Structured-Light Scanning System Mitigates Ambient Light Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structured-light scanning systems face significant interference from ambient light during outdoor or long-range operations, degrading image quality and signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
A structured-light scanning system comprising switchable projectors and an optical alignment device, which generates and aligns 2D and 3D light patterns to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio by using two light sources and triangular prisms to combine and output aligned light, detected by an image sensor in a time-division manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If structured-light scanning is performed outdoors or in long-range operation, then the scanning range and applicability are improved, but ambient light interference degrades image quality and signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs time-division multiplexing where multiple light sources are activated in alternating time slots. Each light source projects its pattern during a specific time interval, and the image sensor captures reflections only during corresponding intervals. This periodic activation allows the system to operate in outdoor environments by separating useful light signals from ambient light interference through temporal discrimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the challenge of ambient light interference into an advantage by using multiple light sources with distinct temporal signatures. The system actively manages light interference through synchronized emission and detection, transforming the harmful ambient light condition into a manageable parameter that can be filtered out through time-division multiplexing.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sources are used to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources and their corresponding optical paths into a single integrated system. The optical alignment device merges the light beams from different sources into a unified projection path, while the image sensor simultaneously receives all reflected patterns. This merging approach maintains high signal-to-noise ratio through multiple light sources while minimizing system complexity by consolidating optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical alignment device serves multiple functions: it aligns light from different sources, combines the beams into a unified pattern, and directs them to the image sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms for each light source, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 system effectively mitigates ambient light interference, maintaining image quality and enabling accurate three-dimensional shape measurement even in challenging outdoor or long-range conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical alignment device aligns the emitted lights to generate an aligned light
Implementation Method 2
The image sensor detects the reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
A structured-light scanning system includes a plurality of switchable projectors that respectively generate emitted lights with a predetermined pattern, each switchable projector being capable of switchably generating either a two-dimensional (2D) emitted light or a three-dimensional (3D) emitted light; an optical alignment device that aligns the emitted lights to generate an aligned light, which is projected onto and reflected from a surface of an object, resulting in a reflected light; and an image sensor that detects the reflected light.