Imaging system and depth detection system combining light-field imaging and structured-light imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth imaging and detection systems are limited by specific light conditions, restricting their applications and effectiveness in various environments.
Innovation Solution
A compound optical system incorporating a meta-lens array and a laser source that switches between light-field imaging and structured-light projection modes, enabling depth detection under varying light conditions without texture dependence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single imaging mode is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to different light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light-field imaging and structured-light imaging into a single compound optical system that shares common optical components (meta-lens array, beam splitter, polarizers, quarter-wave plates). This merging approach enables the system to adapt to different light conditions through mode switching while avoiding complete duplication of components, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compound optical system is designed to perform multiple functions: light-field imaging for bright conditions, structured-light imaging for dark conditions, and depth detection for both modes. The meta-lens array and other components serve dual purposes in different operating modes, allowing one system to universally handle various imaging requirements across different lighting environments.
2Measurement precision
If conventional imaging is used, then the system is simple to operate, but depth detection accuracy is limited under varying light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between light-field imaging mode and structured-light imaging mode based on ambient light conditions. A light sensor detects the current lighting environment, and the system automatically selects the appropriate imaging mode to ensure accurate depth detection. This dynamic adaptation maintains high measurement precision across varying light conditions while automating the operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates light intensity detection as feedback to automatically determine the appropriate imaging mode. The light sensor continuously monitors ambient light levels, and this feedback controls the switching between light-field and structured-light modes, ensuring optimal depth detection accuracy without requiring manual intervention.
3Reliability
If structured-light projection is used in bright conditions, then depth detection is accurate, but the laser source consumes unnecessary energy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operating mode based on ambient light conditions. In bright conditions, it switches to light-field imaging mode which uses passive ambient light, eliminating the need for laser source activation. In dark conditions, it transitions to structured-light imaging mode where the laser source is activated. This dynamic adaptation ensures depth detection reliability while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Light intensity detection provides feedback that controls laser source activation. When ambient light exceeds a threshold, the feedback signal keeps the laser source off, using only passive light-field imaging. When light falls below the threshold, the feedback signal activates the laser source for structured-light imaging, ensuring reliable depth detection only when necessary and reducing energy waste.
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 provides robust depth information capture across different lighting conditions and scene textures, leveraging meta-lens arrays for broadband achromatic focusing and structured-light projection to enhance imaging accuracy and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging meta-lens arrays for broadband achromatic focusing
Implementation Method 2
laser beam emitted by the laser source projects to the target scene through the meta-lens array and forms a light spot array
Implementation Method 3
The first linear polarizer and the first quarter-wave plate cooperate to perform filtering in an incident light path of the meta-lens array
Implementation Method 4
The first polarization beam splitter is arranged to perform guiding in the incident light path of the meta-lens array in the light-field imaging system
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system including an image acquisition device, a light-field imaging arrangement including an optical meta-device operable to facilitate imaging of a light-field of a target scene, and a structured-light imaging arrangement including an optical meta-device operable to facilitate generation of structured-light to be provided to a target scene to facilitate imaging of the target scene. The light-field imaging arrangement and the structured-light imaging arrangement are operably coupled with the image acquisition device such that the imaging system is selectively operable in, at least, a light-field imaging mode for performing light-field imaging of the target scene and a structured-light imaging mode for performing structured-light imaging of the target scene. The optical meta-device of the light-field imaging arrangement and the optical meta-device of the structured-light imaging arrangement may be provided by the same optical meta-device.