Scannerless Flash Color Range Imaging with Phase-Delayed Polychromatic Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional three-dimensional range imaging systems require serial illumination with multiple monochromatic light sources to determine range information, limiting their ability to obtain both range and color data simultaneously, especially in cluttered environments.
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 multiple monochromatic light sources are used to determine range information, then range measurement precision is improved, but the ability to obtain color data simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monochromatic light sources into a single polychromatic light source that emits multiple wavelengths simultaneously. This merging allows the system to illuminate the target with multiple wavelengths at once, enabling simultaneous acquisition of range information (through phase measurement) and color information (through intensity measurement at different wavelengths), thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the light source multi-functional by enabling it to provide both range measurement capability (through phase-modulated multiple wavelengths) and color imaging capability (through simultaneous multi-wavelength illumination) from a single system. This universal light source eliminates the need for separate monochromatic sources and sequential operation, improving both range precision and simultaneous acquisition capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If serial illumination with multiple wavelengths is used to see through clutter, then the ability to penetrate ground cover is improved, but imaging speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wavelength emissions into a simultaneous polychromatic output, allowing all wavelengths to illuminate the target at the same time rather than sequentially. This enables the system to maintain its ability to see through clutter (adaptability) while dramatically improving imaging speed, as all spectral information is captured in a single exposure
3Measurement precision
If separate color images are obtained for textural information, then color accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines range measurement and color imaging functions into a single integrated system using polychromatic light. The detector simultaneously captures both phase information (for range) and intensity information at multiple wavelengths (for color) in one operation, eliminating the need for separate color imaging subsystems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining color 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 the simultaneous acquisition of range and color information, improving imaging efficiency and applicability in various fields like facial recognition, industrial inspection, and high-speed imaging, while using inexpensive light sources and detectors.
Implementation Method 1
The light from the light source is amplitude loss modulated by a loss modulator operated at a sinusoidal frequency
Implementation Method 2
Each wavelength can then be transmitted along a delay line to impart a unique phase delay to that wavelength
Implementation Method 3
backscattered light from the target is loss demodulated and received by an array detector and converted to an electrical signal
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.