SBIR Phase II: Three-Dimensional Computational Optical Imaging Sensor

The broader impact/commercial potential of this project stems from the possibility of obtaining real-time precise 3D depth information using a miniature robust sensor system opening up a myriad of opportunities for commercial application. Imaging sensors are now widespread and inexpensive, as is computing power, already an integral part of most cameras. The 3D imaging sensor to be developed enables disruptive applications for manufacturing, robotics, human-machine interfaces, unmanned aerial vehicles, and emerging 3D scanners. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 2 project is focused on the design, development, and testing of a miniature, robust, low-cost optical imaging sensor system capable of acquiring three-dimensional (3D) information from a scene with high precision and accuracy, overcoming current state-of-the-art technologies. The sensor provides, from a single shot, an image and a depth map; associating each object feature with its precise 3D location. With the advances in sensing technology, 3D information is increasingly incorporated into real-world applications?from manufacturing to entertainment and security. The proposed sensor provides improvements in depth resolution while being fast, compact, lightweight, and amenable for mass production at low cost.