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US 8,050,461 B2Granted
Depth-varying light fields for three dimensional sensing
AssigneePrimesense Ltd.
InventorsAlexander Shpunt, Zeev Zalevsky
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for mapping includes projecting onto an object a pattern of multiple spots having respective positions and shapes, such that the positions of the spots in the pattern are uncorrelated, while the shapes share a common characteristic. An image of the spots on the object is captured and processed so as to derive a three-dimensional (3D) map of the object.
Claims36
A method for imaging, comprising:
- defining a first optical constraint such that application of the first optical constraint to a beam of light splits the beam into a pattern of multiple spots;
- defining a second optical constraint such that application of the second optical constraint to the beam of light causes the beam to form a spot having a shape characteristic that changes in a predefined manner as a function of a distance along an axis of the beam;
- designing a first filter to implement the first optical constraint and a second filter, different from the first filter, to implement the second optical constraint;
- creating at least one optical element as a superposition of the first and second filters;
- and
- directing a beam of light through the at least one optical element so as to project the pattern onto a surface such that the multiple spots in the pattern have the shape characteristic.
3 more elements
Apparatus for imaging, comprising:
- at least one optical element, which is designed as a superposition of different, first and second filters, which respectively implement first and second optical constraints, such that application of the first optical constraint to a beam of light splits the beam into a pattern of multiple spots, and application of the second optical constraint to the beam of light causes the beam to form a spot having a shape characteristic that changes in a predefined manner as a function of a distance along an axis of the beam;
- and
- a light source, which is configured to direct a beam of light through the at least one optical element so as to project the pattern onto a surface such that the multiple spots in the pattern have the shape characteristic.
A method for imaging, comprising:
- defining a target pattern of multiple spots as a convolution of at least first and second patterns of different types;
- superposing at least first and second filters, which are designed to create the first and second patterns, respectively;
- and
- directing a beam of light through the superposed filters so as to project the target pattern onto a surface.
1 more element
Apparatus for imaging, comprising:
- a first filter and a second filter, which are together configured to create, by superposition of the first and second filters, a target pattern of multiple spots, which is a convolution of a first pattern created by the first filter and a second pattern, of a different type from the first pattern, created by the second filter;
- and
- a light source, which is configured to direct a beam of light through the first and second filters in superposition so as to project the target pattern onto a surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.