Hybrid Depth Imaging System Using Phase and Ray Techniques
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D depth imaging systems, particularly Time-of-Flight (ToF) systems, face limitations such as blind spots, inability to detect low albedo or high specular reflection objects, susceptibility to ambient light, and interference from other sensors, which restrict their performance and reliability in various environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid depth imaging system combining active Phase Imaging (PI) and Ray Imaging (RI) techniques, where PI is used in the far field and RI in the near field, with overlapping fields of view optimized to minimize blind spots and enhance detection capabilities, and a control module dynamically adjusts imaging parameters based on pixel metrics and motion profiles to optimize depth data accuracy and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a ToF sensor's detection region begins at the crossover of the emitter field of view and the receiver field of view, then the blind spot in front of the sensor is created, but the depth imaging capability is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a ray imaging system and a phase imaging system into a hybrid depth imaging system. The ray imaging system captures near-field data while the phase imaging system captures far-field data, merging their capabilities to eliminate blind spots and provide continuous depth coverage across all distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging space into near-field and far-field regions. The ray imaging system is optimized for near-field imaging while the phase imaging system handles far-field imaging, with their fields of view overlapping to ensure continuous coverage and eliminate blind spots.
2Measurement precision
If multiple ToF sensors operate in the same space, then the measurement capability is improved, but interference between sensors occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operational spectrum by having the ray imaging system operate in the visible spectrum and the phase imaging system operate in the near-infrared spectrum. This spectral segmentation allows multiple sensors to operate simultaneously without interference while maintaining enhanced measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If active illumination is used in ToF systems, then the depth detection capability is improved, but inability to work in high ambient light conditions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operational modes by having the ray imaging system operate passively in visible light for ambient light conditions, while the phase imaging system operates with active near-infrared illumination for controlled environments. The system can switch between modes based on ambient light conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid system provides multi-functionality by combining passive ray imaging capable of operating in any ambient light condition with active phase imaging that provides enhanced depth detection capability. The system universally handles both high and low ambient light scenarios.
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 system improves reliability, accuracy, and resolution by supplementing missing depth information, reducing blind spots, and enhancing detection of challenging objects, while minimizing interference and ambient light issues, thereby overcoming the limitations of ToF systems.
Implementation Method 1
The distance of an object can be calculated from the time-of-flight which the emitted light requires for traveling from the illuminator to the object and back to the imager
Implementation Method 2
Optical beam forming can be achieved by a beam shaping optics included in the illuminator
Implementation Method 3
an imaging system (imager) comprising a receiving optics (e.g. a single lens or a lens system/objective) and an image detector for image detection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to a hybrid depth imaging system for three-dimensional depth imaging of a surrounding of the system, comprising phase imaging and ray imaging techniques for an improved performance. The invention is related to a depth imaging system for imaging a surrounding of the system, comprising an active phase imaging, PI, system for imaging the surrounding in the far field of the system and an ray imaging, RI, system for imaging the surrounding in the near field of the system.