Single Image Sensor Capturing 3D and 2D Data Simultaneously
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geospatial and image data collection systems require costly and processing-intensive image registration techniques to combine 3D geospatial data with 2D image data, often resulting in undesirable outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A geospatial and image data collection system that uses a single image sensor capable of operating in both active and passive modes to capture 3D geospatial data and 2D image data simultaneously, eliminating the need for image registration techniques by inherently registering the data through the same sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate active imaging system (LIDAR) and passive imaging system are used to capture 3D geospatial data and 2D image data respectively, then both types of data can be captured, but image registration techniques are required which increase computing power requirements and processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the active imaging sensor (for LIDAR/3D data) and passive imaging sensor (for 2D image data) into a single integrated sensor unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate image registration processes between two different sensors, as both types of data are captured by the same sensor simultaneously, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining registration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in active imaging mode to capture LIDAR data for 3D geospatial information, and in passive imaging mode to capture 2D image data. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor to replace what previously required two separate sensors, eliminating the registration bottleneck.
2Loss of information
If image registration techniques are used to combine 3D geospatial data with 2D image data, then data integration is achieved, but computing power requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the active and passive imaging capabilities into a single sensor, the system captures both 3D and 2D data simultaneously from the same optical path. This eliminates the need for computationally intensive image registration algorithms, reducing energy consumption while maintaining complete data integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor performs preliminary capture of both 3D geospatial data and 2D image data in the same measurement cycle, before any processing is needed. This preliminary simultaneous capture ensures that the data is already aligned in terms of spatial registration, eliminating the need for subsequent registration computations.
3Reliability
If separate sensors are used for capturing 3D geospatial data and 2D image data at different times, then specialized sensors can be used for each data type, but data registration and synchronization become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor achieves universality by being capable of both active imaging (LIDAR) and passive imaging (2D photography) functions. This allows the same sensor to capture both 3D geospatial data and 2D image data simultaneously at the same moment, eliminating time differences and synchronization issues while maintaining sensor reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor operates in periodic cycles, alternating between active imaging mode and passive imaging mode, or capturing both types of data in an interleaved manner. This periodic operation allows the sensor to efficiently switch between functions while ensuring that both 3D and 2D data are captured in close temporal proximity, minimizing time differences.
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 reduces processing requirements and costs by directly capturing and registering 3D and 2D data without the need for image registration, enhancing data integration efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
sense reflected laser radiation from the geospatial area representative of three dimensional (3D) geospatial data
Implementation Method 2
sense ambient radiation from the geospatial area representative of two dimensional (2D) image data
Implementation Method 3
a laser source configured to direct laser radiation toward a geospatial area
Data Source
AI summary
A geospatial and image data collection system includes a laser source configured to direct laser radiation toward a geospatial area, and an image sensor. The image sensor is configured to be operable in a first sensing mode to sense reflected laser radiation from the geospatial area representative of three dimensional (3D) geospatial data, and a second sensing mode to sense ambient radiation from the geospatial area representative of two dimensional (2D) image data. In addition, a controller is configured to operate the image sensor in the first and second sensing modes to generate the 3D geospatial data and 2D image data registered therewith.