Ultrasonic Imaging Through Structure Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional optical imaging methods face challenges in capturing accurate images of enclosed spaces due to line-of-sight obstructions and limited visibility, particularly in high occupancy rooms or environments with insufficient light, requiring multiple cameras and struggling with occlusions and lack of visibility through transparent surfaces like windows.

Innovation Solution

The method employs an ultrasonic imaging system using an array of transmitters and receivers to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals, leveraging reflections from surrounding structure surfaces to create multiple effective viewpoints, allowing for comprehensive imaging without the need for multiple cameras and providing privacy benefits by not using visible light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional optical cameras are used to image objects in enclosed spaces, then line-of-sight imaging is achieved, but occlusions by objects and structural features prevent full space imaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoidnumber of cameras required

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical cameras with an ultrasonic imaging system that uses acoustic waves instead of light. This substitution allows the system to penetrate occlusions and image objects from multiple effective viewpoints using a single transmitter-receiver array, resolving the contradiction between imaging accuracy and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces ultrasonic waves as an intermediary medium to image objects. By using acoustic waves that can reflect off surfaces and penetrate through occlusions, the system achieves comprehensive space imaging without requiring multiple cameras, thus resolving the technical contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are deployed to image occluded objects, then complete space coverage is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace coverageVSAvoidnumber of cameras required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single ultrasonic transmitter-receiver array perform the function of multiple cameras by using signal processing to create multiple effective viewpoints. The array can image the entire enclosed space including occluded regions, achieving complete space coverage with one device instead of multiple cameras

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual images of objects by processing ultrasonic reflections to synthesize multiple viewpoints. This copying approach allows the system to achieve complete space coverage equivalent to multiple cameras while using only a single physical device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If optical cameras are used in enclosed spaces, then visible light imaging is achieved, but insufficient light and transparency issues reduce imaging effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging reliabilityVSAvoidvisible light availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical imaging with ultrasonic imaging, substituting acoustic wave propagation for light-based imaging. This eliminates dependence on visible light intensity and transparency issues, achieving reliable imaging in enclosed spaces regardless of lighting conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach enables detailed imaging of objects and occupants within enclosed spaces from various angles, overcoming occlusions and visibility limitations, while maintaining privacy and efficiently utilizing ultrasonic signals to image through transparent surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting an ultrasonic signal into the surrounding structure using an array of ultrasonic transmitters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic signal transmission: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

receiving reflections from the passive object using an array of ultrasonic receivers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

receiving reflections from the passive object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEcho: Echo

Implementation Method 4

steering the ultrasonic signal such that it includes at least one reflection off a surrounding structure surface using stored data relating to a position of at least one of said surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam steering:

Data Source

PatentUS20240134041A1Object imaging within structures

Publication Date: 2024.04.25 SONAIR AS

AI summary

A method and system of imaging at least one passive object within a surrounding structure is provided. The surrounding structure has multiple surfaces. The method includes: transmitting an ultrasonic signal into the surrounding structure using an array of ultrasonic transmitters and receiving reflections from the passive object using an array of ultrasonic receivers. The method also includes steering the ultrasonic signal such that it includes at least one reflection off a surrounding structure surface using stored data relating to a position of at least one of the surfaces.