3D dynamic events captured at record-breaking imaging speeds

Researchers at Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology (BNRist) have developed a new way to capture dynamic events in 3D that breaks traditional speed limitations. The method enables 3D information acquisition in objects traveling at speeds up to 25 m/s with continuous real-time 3D scanning imaging at a record 500,000 fps.

The researchers developed a time-encoded single-pixel 3D (TESP-3D) imaging method that increased the frame rate significantly over current methods. Their method is based on IR imaging with high-speed structured illumination that uses time-stretch and electro-optical modulation techniques to realize 50-MHz or faster light pattern generations. The single-pixel detectors (SPDs) are strategically located at different angles to capture and transmit the data stream through inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to reconstruct the original image with altered shading.

Currently, there are two main high-speed 3D imaging technologies: the passive stereo vision technique and the active one with better performance resulting from artificial light. The speed limitations are centered around reconstruction of the images, and although active reconstructive accuracy is improved over the passive technique, it still faces speed limits from pattern generation devices (generally at 10s kHz refresh rate) and imaging sensors.

The new development is anticipated to have positive impacts in industrial and screening applications.