Strobe-Based 3D Imaging System for Motion Blur Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D imaging techniques such as point scanning, line scanning, confocal imaging, and stereoscopy are slow due to the need for continuous line imaging, point scan imaging, or area step-and-scan methods, which result in significant blurring and inefficiencies in data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A strobe-based 3D imaging system utilizing short pulses of light to illuminate an object, combined with a mechanical stage and multiple pinholes arranged at different focal planes, allows for efficient data collection without significant blurring by freezing the image during movement, enabling faster and more accurate 3D data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous line imaging or point scan imaging is used, then complete 3D image data can be acquired, but the imaging speed is slow and significant blurring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed illumination to freeze motion during image acquisition. Short light pulses are emitted at specific intervals synchronized with the scanning process, effectively capturing sharp images at discrete moments while the object or scanner moves, thereby eliminating motion blur while maintaining imaging speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces continuous mechanical scanning with a combination of pulsed illumination and parallel detection. Instead of continuously moving the scanner or object, short light pulses capture multiple points simultaneously, substituting mechanical continuity with optical temporal sampling
2Measurement precision
If area step-and-scan method is used, then comprehensive 3D coverage is achieved, but the process requires Z motion movement at each position making it very slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D imaging process into multiple parallel optical paths using arrays of pinholes at different focal planes. Each pinhole captures light from a specific depth plane simultaneously, dividing the volumetric imaging task into parallel 2D slices that are reconstructed into 3D data, eliminating the need for sequential Z-axis scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the depth dimension through spatial encoding using multiple pinholes positioned at different focal planes. By arranging pinholes in three-dimensional space and detecting light through multiple depth planes simultaneously, the system captures 3D information in a single exposure without mechanical Z-motion
3Measurement precision
If stereoscopy with step-and-scan is used, then depth information is captured from multiple viewing angles, but taking at least 2 images at each position makes the process very slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple viewing angle information into a single optical path by using a single camera with multiple pinholes positioned at different focal planes. This configuration captures depth information from multiple virtual viewing angles simultaneously through one detector, eliminating the need for multiple cameras or sequential image capture
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
The strobe-based system significantly reduces image blurring and enhances data acquisition speed, making it suitable for applications like inspection, metrology, and process monitoring by using short light pulses and a mechanical stage to move the object relative to the illumination and collection modules.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination module arranged to illuminate an object by short pulses of light
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter positioned between the object, the illumination module array of pinholes and the multiple pinholes
Implementation Method 3
multiple pinholes that are arranged to provide light from illuminated points of the object that are located at different focal planes
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method may be provided. The system may include an illumination module arranged to illuminate an object by short pulses of light that form at least one spot on the object; a collection module that comprises a sensor that is arranged to generate detection signals representative of three dimensional information about the object: and a mechanical stage that is arranged to introduce a movement between the object and at least one of the collection module and the illumination module.