Image Sensor Circuitry for Laser Speckle Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser speckle effects in 3D imaging systems based on laser triangulation degrade the accuracy of 3D data and images, especially at high resolutions, due to the coherence of laser light and surface roughness, limiting the ability to accurately determine peak positions and requiring costly mechanical solutions that are speed-limited.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor circuitry configures pixel windows to combine first pixel values from neighboring positions into second pixel values using a predefined combination function, reducing speckle influence while maintaining resolution and allowing for faster exposure times, facilitating implementation with destructive readout mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical solutions (e.g., rotating diffusers) are used to reduce laser speckle effects, then speckle reduction is achieved, but the system becomes speed-limited and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical speckle reduction mechanisms (such as rotating diffusers or moving parts) with a purely electronic/digital approach. The method uses post-processing of image data from a static sensor array, applying algorithms to reduce speckle effects without any mechanical movement or additional optical components. This substitution eliminates the speed limitations and mechanical complexity while achieving the desired speckle reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple virtual copies of pixel data through the sensor array, where each pixel position has associated neighboring pixels that are processed together. By combining information from multiple pixel positions (creating digital copies of the measurement), the system achieves speckle reduction through statistical averaging without requiring physical replication or mechanical movement of optical components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical solutions are used for speckle reduction, then speckle effects are reduced, but the imaging speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical mechanisms with a static sensor array and digital processing, the system achieves speckle reduction without any moving parts that would limit imaging speed. The entire speckle reduction process occurs through electronic operations on the captured image data, allowing for high-speed imaging applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs speckle reduction as a post-processing step after the image has been captured, rather than requiring mechanical action during the exposure. The preliminary capture of the image at high speed is followed by computational processing that reduces speckle effects, effectively decoupling the imaging speed from the speckle reduction process.
3Manufacturing precision
If high resolution is used in 3D imaging, then detail accuracy is improved, but speckle effects become more prominent and degrade measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges information from multiple pixel positions (a pixel position and its neighboring pixels) to form a combined measurement. By combining these signals through a defined function, the system reduces the impact of speckle effects while preserving the high-resolution spatial information needed for accurate 3D imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies speckle reduction locally at each pixel position by combining information from that position and its immediate neighbors. This local processing approach maintains the high spatial resolution of the original image while reducing speckle effects in a localized manner, preserving the detailed 3D measurement capability.
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 effectively reduces laser speckle effects in digital images, enhancing the accuracy of 3D data and images, particularly at high resolutions, without introducing costly mechanical parts or reducing speed, thus improving the overall performance of 3D imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor configured to, per each pixel position of at least a subregion of the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Image sensor circuitry comprising an image sensor and method for supporting reduction of laser speckle effects in a digital image. Per each pixel position (x, y) of at least a subregion of the image sensor, the image sensing circuitry: Assigns to said pixel position (x,y) a predefined pixel window (w) comprising said pixel position (x,y) and one or more of its closest neighboring pixel positions. Obtains first pixel values for each pixel located within said predefined pixel window (w), said first pixel values resulting from the same exposure and corresponding to sensed light from this exposure. Combines the obtained first pixel values into a single, second pixel value according to a predefined combination function. The digital image is provided based on the second pixel values.