3D Imaging System Using Phase Shift Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D imaging and display technologies are complex, costly, and inefficient, particularly for consumer applications, as they require high-speed equipment and are dependent on object reflectivity, making them unsuitable for compact, portable, and versatile use in diverse environments.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional imaging and display system that optically detects user input by measuring the path length of an amplitude modulated scanning beam as a function of phase shift, providing visual feedback and incorporating a collimated laser, high-speed photo detector, digital signal processor, and dual-axis scanning device for accurate and economical 3D input and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If time of flight technique is used for 3D measurement, then distance measurement capability is improved, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical time-of-flight measurement system with an optical phase shift measurement system. Instead of measuring the actual time of flight with high-speed electronics, the system modulates the light source at a lower frequency and measures the phase difference between transmitted and reflected light, achieving the same distance measurement capability with simpler, less expensive equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from time domain (time of flight) to phase domain (phase shift). By modulating the light source at a manageable frequency and measuring the phase difference of the modulated signal after reflection, the system achieves accurate distance measurement without requiring ultra-high-speed timing equipment.
2Device complexity
If light attenuation technique is used for distance measurement, then equipment simplicity is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to reflectivity dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple but inaccurate light attenuation measurement with a phase shift measurement system. By measuring the phase difference of modulated light rather than relying on intensity attenuation, the system maintains equipment simplicity while eliminating the reflectivity dependence problem that plagues attenuation-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by comparing the phase of the transmitted modulated signal with the phase of the reflected signal. This phase comparison provides a reliable measure of distance that is independent of the target's reflectivity, as the phase shift depends only on the path length and modulation frequency, not on the target properties.
3Measurement precision
If conventional 3D imaging system is designed for accuracy and functionality, then measurement capability is improved, but device size and portability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmitter and receiver into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system size. The integrated design combines the light source, modulator, and detector in one compact package while maintaining full 3D measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter to a lower, more manageable range that allows for compact component design. By using frequency modulation in the kHz to low MHz range rather than requiring ultra-high-speed operation, the system enables the use of smaller, less complex electronic components while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
Enables accurate and economical 3D input and display in a compact, portable format, suitable for consumer applications, with enhanced user feedback and versatility, reducing the need for high-speed equipment and object reflectivity dependencies.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the path length of an amplitude modulated scanning beam as a function of the phase shift
Implementation Method 2
amplitude modulated scanning beam
Implementation Method 3
high-speed photo detector
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional imaging and display system is provided in which input is optically detected in an imaging volume by measuring the path length of an amplitude modulated scanning beam as a function of the phase shift thereof. Visual image feedback concerning the detected input is presented.