Ultrasonic Depth Imaging with Post-Receipt Beamforming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic depth imaging systems face challenges with low frame rates due to slow scanning times and issues with specular reflections, which hinder real-time object tracking and accurate depth value determination.

Innovation Solution

Implementing post-receipt transmit beamforming and sound source localization (SSL) to concentrate sound energy and distinguish reflections from desired directions, allowing for higher frame rates and improved depth image accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional ultrasonic scanning methods are used, then the system can detect depth information, but the frame rate is low due to slow scanning times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe rateVSAvoidscanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary beamforming calculations and sound source localization in advance to pre-process the ultrasonic signals. By preparing the beamforming weights and localization algorithms before actual depth imaging, the system reduces the processing time required during each scanning cycle, thereby increasing frame rate without sacrificing detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic beamforming that adapts the scanning parameters and beam directions in real-time based on detected echo patterns and sound source locations. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to focus computational resources on regions of interest, reducing overall scanning time while maintaining comprehensive depth coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If traditional beamforming is used, then the system can concentrate sound energy, but specular reflections cause inaccurate depth value determination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth value accuracyVSAvoidspecular reflection noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces sound source localization as an intermediary step between traditional beamforming and depth value determination. This intermediate process analyzes the spatial distribution of echoes and identifies genuine sound sources versus specular reflections by comparing arrival times and spatial coherence across multiple microphones, thereby filtering out harmful reflected signals before they corrupt the depth measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the results of sound source localization are fed back to adjust the beamforming parameters. When specular reflections are detected, the system automatically modifies the beam directions and weights to suppress these artifacts, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves depth measurement accuracy by learning from previous measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 real-time tracking of object motion with improved depth image accuracy by reducing noise from specular reflections and increasing frame rates, while maintaining lower power consumption compared to light-based methods.

Implementation Method 1

emit an ultrasonic pulse from each of a plurality of transducers, receive a reflection of each ultrasonic pulse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic pulse emission and reflection: Echo

Implementation Method 2

depth imaging may be based on light, such as infrared light or visible light... Time-of-flight depth imaging techniques

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

perform transmit beamforming and also receive beamforming computationally after receiving the reflections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeamforming:

Implementation Method 4

performing sound source localization using a reflection corresponding to the selected echo

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound source localization:

Data Source

PatentUS9945946B2Ultrasonic depth imaging

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Examples are disclosed herein that relate to depth imaging techniques using ultrasound One example provides an ultrasonic depth sensing system configured to, for an image frame, emit an ultrasonic pulse from each of a plurality of transducers, receive a reflection of each ultrasonic pulse at a microphone array, perform transmit beamforming and also receive beamforming computationally after receiving the reflections, form a depth image, and output the depth image for the image frame.