Time-of-Flight Imaging with Superheterodyne Interferometry

NU 2018-004

 

Inventors

Oliver Cossairt*

Fengqiang Li

Florian Willomitzer

Prassana V. Rangarajan

 

Short Description

A method to generate high modulation frequencies using optical superheterodyne interferometry.

 

Background

Time-of-flight (ToF) sensors are commonly used for 3D imaging due to their compact size and low complexity. However, the temporal frequencies that can be used restrict the depth resolution to centimeters. Interferometry uses higher frequencies to produce high range resolutions. The development of a system with better depth resolution can help reduce the gap in precision and sensitivity between optical interferometry and state of the art ToF sensors.

 

Abstract

The inventors have developed a Superheterodyne interferometry (SH-ToF) ranging device that utilizes optical superheterodyne interferometry to generate high modulation frequencies that allow flexibility in imaging range and a greater resolution. There are many industries that can benefit by implementing this technology. Military advancements, educational modeling, simulation in telemedicine are some of the potential applications. Market demand for improvements over existing devices continues to grow as consumers become increasingly familiar with 3D technology and virtual reality.

 

Applications

  • 3D human face scanning
  • Drones, virtual gaming
  • Smart cars, smartphones, cameras
  • Telemedicine, simulation, modeling

 

Advantages

  • Micro resolution with macro imaging range
  • 100-1000x better depth resolution than current ToF cameras
  • Fiber based setup with potential to be portable
  • Insensitivity to environmental fluctuations

 

Publications

Li F, Willomitzer F, Rangarajan P, Velten R, Gupta M and Cossairt O (2018) Micro Resolution Time-of-Flight Imaging. Imaging and Applied Optics.

 

IP Status

A provisional application has been filed.

 

Patent Information: