Virtual Array 3D Vision Using Diffractive Laser Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D robotic vision systems rely on large sensor arrays and consume significant power due to flood illumination techniques, resulting in limited resolution and high power inefficiency, while alternative methods like lidar systems require complex mechanical apparatus, making them unsuitable for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A system employing a laser array with diffractive optical elements to project a virtual array of points, using discrete spatial modulation and a small pixel array, which reduces optical power loss and enables high-resolution 3D mapping with lower power consumption by leveraging multipath resolution algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large sensor arrays are used for 3D optical sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function by using multiple independently controllable laser elements instead of a single flood illumination source. Each laser element can be activated selectively to illuminate specific regions, allowing the system to achieve high-resolution measurements while activating only the necessary portion of the sensor array and illumination sources, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by directing illumination and measurement resources to specific local regions of interest rather than uniformly across the entire scene. The controllable laser elements can be selectively activated to illuminate only the areas requiring measurement, and the sensor array can focus processing on relevant local regions, improving resolution where needed while minimizing energy consumption in inactive areas.
2Illumination intensity
If flood illumination techniques are used, then illumination intensity is improved, but use of energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flood illumination is segmented into multiple discrete laser elements that can be independently controlled. Instead of activating all elements simultaneously to provide full coverage, the system selectively activates only the laser elements required for the current measurement task, maintaining sufficient illumination intensity for high-resolution measurement while dramatically reducing total power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by sequentially activating different laser elements over time rather than maintaining continuous illumination from all elements. Each laser element can be pulsed or modulated, allowing the system to achieve the necessary illumination intensity for measurement while minimizing the average power consumption through time-multiplexed operation.
3Measurement precision
If lidar systems are used for 3D sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning apparatus with an optical/electronic solution using controllable laser elements and a sensor array. Instead of using moving mechanical components to scan and measure different points in space, the system uses electronically controllable laser sources and sensor elements that can be selectively activated, achieving high-precision 3D sensing without complex mechanical moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from mechanical scanning in one dimension (sequential point-by-point measurement) to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional array approach where multiple laser elements and sensor elements operate simultaneously across a spatial grid. This dimensional expansion allows parallel measurement of multiple points, achieving high precision while eliminating mechanical complexity.
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 achieves high-resolution 3D robotic vision with reduced power requirements, improved safety, and faster image processing, while being cost-effective and suitable for various applications, as it utilizes a low-cost laser array and optical elements with a small pixel array and multipath resolution algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
A system employs a laser array with diffractive optical elements to project a virtual array of points
Implementation Method 2
receive reflected light from the scene
Implementation Method 3
a receive imaging lens configured to receive reflected light from the scene and project the light onto a pixel array
Data Source
AI summary
A pulsed light source illuminates a scene with a virtual array of points. Light reflected by the scene is detected by a small pixel array, allowing generation of a three-dimensional map of the scene. A processing element processing data output by the small pixel array uses a multipath resolution algorithm to resolve individual objects in the scene.