Pixelated Light Switch Array for High-Resolution 3D Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D scanning systems based on Time of Flight (TOF) techniques have limitations due to the low spatial resolution caused by the size of light sensors in arrays, which restricts their application in fields requiring high precision, such as video generation and quality control.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a pixelated light switch array with a higher number of switches than light sensors, combined with sensitive sensors and advanced optical elements, allows for the reception of a higher number of light beam portions, enhancing spatial resolution by determining time of flight values and distance parameters for each portion, thereby improving image precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an array of light sensors is used to receive the light beam, then the system can detect multiple portions of the light beam simultaneously, but the spatial resolution is limited by the size of the light sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light detection task into two stages: first, a pixelated light switch array segments the incoming light beam into multiple portions based on spatial position; second, these segmented portions are directed to a smaller array of light sensors for detection. This segmentation approach allows the system to achieve high spatial resolution equivalent to having many more sensors than physically present.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixelated light switch array acts as an intermediary device between the incoming light beam and the light sensor array. It performs the function of spatially resolving the light beam into multiple portions and directing them to appropriate sensors, thereby enabling the system to overcome the limitation of having fewer sensors than required for high spatial resolution.
2Measurement precision
If the size of the light sensor array is increased to improve spatial resolution, then more light beam portions can be detected, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pixelated light switch array creates a virtual copy or representation of the light beam's spatial distribution across many pixels, which is then mapped to a smaller physical sensor array. This copying mechanism allows the system to achieve the resolution equivalent of a large sensor array while using a compact physical configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a temporal dimension to the detection process by using sequential switching of the pixelated light switches. Instead of requiring all sensors to be present simultaneously in space, the system achieves high spatial resolution by rapidly switching between different spatial positions over time, effectively trading spatial complexity for temporal processing.
3Device complexity
If mechanical scanning techniques are used to transmit and receive the light beam, then a single sensor can be used, but the system suffers from vibration, lower durability, and big size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical scanning systems with an electronically controlled pixelated light switch array. Instead of physically moving a single sensor or beam transmitter mechanically, the system uses electronic switching of light guides or waveguides to direct light between fixed sensor positions, thereby eliminating mechanical vibrations and improving durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically controllable optical switching elements that can rapidly change the path of light between different sensor elements without mechanical movement of the sensors themselves. This dynamic optical switching provides the flexibility of mechanical scanning while maintaining the stability and durability of fixed sensor positions.
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 enables the creation of high-resolution digital images with a higher number of points, making it suitable for applications demanding precision, like quality control and 3D vision-guided movements, by increasing the number of detectable light beam portions and optimizing sensor sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
said pixelated light switch array comprising a plurality of switches arranged in a pixelated array and suitable for receiving said reflected portions of light beam and for deflecting a received light beam towards said array of photodiode sensors
Implementation Method 2
said array of photodiode sensors comprising a plurality of photodiode sensors arranged in an array and acting as a detector for determining a time of flight value of each received portion of light beam
Implementation Method 3
a first computer system for determining the time of flight value of each received portion of the light beam; a second computer system for determining a parameter related to the distance travelled by each received portion of the light beam taking into account its time of flight value
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system (21 ) for receiving a light beam, comprising an array of light sensors (26). The system also comprises a pixelated light switch array (24), in which each switch is adapted to receive at least one portion of the light beam and direct it to the array of light sensors (26), and the pixelated light switch array (24) comprises a higher number of switches than the number of light sensors comprised in the array of light sensors (26).