Speckle Velocity Determination via Image Stabilization Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining velocity from speckle images, particularly in biological tissues, face challenges in accurately tracking movement and synchronizing imaging device positions with object movement, leading to suboptimal correlation and velocity measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing a coherent light source to generate speckle patterns, an image stabilization system to move an imaging device to various positions, and comparing speckle patterns to identify high correlation images, allowing for precise determination of object velocity within biological samples, such as blood flow, using LiDAR systems integrated into handheld devices like mobile phones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the imaging device is moved to multiple positions to capture speckle images, then velocity measurement capability is improved, but synchronization accuracy between device position and object movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevelocity measurement accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the imaging device's position information is continuously tracked and fed back to the processing system. This position feedback is correlated with the speckle pattern changes to accurately determine velocity, resolving the synchronization issue between device movement and object motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary correlation analysis process that mediates between the imaging device position data and the speckle pattern data. By using cross-correlation techniques as an intermediary, the system can accurately link position changes with object velocity even when direct synchronization is challenging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If speckle patterns are compared to identify high correlation images, then velocity determination accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevelocity determination accuracyVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The speckle pattern comparison process is segmented into discrete computational steps: initial pattern capture, correlation coefficient calculation, threshold-based filtering, and velocity calculation. This segmentation allows the complex computational task to be broken down into manageable operations that can be efficiently processed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by comparing speckle patterns only at specific imaging device positions where correlation thresholds are met, rather than performing exhaustive comparisons at all possible positions. This selective approach reduces computational complexity while maintaining velocity determination accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 accurate and convenient measurement of blood velocity and other object movements by synchronizing imaging device positions with object movement, improving correlation and velocity measurement accuracy, suitable for health monitoring applications.

Implementation Method 1

Speckle images can be obtained by illuminating samples such as biological tissue with coherent light. The light backscattered from different positions in the sample can be detected... Scatterers within the sample cause different intensities in different parts of the images and so create a speckle image.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpeckle pattern: Interference

Implementation Method 2

determining a velocity of one or more objects within the sample based on the respective positions of the imaging device corresponding to the two images

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP4316365A1Determining velocity from speckle images
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP4316365A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4316365A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4316365A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Examples of the disclosure relate to determining velocities of objects that generate a speckle pattern when illuminated. In examples of the disclosure a coherent light source is controlled to illuminate a sample to cause generation of speckle patterns in light backscattered from the sample. An image stabilization system is controlled to configure an imaging device in a plurality of different positions. The imaging device is controlled to capture images of the sample at the plurality of different positions wherein the images comprise the speckle patterns. The speckle patterns in images captured with the imaging device at different positions are compared to identify two images with a level of correlation of the speckle pattern above a threshold. A velocity of one or more objects within the sample is determined based on the respective positions of the imaging device corresponding to the two images with a level of correlation of the speckle pattern above a threshold.