Hybrid 3D Camera Merging Visible Light and Laser Ranging Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face limitations in producing true 3-D viewing experiences due to challenges in capturing and displaying three-dimensional data, particularly with conventional 2-D cameras and stereoscopic methods, which struggle to provide accurate 3-D coordinates and modeling of objects or scenes without aberrations and require precise alignments.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid 3-D camera system combining a visible light 2-D camera with a pixilated flash infrared laser radar, using near-infrared focal plane arrays and intelligent data processing to merge 2-D visible images with 3-D range and intensity data, enabling the creation of true 3-D images from a single light pulse and overcoming pixel density differences through adaptations like pixel duplication and image compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 2-D cameras are used to capture visible images, then the imaging system is simple and inexpensive, but the system cannot provide accurate 3-D coordinates and true 3-D viewing experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a conventional 2-D camera with a flash laser ranging system into a hybrid 3-D camera. The 2-D camera captures visible light images while the laser ranging system provides depth information through time-of-flight measurement. The integration of these two systems allows simultaneous acquisition of both 2-D image data and 3-D range data, resolving the contradiction between maintaining system simplicity and achieving accurate 3-D measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid 3-D camera system performs multiple functions: it captures 2-D visible images, measures 3-D coordinates through laser ranging, and generates 3-D models. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to provide both the simplicity of conventional imaging and the precision of 3-D measurement, eliminating the need for separate stereoscopic cameras or complex holographic setups.
2Measurement precision
If stereoscopic cameras with merged outputs are used, then 3-D viewing experience is improved, but the system requires precise alignments and suffers from aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that separates the light paths for the 2-D camera and the laser ranging system. This beam splitter enables both sensors to capture data from the same scene simultaneously without requiring precise mechanical alignment between separate camera systems, thereby improving reliability while maintaining 3-D viewing accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If holographic true 3-D image capture is used, then accurate 3-D data is obtained, but the technology is limited by extremely precise alignments required and complex setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs commercially available, off-the-shelf components including standard 2-D camera sensors and flash laser ranging modules. These components can be readily manufactured and integrated without requiring custom holographic optics or specialized alignment equipment. The system uses simple time-of-flight measurement with flash lasers rather than complex holographic interference patterns, dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and setup difficulty while maintaining adequate 3-D data accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If pixel duplication and image compression are used to overcome pixel density differences, then true 3-D images are produced, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves pixel density mismatches by mapping 3-D range data onto a 2-D image plane and using the depth dimension to create true 3-D visual images. The system combines 2-D image data with 3-D range information, leveraging the additional depth dimension to produce accurate 3-D representations without requiring complex pixel-by-pixel matching or duplication across multiple cameras.
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
The hybrid 3-D camera system effectively produces true 3-D visual images and complete 3-D models of objects or scenes, capable of rendering from any angle, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional technologies in 3-D data capture and display.
Implementation Method 1
The described device furnishes the 3-D coordinates of every reflective point in its field of view... with a single pulse of light all the information of a conventional 2-D picture along with the third dimension coordinates and reflected intensity
Implementation Method 2
The detector in this case responds to wavelengths outside the visible range, in the near infrared spectrum... a focal plane array detector
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional imaging system includes a ladar sensor with a first field of view adapted to produce a three-dimensional image. The system also includes a visible light camera with a second field of view overlapping the first field of view and adapted to produce a two-dimensional image output. At least one digital processor is connected to the ladar sensor and the visible light camera and adapted to merge the three-dimensional image output with the two-dimensional image output into a three-dimensional point cloud output.