3D Particle Shape Acquisition via Drag Field Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques face challenges in acquiring 3D shape images of particles due to difficulties in capturing images that enable full reconstruction, particularly when particles rotate unpredictably or require mechanical rotation, which is costly and impractical for large-scale imaging.
Innovation Solution
The technique involves simultaneous capture of dynamic particles using multiple imaging devices, with dynamic calibration to correct for misalignment and blur, and the application of a drag field to control particle movement and reduce image blur, allowing for robust 3D reconstruction and classification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical rotation means (such as rotating pedestal) are used to physically rotate particles during image capture, then shape characteristics in different planes can be captured, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation systems with a fluid drag field (air or liquid flow) to rotate particles during imaging. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical pedestals and rotation mechanisms while achieving the same goal of capturing particles from multiple orientations through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic (air flow) or hydraulic (liquid flow) fields to rotate particles during image capture. By controlling the drag field, particles are rotated in a controlled manner without mechanical contact, enabling multi-plane shape characterization while avoiding mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If particles are allowed to rotate freely as they fall through a medium, then multiple orientations can be captured, but rotation control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring particle rotation behavior in the drag field and adjusting flow parameters to achieve desired rotation rates. This ensures particles rotate at controlled, optimal speeds for image capture rather than rotating too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls particle rotation by adjusting parameters of the drag field, such as flow velocity, fluid viscosity, or particle concentration. By changing these parameters, the rotation rate and uniformity of particles can be optimized for accurate shape reconstruction without mechanical control systems.
3Device complexity
If conventional single-plane imaging is used, then device complexity is reduced, but full 3D shape reconstruction cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-plane (2D) imaging to multi-plane (3D) reconstruction by capturing images of particles at multiple orientations as they rotate in the drag field. This dimensional expansion enables full 3D shape characterization without requiring complex mechanical rotation devices, as the particle's own rotation provides the additional angular information needed.
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 method enables accurate and efficient 3D shape acquisition, characterization, and classification of particles, regardless of their orientation or rotation, reducing costs and improving scalability for imaging multiple particles simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
The technique may include providing a drag field opposing movement of the dynamic objects
Implementation Method 2
Some systems image rotating particles as they fall through a medium, such as air
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an apparatus for capturing images of one or more objects (e.g. particles) to enable reconstruction and classification of the 3D shapes of the one or more objects, the apparatus comprising: an imaging array for capturing images of the one or more objects; and an object placement unit for containing or holding the one or more objects during the image capture; wherein the imaging array comprises a plurality of imaging devices (e.g. cameras) configured to simultaneously capture images of the one or more objects from a plurality of different angles. Two or more of the imaging devices may be configured in a polar arrangement and at least one imaging device may be configured orthogonally to the imaging devices configured in the polar arrangement. The object placement unit may comprises an acquisition chamber or tube, at least a part of which is located in the view field of the imaging devices, the one or more objects may be fed into the acquisition chamber or tube and fall under the effect of gravity through the view field of the imaging devices, and a drag field may be applied to the one or more objects to oppose the force of gravity on the one or more objects. The apparatus may further comprise one or more light sources (e.g. LEDs) for illuminating the one or more objects or for creating a bright field; and one or more light diffusers for diffusing the light emitted by the one or more light sources. The one or more objects may comprise one or more objects having at least one of the following scales: centimetre scale; millimetre scale; micron scale; sub-micron scale.