Dynamic Spot Pattern Illumination for 3D Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D mapping technologies face challenges in efficiently projecting and capturing patterns over a wide angular range, particularly in creating dynamic patterns that adapt to scene conditions and features, which affects the accuracy and coverage of 3D maps.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an illumination module with a radiation source and scanner to project a pattern of spots over a selected angular range, with modulated intensity and angular density, using a beamsplitter or diffractive optical elements to expand the angular range and dynamically adjust the pattern based on captured images, while an imaging module processes the pattern to construct a 3D map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pattern of spots is projected onto the object, then the 3D mapping can be performed with a simple illumination system, but the system cannot adapt to different scene conditions and features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the projected pattern changeable and adaptable rather than fixed. The illumination system can dynamically modify the pattern of spots based on scene conditions, allowing the system to adapt to different mapping requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying characteristics of the projected pattern such as spot density, spacing, and distribution. These parameter adjustments allow the system to adapt to various scene conditions without requiring a completely different illumination system for each scenario.
2Area of stationary object
If the angular range of the projected pattern is limited, then the illumination system can be simpler, but the coverage and field of view for 3D mapping is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wide angular range into multiple smaller angular ranges, each covered by a separate beamsplitter or optical element. This allows the system to achieve broad coverage while using simpler individual components that can be arranged in a modular fashion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses beamsplitters as intermediary elements to expand the angular range. These beamsplitters act as mediators that take the output from a limited angular range source and distribute it across a wider angular spectrum, enabling extended coverage without directly complicating the primary illumination source.
3Measurement precision
If the pattern is projected with high angular density, then the depth mapping precision is improved, but the signal-to-background ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the projected pattern to have different angular densities. Areas requiring higher depth precision receive denser spot patterns, while other regions use sparser patterns to maintain better signal-to-background ratios. This localized optimization resolves the trade-off between precision and signal quality.
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 enhances the accuracy and flexibility of 3D mapping by allowing dynamic pattern modification and expanded angular coverage, improving the signal-to-background ratio and enabling precise depth mapping of complex scenes.
Implementation Method 1
a scanner, which is configured to receive and scan the beam over a selected angular range
Implementation Method 2
the optics include a beamsplitter, which is configured to create multiple, angularly-spaced replicas of the scanned beam
Implementation Method 3
the radiation source is controlled so as to modulate an intensity of the beam while the scanner scans the beam, thereby creating the pattern of the spots
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for mapping includes a radiation source, which is configured to emit at least one beam of radiation, and a detector and optics, which define a sensing area of the detector. A scanner is configured to receive and scan the at least one beam over a selected angular range within a region of interest while scanning the sensing area over the selected angular range in synchronization with the at least one beam from the radiation source. A processor is configured to process signals output by the detector in order to construct a three-dimensional (3D) map of an object in the region of interest.