3D Visualization System Using Polarization Encoding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D video technologies, such as stereoscopic imaging, stereo correspondence, and Time of Flight imaging, fail to meet market requirements for compactness, visual fidelity, simple operation, and low cost, particularly in capturing scenes with diverse depths and providing human-fidelic visualization and visual intelligence.
Innovation Solution
A real-time 3D visualization system that utilizes spatial phase characteristics to create a 3D scene model, employing a 3D camera with a micropolarizing array and on-chip subtraction algorithms to sense and process electromagnetic energy, enabling the creation of high-fidelity 3D images without relying on intensity contrast, and capable of operating in various lighting conditions, including the absence of visible light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stereoscopic imaging or Time of Flight imaging is used to capture 3D scenes, then depth information can be obtained, but the systems become complex, large, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical 3D imaging systems (stereoscopic cameras, Time of Flight sensors) with a conventional 2D image sensor that captures spatial phase information through polarization. The polarization state of light is used to encode depth information, eliminating the need for multiple cameras or active illumination systems. This substitution of mechanical/optical complexity with polarization-based encoding achieves depth measurement without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for depth encoding from spatial separation (stereoscopic) or time measurement (Time of Flight) to polarization state. By measuring the polarization angle of reflected light, which varies with surface orientation and depth, the system extracts 3D information from a single 2D sensor. This parameter change allows depth measurement using standard imaging hardware.
2Device complexity
If conventional 2D imaging is used, then the system remains simple and compact, but depth perception and visual fidelity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a polarization dimension to conventional 2D imaging. By measuring the polarization state of light in addition to intensity, the system extracts depth and surface orientation information from the same 2D image sensor. This additional dimensional information (polarization angle) enables 3D scene reconstruction without requiring 3D sensors, maintaining system simplicity while improving depth perception.
3Illumination intensity
If intensity contrast is used for image formation, then the system can operate in visible light, but it fails in the absence of visible light or with low contrast scenes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polarization state changes instead of intensity changes for image formation. The polarization angle of reflected light varies with surface orientation and depth, providing contrast information independent of illumination intensity. This allows the system to operate reliably in low-light conditions, complete darkness (using other light sources), or with low-contrast scenes where intensity-based imaging fails.
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
The system achieves human-fidelic visualization and improved visual intelligence by providing high-resolution, real-time 3D images with enhanced contrast and depth perception, suitable for diverse applications, including military and everyday use, while being compact, cost-effective, and easy to operate.
Implementation Method 1
sensing means for sensing spatial phase characteristics of the electromagnetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a real-time 3D visualization system. The system includes means for conveying electromagnetic energy emanating from one or more 3D surfaces including a scene and means for sensing spatial phase characteristics of the electromagnetic energy as the configuration of the 3D surfaces relative to the system changes. The system includes means for creating a 3D scene model utilizing the spatial phase characteristics sensed in a plurality of configurations and means for displaying the 3D scene model in real-time. The means for displaying includes means for synthesizing depth cues.