3D Imaging Using Off-Axis Apertures and Addressable Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3-D imaging techniques face challenges in achieving precise quantitative measurements due to issues like dynamic range requirements, diffraction effects, and overcrowding on sensors, particularly when using large apertures and multiple sensors, which complicates the separation of overlapping images and introduces calibration errors.
Innovation Solution
A single-lens, single-sensor system with multiple off-axis apertures that generate distinguishable images, allowing for depth information to be encoded in the lateral offset of images rather than size, and using addressable patterns to simplify image matching and reconstruction, reducing the need for high dynamic range sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large aperture is used in the imaging system, then the depth of field is reduced and blur-based depth measurement becomes possible, but the dynamic range requirement increases significantly and sensor overcrowding occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large aperture into multiple smaller off-axis apertures. Each small aperture creates a separate, non-overlapping image on the sensor, eliminating the need for high dynamic range while preserving depth measurement capability through lateral offset detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring depth through blur size (2D intensity distribution) to measuring depth through lateral offset of image position (1D position shift). This dimensional change from size-based to position-based measurement reduces sensor complexity requirements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to capture images from different viewpoints, then 3-D imaging capability is improved, but calibration errors increase and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple viewpoint imaging capabilities into a single sensor by using multiple off-axis apertures. All aperture images are captured simultaneously on one sensor, eliminating calibration errors between multiple sensors while maintaining 3-D imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an addressable pattern as an intermediary reference object. This pattern provides known feature positions that facilitate accurate matching and reconstruction without requiring complex inter-sensor calibration, simplifying the multi-aperture image matching process.
3Productivity
If blur-based depth measurement is used, then depth information can be obtained from a single image, but sophisticated algorithms are needed to separate overlapped images and the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overlapping blur regions into distinct images from each aperture. By capturing non-overlapping images from multiple off-axis apertures, the system eliminates the need for sophisticated deconvolution algorithms while maintaining single-image depth measurement capability.
4Device complexity
If a single-lens system is used, then the system is simpler and more cost-effective, but the ability to capture multiple viewpoints is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aperture into multiple off-axis openings within a single lens system. This allows one lens to perform the function of multiple lenses, capturing multiple viewpoints simultaneously while maintaining system simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
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 enables efficient, precise, and cost-effective 3-D imaging by minimizing sensor overcrowding, reducing calibration errors, and improving the accuracy of depth measurements, while being easily expandable to multiple-lens systems.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting light containing object information through the imaging lens and the aperture such that the transmitted light produces distinguishable images on the sensor
Implementation Method 2
In real lenses, there is also diffraction effects which make blurred images look more like rings than broad Gaussians in certain depth ranges
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a method and apparatus for obtaining additional information from an object and a method for surface imaging and three-dimensional imaging. Single lens, single aperture, single sensor system and stereo optic systems may be modified in order to successfully generate surface maps of objects or three-dimensional representations of target objects. A variety of the aspects of the present invention provide examples of the use of an addressable pattern in order to overcome mismatching common to standard defocusing techniques.