Passive Distance Estimation via 3D Model Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measurement technologies, particularly in the military field, face challenges such as stealth issues due to electromagnetic radiation emission, high costs, and space requirements, as well as limitations in passive methods like triangulation and shallow depth of field imaging.
Innovation Solution
A method using a digital image generator to estimate distance by detecting and identifying targets, projecting three-dimensional models, and comparing imaged representations to select the most similar projected representation, allowing for automatic and contactless distance estimation without emitting electromagnetic waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active systems such as laser rangefinder or lidar are used for distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but stealth is compromised due to electromagnetic radiation emission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active electromagnetic systems (laser, lidar) with a passive optical system that uses standard digital imaging. Instead of emitting radiation and measuring its reflection, the system uses geometric projection and image analysis to estimate distance, eliminating electromagnetic emission while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of the target using 3D models and projects them onto the captured image plane. By comparing the projected virtual representations with the actual captured image, the system determines distance without direct physical or electromagnetic interaction with the target
2Object-affected harmful factors
If passive triangulation methods using two imagers are used for distance measurement, then stealth is maintained, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the distance measurement function from the imaging function. Instead of using multiple imagers for triangulation, it uses a single imager combined with computational processing that segments the problem into: capturing the image, generating 3D model projections at different distances, and comparing projections with the actual image to determine distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces 3D model projections as an intermediary between the captured image and distance determination. These virtual projections serve as a bridge that allows distance estimation from a single image without requiring multiple physical imagers or triangulation geometry
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shallow depth of field imaging is used for passive distance measurement, then stealth is maintained, but adaptability to other uses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical device universal by using a standard digital imager that can perform both conventional imaging and passive distance measurement with the same hardware. The system processes images to extract distance information through 3D model projection comparison, allowing the device to switch between observation mode and ranging mode without requiring specialized equipment
4Measurement precision
If triangulation methods with large distance between imagers are used for distance measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial triangulation (requiring physical separation of imagers in 3D space) to computational triangulation (performing projection comparisons in image space). By using 3D model projections at various distances and comparing them with the captured image, the system achieves precise distance measurement without requiring physical baseline separation
Data Source
AI summary
The device (1) for estimating the distance between an observer (2) and a target (4) using at least one image generated by a digital image generator (6) from the position (P1) of the observer (2) comprises a detection and identification unit configured to detect and identify a target (4) in the image and define an imaged representation of the target (4), and a distance estimation unit configured to perform, on the image, multiple different projections of a three-dimensional model of the target (4) to obtain projected representations of the target (4) and to select the projected representation most similar to the imaged representation, the distance associated with the selected projected representation representing the estimated distance (D) between the position of the observer (2) and the target (4).