Polarization Imaging for Compact 3D Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D imaging technologies require dedicated illumination sources, expensive equipment, and substantial computational resources, making them unsuitable for use with common, off-the-shelf devices like digital cameras and smart devices.
Innovation Solution
A 3D imaging technique that determines optical path difference and spatial location differences by analyzing light components with different polarization orientations using an aperture assembly and detector assembly, processing intensity distributions to calculate phase shifts and distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If structured-light 3D imaging techniques are used to measure precise 3D shapes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical structured-light systems with a polarization-based optical imaging system. Instead of using time-varying irradiating patterns and focusing mechanisms, the invention uses polarization filters and aperture assemblies to encode 3D information, thereby substituting mechanical complexity with optical field manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space from spatial-temporal light patterns to polarization state parameters. By measuring light intensity distributions across different polarization orientations, the system extracts 3D shape information without requiring complex structured-light projection hardware.
2Speed
If TOF range-imaging techniques are used to measure distances, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision and color information capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system that simultaneously provides 3D shape measurement, grayscale information, and potential color data using a single polarization-based optical setup. This replaces the need for separate TOF sensors and standard color cameras, achieving universal 3D imaging capability with one device.
3Measurement precision
If stereovision techniques are used to obtain accurate 3D object information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical field into different polarization components using polarization filters and aperture assemblies. By dividing the light field based on polarization states rather than using multiple physical cameras, the system achieves 3D information extraction with a single sensor array.
4Measurement precision
If holographic interferometry techniques are used to obtain phase information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex holographic interferometry equipment with a polarization-based phase extraction system. Instead of using coherent laser sources and interferometric setups, the invention uses polarized light and intensity distribution analysis to obtain phase information, thereby substituting mechanical-optical complexity with simpler optical field manipulation.
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 fast, portable, compact, and low-power 3D imaging using regular devices, providing reliable 3D imaging without the need for complex setups.
Implementation Method 1
an aperture assembly having at least two partial apertures configured to divide light/radiation from an object into at least two components having different polarization orientations
Implementation Method 2
a detector assembly having sensor elements configured to measure intensity of the spatially polarized light/radiation and generate measurement data
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 2C~2I
Figure 2J~3C
AI summary
An imaging device comprising a detector assembly having sensor elements configured to measure intensity of light/radiation thereby received and generate measurement data/signals indicative thereof, an aperture assembly having at least two partial apertures configured to divide light/radiation received from an object into at least two components having different polarization orientations, a polarizer arrangement located between the detector assembly and the aperture assembly, wherein the polarizer arrangement is configured to affect at least two different polarization orientations to light passing therethrough onto at least two sensor elements of the detector assembly, and a processor unit configured to process the measurement data/signals from the at least two sensor elements, and determine based thereon a distance of the object from the imaging device