Mid-Infrared 3D Imaging Using Gas Absorption for Target Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mid-infrared thermal imaging cameras struggle to identify objects and living things without a heat difference and cannot accurately measure their distance, limiting their effectiveness in various applications.
Innovation Solution
An imaging measurement device that uses a combination of light signals with and without gas absorption in the mid-infrared band to reconstruct a 3D image, employing a light source unit, capturing unit, data processing unit, and image unit to calculate distance and generate a 3D image based on active and passive signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mid-infrared thermal imaging cameras are used to identify objects and living things by heat difference, then objects and living things with heat difference can be identified, but objects and living things without heat difference cannot be identified and distance cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different detection methods: passive thermal imaging (detecting heat radiation) and active imaging with gas absorption (using light sources at specific wavelengths that are absorbed by atmospheric gases). By merging these approaches, the system can identify objects regardless of their thermal signature and simultaneously measure distances through the gas absorption characteristics of the returned light signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces atmospheric gases as an intermediary medium for distance measurement. By using light sources whose wavelengths are absorbed by specific gases, the system can determine distance based on the absorption characteristics of the gas molecules in the light path, enabling range finding without relying on thermal radiation from the target.
2Adaptability or versatility
If only passive thermal imaging is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot identify objects without heat difference or measure distance accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the imaging device to perform multiple functions: passive thermal imaging for heat-emitting objects, active imaging with gas absorption for distance measurement and identification of non-thermal objects. The system can switch between or combine these modes, making it universally applicable to various detection scenarios without requiring separate dedicated devices.
3Measurement precision
If active imaging with gas absorption is used, then distance measurement and identification of non-thermal objects are enabled, but the device complexity increases due to additional light sources and wavelength management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic emission of light at different wavelengths corresponding to gas absorption bands. By alternately emitting light at wavelengths absorbed by different gases, the system can sequentially measure distances through various atmospheric layers and identify gas compositions, achieving precise distance measurement while managing optical system complexity through time-multiplexed operation.
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
Enables accurate identification and distance measurement of objects and living things by utilizing gas absorption characteristics, enhancing the device's capability in military and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
The first light is included in a wavelength band, in which there is no absorption of a gas in a mid-infrared band, and the second light is included in a wavelength band in which the absorption of the gas is present in the mid-infrared band
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an imaging measurement device including a light source unit that emits first light and second light to a target, a capturing unit that detects a first active signal, which is reflected from the target based on the first light, and a second active signal, which is reflected from the target based on the second light, and obtains an active image based on the first active signal, a data processing unit that calculates a distance to the target based on the first active signal and the second active signal, and an image unit that obtains a three-dimensional (3D) image based on the active image and the calculated distance, and displays the 3D image.