition while maintaining the short pulse width requirement, thus avoiding the need to increase integration time.
2Measurement precision
If optical amplification gain is increased to improve signal detection, then weak signals are enhanced, but signal saturation occurs in bright conditions reducing dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the gain control terminal receives information about the optical signal intensity and automatically adjusts the amplification gain accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents signal saturation in bright conditions while enhancing weak signals in dark conditions, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical amplification gain is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously adapts the gain level based on the actual optical signal conditions, allowing it to operate optimally across a wide range of light intensities without saturation or excessive noise amplification.
3Device complexity
If fixed gain optical detector is used, then system structure is simple, but dynamic range is limited under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical detector multi-functional by adding a gain control terminal that enables the same detector to operate effectively across diverse environmental conditions. This single detector structure can adapt its gain to handle both bright and dark scenes, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-gain detectors and maintaining structural simplicity while achieving universal applicability.
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 acquisition of higher-quality three-dimensional images even in challenging environments, ensuring stable recognition of targets and improved safety for unmanned vehicles by maintaining image quality across various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detector including a gain control terminal capable of controlling an optical amplification gain
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system of a dynamic range three-dimensional image, including: an optical detector including a gain control terminal capable of controlling an optical amplification gain; a pixel detecting module for detecting a pixel signal for configuring an image by receiving an output of the optical detector; a high dynamic range (HDR) generating module for acquiring a dynamic range image by generating a signal indicating a saturation degree of the pixel signal and combining the pixel signal based on the pixel signal detected by the pixel detecting module; and a gain control signal generating module generating an output signal for supplying required voltage to the gain control terminal of the optical detector based on the magnitude of the signal indicating the saturation degree of the pixel signal.