Variable-Phase Optical Matrix for Depth Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensor devices and systems face limitations such as inability to provide depth information, lower resolution in time-of-flight sensors, and trade-offs between spectral and spatial resolution in hyperspectral imaging.
Innovation Solution
The use of a matrix of variable-phase optical elements to introduce phase delays into light, allowing optical sensors to capture multiple perspectives of a scene, which are then processed to enhance resolution through triangulation, phase discrimination, and oversampling, enabling the generation of high-resolution depth maps and hyperspectral images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional time-of-flight sensors are used to capture depth information, then depth sensing capability is provided, but resolution is reduced due to required demodulation circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical demodulation circuitry with optical phase modulation using a diffractive optical element. The DOE introduces different phase delays into light waves reflected from different depths, enabling depth encoding through optical path differences rather than electronic demodulation. This substitution of optical mechanisms for electrical circuitry reduces device complexity while maintaining or improving depth resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the phase parameter of light waves using a diffractive optical element with features dimensioned to introduce specific phase delays (e.g., 0, π/2, π, 3π/2). By modulating the phase parameter of reflected light according to depth, the system enables high-resolution depth sensing without complex demodulation circuitry, as the phase information is encoded optically rather than electronically.
2Measurement precision
If multiple perspectives are captured to increase depth resolution, then depth map quality improves, but capture time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic phase modulation through the diffractive optical element, which introduces phase delays corresponding to different depth ranges. By capturing multiple images with periodically varied phase delays and combining them, the system achieves high depth resolution. The periodic nature of the phase modulation allows for efficient capture sequences that reduce overall capture time compared to non-periodic approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive optical element pre-encodes depth information into the phase of reflected light before detection. This preliminary optical encoding of depth data in the captured images allows for faster processing and depth map generation, as the depth information is already separated and encoded in the phase domain rather than requiring post-capture computational analysis of multiple perspectives.
3Loss of information
If conventional optical sensors are used, then standard image capture is achieved, but depth information cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables conventional image sensors to perform dual functions: standard image capture and depth sensing. By placing a diffractive optical element in the optical path, the same sensor array can capture both intensity images and phase-encoded depth information simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate depth sensors while providing comprehensive scene understanding.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive optical element acts as an intermediary between the scene and the conventional image sensor. It modulates the phase of reflected light according to depth, allowing the sensor to capture depth information through phase variations in the optical signal. This intermediary component enables depth sensing capability in conventional sensors without requiring fundamental changes to the sensor architecture.
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 allows for the creation of high-resolution depth maps and hyperspectral images by capturing and processing multiple perspectives of a scene, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems and improving angular, depth, and spectral resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element (DOE) having features that are dimensioned to introduce at least two different phase delays into a wavefront of the light in the infrared wavelength range received as reflected from the scene
Implementation Method 2
features that are dimensioned to introduce at least two different phase delays into a wavefront of the light
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary depth imaging device includes an optical sensor having an optical axis, a lens positioned to focus light from a scene onto the optical sensor, a matrix of variable-phase optical elements that are dimensioned to introduce different phase delays into a wavefront of the light, and a housing that secures the matrix between the optical sensor and the lens. The device further includes a communication bus coupled to a processing subsystem that directs the optical sensor to capture at least two different perspectives of the scene to create an output image indicating depth within the scene. The device includes a positioning system that couples an optical component of the device to the housing. The optical component may include at least one of the lens, the optical sensor, or the matrix. Other related systems and methods are also provided.