Optical Receiver Up-Sampling Matrix for 3D Imaging Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical imaging systems face limitations in resolution due to constraints on the density of radiation-sensitive pixels, which restricts the clarity of three-dimensional images generated.
Innovation Solution
The method involves emitting a pattern of transmitted light into a three-dimensional environment, receiving reflected light at an optical receiver with light-sensitive pixels, identifying stimulated pixels, generating an up-sampled matrix with subsections corresponding to these pixels, and populating them with non-zero entries to enhance image resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the density of radiation-sensitive pixels on the optical receiver is increased to improve image resolution, then the measurement precision and spatial resolution are improved, but the device complexity, manufacturing cost, and physical constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual high-resolution image by copying and interpolating information from lower-resolution pixel measurements. Instead of physically increasing pixel density, the system generates an up-sampled matrix that replicates and refines the optical image data computationally, achieving high-resolution output without additional physical pixels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional pixel array constraint to a three-dimensional computational space by creating an up-sampled matrix with additional virtual pixels. This dimensional expansion in the data processing domain allows high-resolution imaging without increasing physical pixel density on the receiver surface
2Manufacturing precision
If the density of radiation-sensitive pixels is increased to improve spatial resolution, then the imaging detail is improved, but the manufacturing cost and physical constraints are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a computational copy of the optical image data in an up-sampled matrix, generating virtual pixel information through interpolation and processing algorithms. This copying approach in the digital domain achieves high manufacturing precision without the physical complexity of fabricating densely packed pixel arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of increasing pixel density with a computational/software-based approach. Instead of physically manufacturing higher-density pixel arrays, the system uses image processing algorithms and up-sampling techniques to achieve the same resolution improvement, substituting physical complexity with computational complexity
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 allows for the creation of high-resolution three-dimensional images by effectively up-sampling measurements, improving the intrinsic spatial resolution and enabling detailed imaging applications such as LiDAR and 3D sensing.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a pattern of reflected light originating from the pattern of transmitted light
Implementation Method 2
optical receiver comprising a plurality of light-sensitive pixels; identifying a plurality of stimulated light-sensitive pixels of the plurality of light-sensitive pixels that are stimulated by light from the pattern of reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes emitting a pattern of transmitted light into a three-dimensional environment from an optical transmitter and receiving reflected light from the pattern of transmitted light at an optical receiver. The method includes identifying light-sensitive pixels of that are stimulated by from the pattern of reflected light and generating an up-sampled matrix with subsections that correspond to light-sensitive pixels. The method includes sparsely populating subsections of the up-sampled matrix with a pattern of non-zero entries and imaging the three-dimensional environment.