3D Imaging System Using Event Cameras for Mixed Reflectance Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D imaging technologies are limited in their ability to measure all possible classes of objects simultaneously and require tailoring to specific applications due to complex interactions of light with object surfaces, leading to a lack of omnipresence in society and reliance on trained experts.
Innovation Solution
A 3D imaging system that combines novel event-based sensor technology and sophisticated algorithms to enable precise measurements of complicated surfaces with mixed reflectance properties, using a projector and two cameras to capture and process data, allowing for flexible and accurate 3D scanning without prior knowledge of scene geometry or reflectance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional 3D imaging technologies are used, then specific applications can be measured, but the system cannot measure all possible classes of objects simultaneously and requires tailoring to specific applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a 3D imaging system that can measure all possible classes of objects simultaneously without requiring tailoring to specific applications. The system uses a projector to illuminate the scene and multiple event cameras to capture data, with processing that automatically handles various object types including specular, diffuse, and transparent surfaces without expert intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically processing captured data to generate 3D images and videos without requiring trained experts. The processor automatically separates specular and diffuse components, performs deflectometry and triangulation, and reconstructs 3D models independently, eliminating the need for expert knowledge in traditional 3D imaging.
2Measurement precision
If complex light-object surface interactions are handled, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but the system becomes difficult to operate and requires expert knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically handles complex light-object surface interactions through self-service processing. The processor separately identifies and processes specular and diffuse components, performs deflectometry on specular surfaces, and uses triangulation for diffuse surfaces without requiring user expertise. This automated approach maintains measurement precision while eliminating the need for expert operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex measurement process into separate handling of different surface types. The system segments the scene into specular and diffuse components, processes each type with appropriate algorithms (deflectometry for specular, triangulation for diffuse), and combines the results into a complete 3D representation, making the complex process manageable and automated.
3Measurement precision
If event-based sensor technology is used, then precise measurements of complicated surfaces can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor types (projector and multiple event cameras) into a unified 3D imaging system. The projector illuminates the scene while event cameras capture temporal changes, and the processor integrates data from all sources to generate precise 3D measurements. This merging approach achieves high precision for complicated surfaces while managing device complexity through integrated processing.
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 precise 3D measurements across various industries, including VR/AR/MR, industrial inspection, and autonomous navigation, with the potential to advance vision-related AI and provide high-quality data for next-generation STEM education.
Implementation Method 1
the projector is a laser dot scanner that is configured to scan the scene with a single laser dot
Implementation Method 2
the first camera is a first event camera and the second camera is a second event camera, and the processor is configured to identify a correspondence for each event-timestamp generated by the second event camera by comparing a position of the single laser dot on the scene with a pixel position of an event on the second event camera
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional (3D) imaging system includes a projector configured to illuminate a scene. The 3D imaging system also includes a first camera configured to capture first data from the scene during illumination by the projector and a second camera configured to capture second data from the scene during the illumination by the projector. The 3D imaging system further includes a processor in communication with the first camera and the second camera. The processor is configured to process the first data and the second data to generate a 3D image or a 3D video.