3D Imaging System Using Inertial Guidance and Detector Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser imaging systems face challenges in achieving high-resolution three-dimensional imaging due to the complexity and cost of scanning systems, and the difficulty of scannerless systems in building accurate three-dimensional scenes, along with issues in measuring time intervals with millimeter accuracy for a sensor array.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a pulsed light source, a detector array, a timing circuit, and an inertial guidance system, which measures the round trip time of laser pulses to create high-resolution three-dimensional images using a hybrid chip configuration for detectors and processing electronics, and employs Kalman filtering for accurate image registration and trajectory estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scanning systems are used for laser imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a stationary detector array that captures multiple lines of sight simultaneously. Instead of using moving mirrors or rotating scanners to sweep laser beams across the scene, the system uses an array of detectors that passively receive reflected light from multiple directions at once, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential scanning to two-dimensional parallel detection by arranging detectors in an array configuration. This spatial arrangement allows simultaneous measurement of multiple spatial positions, achieving the function of mechanical scanning through geometric arrangement rather than temporal sequencing
2Device complexity
If scannerless systems are used for laser imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple independent detector elements arranged in an array, where each detector captures information from a specific spatial direction. This segmentation allows the system to reconstruct three-dimensional scenes by combining data from multiple discrete viewing angles, achieving accurate 3D reconstruction without requiring mechanical scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple lines of sight into a single stationary detector array, merging the functionality of what would traditionally require multiple sequential measurements into one simultaneous detection system. The array integrates spatial information from different angles into a unified three-dimensional representation
3Measurement precision
If time interval measurement with high precision is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single timing circuit that serves multiple detectors in the array, allowing one timing mechanism to perform the function of many individual timing circuits. This universal timing system measures time intervals for reflections detected by any detector element, achieving millimeter-range accuracy without replicating complex timing hardware across the entire array
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 system achieves millimeter-range accuracy and resolution in three-dimensional imaging, improves image alignment, and reduces the need for expensive inertial navigation systems by using inexpensive sensors with advanced algorithms, providing efficient and accurate three-dimensional scene reconstruction.
Implementation Method 1
The distance from the system to the portion of the scene in the field of view of a single detector is determined by the time required for the light to illuminate that portion and then return to the detectors
Implementation Method 2
A pulsed light source, typically a laser, is directed toward target scene
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for imaging a three-dimensional scene having one or more objects. The system includes a light source, a detector array, a timing circuit, an inertial guidance system and a processor connected to the timing circuit and the inertial guidance system. The light source generates an optical pulse and projects the optical pulse on an object so that it is reflected as a reflected pulse. The detector array includes a plurality of detectors, wherein the detectors are oriented to receive the reflected pulse. The timing circuit determines when the reflected pulse reached detectors on the detector array. The inertial guidance system measures angular velocity and acceleration. The processor forms a composite image of the three-dimensional scene as a function of camera position and range to objects in the three-dimensional scene.