3D Imaging via Stationary Detector and Oblique Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional imaging techniques face challenges such as complex mechanics, computational expense, and the inability to image touch-sensitive objects without mechanical movement of the detector, particularly in applications like microscopy where real-time imaging is desired.
Innovation Solution
A method involving illumination of an object from multiple angles with a stationary detector, processing intensity images to reconstruct three-dimensional amplitude and phase information using techniques like oblique illumination, transformation compensation, and iterative projections, allowing for efficient reconstruction without mechanical movement of the detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the imaging device with light source and detector is rotated relative to the object to obtain three-dimensional image, then three-dimensional information can be reconstructed, but the mechanical complexity increases and real-time imaging becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the detector and light source around the object as in conventional tomography, this patent inverts the approach by keeping the detector stationary and rotating the illumination angles. The object is illuminated from multiple angles while the detector remains fixed, eliminating the need for complex rotational mechanics while still enabling three-dimensional reconstruction through computational processing of the captured images.
2Measurement precision
If the object is rotated into different positions for imaging, then three-dimensional information can be obtained, but the object may require fixation which may be undesirable for touch-sensitive objects
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than rotating the object into different positions as required by conventional tomography, this patent rotates the illumination angles while keeping the object stationary. The controllable illumination device directs light from multiple angles onto the fixed object, eliminating the need for object manipulation or fixation and enabling imaging of touch-sensitive objects without mechanical contact or positioning requirements.
3Measurement precision
If 3D ptychography is used for three-dimensional imaging, then detailed three-dimensional information can be reconstructed, but the computational cost is high and real-time imaging is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
This patent extracts and utilizes the displacement information of structures between images captured at different illumination angles as a key feature for three-dimensional reconstruction. By focusing on the displacement patterns caused by oblique illumination rather than performing full 3D ptychographic reconstruction, the method achieves three-dimensional imaging with reduced computational complexity and faster processing times while maintaining essential structural detail.
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 efficient and real-time three-dimensional imaging of objects by converting illumination-angle-dependent displacements into three-dimensional information, reducing computational costs and mechanical complexity, and allowing imaging of touch-sensitive objects without detector movement.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the oblique illumination of the object for several of the illumination angles, three-dimensional information of the object is converted into a displacement of structures in the plurality of images
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor that is set up to capture a plurality of images of the object for the plurality of illumination angles. Each image can be an intensity image
Data Source
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AI summary
An object is illuminated under a plurality of illumination angles in order to produce a three-dimensional image thereof. A detector detects a plurality of images (51-53) of the object for the plurality of illumination angles. An electronic processing device processes the plurality of images (51-53) so as to reconstruct three-dimensional information on the object (57).