Scannerless Flash Color Range Imaging with Phase-Delayed Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional three-dimensional range imaging systems are limited by the need for serial illumination with monochromatic light sources of various wavelengths to determine range information, requiring separate processing of multiple images for each wavelength and lacking the ability to simultaneously obtain range and color information.
Innovation Solution
Simultaneous illumination of a target with at least three wavelengths of light, each loss modulated and phase delayed, with backscattered light demodulated and processed by an array detector to determine range information on a pixel-by-pixel basis, allowing for the creation of 'true color' images with integrated topographical data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If monochromatic light sources of various wavelengths are used to determine range information, then range measurement capability is improved, but the system requires serial illumination and separate processing of multiple images for each wavelength, increasing system complexity and processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monochromatic light sources into a single broadband light source that simultaneously emits multiple wavelengths. The illumination system uses a single broadband source instead of multiple separate monochromatic sources, and the detector processes all wavelengths simultaneously rather than sequentially. This merging approach maintains range measurement capability while reducing system complexity and eliminating serial processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadband light source performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides illumination at multiple wavelengths for both range measurement and color imaging in a single exposure. The detector array also serves dual purposes by capturing both range information (through phase modulation analysis) and color information (through spectral separation) from the same light return, eliminating the need for separate imaging systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple monochromatic images are processed separately for each wavelength, then range information can be determined, but the processing time increases and exposure time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous processing of all wavelengths simultaneously during a single exposure period. The broadband light source illuminates the target with all wavelengths at once, and the detector captures the reflected light from all wavelengths concurrently. The processing system then analyzes the phase-modulated signals from all wavelengths in parallel, maintaining measurement precision while reducing processing time compared to sequential processing of multiple monochromatic images.
3Loss of information
If separate color imaging is performed in addition to range imaging, then textural information is obtained, but the system complexity increases and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges range imaging and color imaging into a single integrated system. The broadband light source provides both the phase-modulated illumination needed for range measurement and the spectral content needed for color imaging. The detector array simultaneously captures both types of information from the same light return, and the processing system extracts both range and color data in parallel from the same dataset, eliminating the need for separate imaging systems and improving processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadband light source and detector array serve universal functions by providing and capturing both range and color information simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the system to obtain textural information through color imaging while maintaining high processing efficiency, as both types of information are acquired in a single exposure and processed together rather than requiring separate imaging operations.
4Measurement precision
If monochromatic light sources are used for range imaging, then range measurement is achieved, but the system cannot simultaneously obtain true color images without additional separate imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameter of the light source from monochromatic to broadband, enabling simultaneous range and color imaging. By using a broadband light source that emits multiple wavelengths and applying phase modulation to the broadband illumination, the system can extract both range information (from phase delays) and color information (from spectral distribution) from the same light return, eliminating the need for separate monochromatic imaging systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Scannerless loss modulated flash color range imaging methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing three dimensional (3D) images of a target within a scene. Apparatus and methods according to the present invention comprise a light source providing at least three wavelengths (passbands) of illumination that are each loss modulated, phase delayed and simultaneously directed to illuminate the target. Phase delayed light backscattered from the target is spectrally filtered, demodulated and imaged by a planar detector array. Images of the intensity distributions for the selected wavelengths are obtained under modulated and unmodulated (dc) illumination of the target, and the information contained in the images combined to produce a 3D image of the target.