SWIR and 3D Topographic Imager Using Scanning MEMS Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SWIR imagers for biomedical applications are expensive, large, and have high dead pixel counts, while structured light 3D imagers are not suitable for space-constrained settings, limiting their effectiveness in capturing both SWIR and 3D topographic images simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An integrated imaging system that uses a scanning microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mirror to raster scan SWIR light and project a structured light pattern for 3D topographic imaging, combining SWIR, 3D, and color image acquisition using a single-pixel InGaAs photodetector and a color camera, allowing simultaneous or nearly simultaneous image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an InGaAs multi-pixel focal plane array detector is used for SWIR imaging, then SWIR image quality is improved, but device cost, size, and dead pixel count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the SWIR detection function from a complex multi-pixel focal plane array and implements it using a single-pixel InGaAs photodetector combined with a scanning mirror. This separation allows the detection element to be simple while the scanning mechanism handles the spatial mapping, resolving the contradiction between image quality and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a spatial copy of the scanning pattern across the field of view using a scanning mirror that raster-scans the single photodetector. This copying mechanism reconstructs the full-field SWIR image from sequential single-pixel measurements, achieving multi-pixel functionality with single-pixel hardware.
2Measurement precision
If a video projector and camera separated by baseline distance are used for 3D topographic imaging, then depth determination accuracy is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination source and detection path into a single optical path using a scanning mirror that both projects structured light patterns and collects backscattered light. This combination eliminates the need for separate projector and camera baselines, achieving compact 3D imaging while maintaining depth determination capability through temporal modulation detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning mirror serves multiple functions: it raster-scans the SWIR light for SWIR imaging, projects structured light patterns for 3D topographic imaging, and both functions share the same optical path and detection timing. This multi-functionality allows the system to perform multiple imaging modalities with a single compact component.
3Measurement precision
If separate imaging systems are used for SWIR and 3D topographic imaging, then imaging quality for each modality is improved, but system integration and simultaneous acquisition capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using the scanning mirror to perform both SWIR raster scanning and structured light projection, with the photodetector detecting both continuous SWIR light and modulated 3D light signals. The synchronized operation enables simultaneous acquisition of both imaging modalities with maintained quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temporal modulation of the structured light at a specific frequency and synchronizes the photodetector detection to this modulation frequency. This periodic action allows the system to distinguish between SWIR and 3D light signals during simultaneous acquisition, enabling both modalities to operate together without interference.
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 cost-effective acquisition of high-quality SWIR, 3D topographic, and color images in a compact setup, improving diagnostic capabilities in biomedical imaging, such as early detection of diseases and differentiation between conditions like Otitis Media with Effusion and Acute Otitis Media.
Implementation Method 1
a scanning mirror that is configured to raster scan the first light across a sample during a raster scan period
Implementation Method 2
receive at least a portion of the first light that is backscattered from the sample
Implementation Method 3
A photodetector may be a single-pixel InGaAs photodetector
Implementation Method 4
project a structured light pattern of the second light onto the sample during the raster scan period
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for acquiring images of a sample are provided. According to an aspect of the invention, a system includes a first light source that emits first light having a first wavelength as a temporally continuous beam; a second light source that emits second light having a second wavelength as a temporally modulated beam; and a scanning mirror that raster scans the first light across a sample during a raster scan period, and projects a structured light pattern of the second light onto the sample during the raster scan period. A first image of the sample is generated from at least a portion of the first light that is backscattered from the sample during the raster scan period, and a second image of the sample is generated from at least a portion of the second light that is backscattered from the sample during the raster scan period.