US 2026/0299284 A1 · KALEIDOSCOPIC GEOMETRIC VISION PLATFORM

Abstract

A Kaleidoscopic Geometric Vision Platform (KGVP) that transforms three-dimensional (3D) machine vision through an optical system that creates multiple virtual laser projectors from a single moving component. A spindle mirror mechanism (SMM) rotates a reflective surface to sweep collimated laser beams in circular patterns. These beams strike a series of kaleidoscopic mirror facets (KMFs) arranged concentrically around the SMM in a concave configuration. Each KMF redirects the rotating beam, creating a virtual projector with a distinct origin point and sweep direction. As the SMM completes one rotation, it generates N distinct laser trajectories (where N equals the number of KMFs), each sweeping from a different virtual origin point. Event-based cameras/sensors positioned strategically around the KMFs detect laser light reflected from object surfaces with microsecond precision. The KGVP triangulates 3D surface coordinates by determining correspondence between detected light and specific virtual projectors based on precise timing information.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A system, comprising:

a projection device that is arranged to emit one or more laser beams;
a spindle mirror mechanism (SMM) that includes a rotatable reflective surface that is configured to rotate around an axis to outwardly reflect the one or more laser beams;
a kaleidoscopic mirror that includes a plurality of hinges coupled to a plurality of mirrored facets (KMFs) in a concave arrangement around the SMM, wherein an angle of each hinge changes based on a speed of rotation of the SMM, wherein the plurality of KMFs are arranged to redirect the one or more reflected laser beams to create a virtual projector having a virtual origin point and a sweep direction for each KMF;
a plurality of cameras arranged around the KMFs to detect one or more reflections of light from an object surface that is illuminated by the one or more redirected laser beams;
and
circuitry that executes instructions to cause actions, including:
employing one or more motions and geometric arrangement of sweep patterns for one or more virtual projectors to characterize each of the one or more laser beams as a function of time for movement of the one or more virtual projectors in a three-dimensional (3D) environment.

4 more elements

A method, comprising:

employing a projection device to emit one or more laser beams;
reflecting the one or more laser beams by use of a spindle mirror mechanism (SMM) that includes a rotatable reflective surface that is configured to rotate around an axis to outwardly reflect the one or more laser beams;
redirecting the one or more reflected laser beams by use of a kaleidoscopic mirror that includes a plurality of hinges coupled to a plurality of mirrored facets (KMFs) in a concave arrangement around the SMM, wherein an angle of each hinge changes based on a speed of rotation of the SMM, wherein the plurality of KMFs are arranged to redirect the one or more reflected laser beams to create a virtual projector having a virtual origin point and a sweep direction for each KMF;
detecting one or more reflections of light from an object surface that is illuminated by the one or more redirected laser beams by use of a plurality of cameras arranged around the KMFs;
and
employing one or more motions and geometric arrangement of sweep patterns for one or more virtual projectors to characterize each of the one or more laser beams as a function of time for movement of the one or more virtual projectors in a three-dimensional (3D) environment.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Kaleidoscopic geometric vision platform

Life of this patent

Kaleidoscopic geometric vision platform

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20