Macropixel Photon Detection for Compact 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional imaging systems are complex, costly, and inefficient due to the need for large numbers of photodetectors and timestamping circuits, or require expensive and bulky scanning mechanisms, while ghost imaging systems face challenges with commercially unavailable light emitters and high background noise.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a photon detector with macropixels and independently configurable sensitive areas to receive and process reflections in patterns, determining depth location information through time-of-flight analysis, eliminating the need for large arrays of emitters and spatial light modulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional three-dimensional imaging systems use large numbers of photodetectors and timestamping circuits, then depth measurement capability is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple photodetector elements into a single integrated sensor that can detect spatial patterns of reflected light. Instead of using separate photodetectors for each spatial position, the invention integrates pattern detection capability into one sensor, reducing the number of required components while maintaining depth measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial light modulator as an intermediary component that encodes spatial information into the reflected light pattern. This intermediary allows a single photodetector to capture information that would otherwise require multiple detectors, effectively mediating between the light source and the detector to achieve reduced system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional systems use scanning mechanisms to capture depth information, then complete scene coverage is achieved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning mechanisms with a stationary sensor that uses spatial light modulation to capture complete scene information simultaneously. Instead of mechanically moving components to scan different areas, the invention uses optical field modulation to encode spatial data that can be captured in a single measurement, eliminating bulky mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the light source or spatial light modulator to encode depth information over time. By using time-varying patterns that are periodically applied, the system can extract depth information for the entire scene without requiring mechanical scanning, achieving complete coverage through temporal multiplexing rather than spatial scanning.
3Ease of manufacture
If ghost imaging systems use commercially available components, then system availability improves, but background noise increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using spatially varying patterns in the illumination or modulation that are tailored to specific regions of interest. Instead of uniform illumination that captures all background noise, the system selectively modulates light in specific spatial locations, allowing the sensor to focus on relevant signals while suppressing background noise from other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal and spatial parameters of the light source or modulator to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio. By adjusting modulation frequency, pulse duration, or spatial pattern characteristics, the system can enhance the detection of reflected light signals while minimizing the impact of background noise, achieving better performance with commercially available components.
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 reduces system complexity and cost by minimizing the number of photodetectors and timestamping circuits, while achieving high-resolution and high-quality three-dimensional imaging without the need for expensive components or scanning mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
determining depth location information through time-of-flight analysis
Implementation Method 2
at least one photon detector of the imaging system, receive a plurality of reflections of the light from the object
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for three-dimensional imaging by determining distances of objects within scenes, including: emitting, using one or more light emitting devices, a light onto an object within a scene for a predetermined length of time; receiving a plurality of reflections of the light from the object, each of the plurality of reflections including a set of reflections corresponding to a pattern, wherein each of the plurality of reflections is received for a predetermined length of time less than an exposure time for a frame of the scene, wherein the photon detector generates an electrical signal; determining depth location information of at least a portion of the object within the scene corresponding to the given of the electrical signals; and generating, from the depth location information of portions of the object within the scene, a three-dimensional image for the frame of the scene. In one embodiment, the plurality of reflections are caused by emitting a series of light patterns which are received by the photon detector. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of reflections are caused by a single light emission but the photon detector is modified such that the emission is received on different portions of the photon detector creating a photon detector pattern, referred to as a pattern of sensitivity. Each photon detector may include multiple sensitive areas (301, 302, 303) which can be independent from each other and each generate an independent electrical signal as compared to other sensitive areas and/or photon detectors.