Optically Offset 3D Imager for Higher Pixel-Density Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The precision of three-dimensional imaging using structured-light techniques is limited by the resolution of spatial light modulators (SLMs) and sensor arrays, leading to high costs due to the geometric increase in the cost of sensors, SLMs, and associated optics and circuitry.
Innovation Solution
An imager system that includes a light source, spatial light modulator, sensor, and processor to capture and process combined images using deconvolution techniques, effectively increasing pixel density without the need for higher-resolution components by employing optical blurring compensation through inverse filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If higher resolution SLM and sensor are used to improve imaging precision, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases geometrically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple lower-resolution captures with different optical blur characteristics, then combines them computationally to achieve high-resolution results without requiring a single high-resolution sensor or SLM
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes optical parameters (focal length, aperture, focus distance) to create multiple images with different blur characteristics, then uses computational processing to reconstruct high-resolution depth maps from these varied parameter captures
2Measurement precision
If higher resolution sensor array is used to improve depth map accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple computational copies of the imaging process with different optical parameters, then synthesizes a high-resolution depth map from these copies without physically manufacturing a high-resolution sensor array
3Measurement precision
If multiple images with different blur are captured and combined, then pixel density increases, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical mechanical systems (high-resolution lenses, precise focusing mechanisms) with computational processing that combines multiple lower-resolution images to achieve high pixel density
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
Achieves higher accuracy in three-dimensional imaging with improved pixel density, reducing the need for expensive high-resolution sensors and SLMs, thus lowering costs and enhancing imaging precision.
Implementation Method 1
A light source modulated by a spatial light modulator (SLM) often provides the structured light
Implementation Method 2
A sensor or sensor array captures the structured light reflected off the object
Implementation Method 3
Epipolar geometry, such as triangulation, determines a three-dimensional point location for the points in the portion of the object illuminated by the structured light
Implementation Method 4
a processor to receive sensed images of the first reflected light and the offset reflected light and apply a deconvolution to a combined image including a combination of the sensed images
Data Source
AI summary
Described examples include an imager includes a light source; a spatial light modulator to receive light from the light source and to provide patterned light to illuminate an object; a sensor to receive a first and an offset reflected light from reflection of the patterned light off an object; and a processor to receive sensed images of the first reflected light and the offset reflected light and apply a deconvolution to a combined image including a combination of the sensed images of the first reflected light and the offset reflected light to generate the combined image having pixel density greater than the sensed images of the first reflected light and the offset reflected light, wherein the processor is configured to determine a position of at least one point on the object by triangulation between the spatial light modulator and the sensor using the patterned light and the combined image.