Superpixel Light Sensor for 3D Scanning Motion Blur Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D scanning technologies face distortion and artifacts due to motion blur, as they require multiple frames to apply n separate modulation signals for n-bit codes, leading to inefficiencies in data capture and increased distortion.
Innovation Solution
A light sensor with superpixels, where each superpixel comprises multiple pixels and pixel sets, allowing n separate modulation signals to be applied simultaneously, forming an n-bit binary code, enabling all permutations to be captured in a single camera frame, reducing distortion and artifacts by synchronizing the modulation of pixels within a single frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple camera frames are used to apply n separate modulation signals for n-bit codes, then complete modulation data can be captured, but motion blur increases causing distortion and artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple pixel sets, where each pixel set is assigned a unique modulation signal. This segmentation allows different regions of the sensor to simultaneously capture different bits of the modulation code, enabling complete n-bit code capture in a single frame without requiring multiple frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal multiplexing (applying modulation signals across multiple frames in time) to spatial multiplexing (applying different modulation signals to different pixel sets simultaneously in space). This dimensional change from time to space allows all modulation signals to be captured in a single frame, eliminating motion blur artifacts.
2Measurement precision
If n separate modulation signals are applied sequentially across multiple frames, then each signal can be clearly captured, but the scanning efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capture of n separate modulation signals into a single camera frame by assigning different modulation signals to different pixel sets. This combining of previously sequential operations into a simultaneous spatial operation maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving scanning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By capturing all modulation signals simultaneously in one frame rather than sequentially across multiple frames, the system eliminates idle time between frame captures and maintains continuous useful action, thereby improving overall 3D scanning productivity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single camera frame is used to capture all modulation signals, then motion distortion is reduced, but the complexity of the sensor structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is segmented into multiple pixel sets with distinct modulation assignments, allowing simultaneous capture of all modulation signals in one frame. This segmentation enables single-frame capture while managing structural complexity through organized regional differentiation rather than chaotic complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In illustrative implementations, a set of separate modulation signals simultaneously modulates a plurality of pixels in a superpixel by a set of separate modulation signals, such that each pixel in the superpixel is modulated by a modulation signal that causes sensitivity of the pixel to vary over time. Each superpixel comprises multiple pixels. In some implementations, the sensitivity of a pixel to incident light is controlled by storage modulation or by light modulation. In some implementations, this invention is used for 3D scanning, i.e., for detection of the 3D position of points in a scene.