At the University of Glasgow they design a single-pixel camera to create 3D images

A team of scientists from the University of Glasgow (United Kingdom) has developed a single-pixel camera to generate 3D images, that is cheaper than current digital and, in addition, Allows you to see beyond the visible light spectrum.

The single-pixel camera offers a wide variety of alternatives and fields of application, as it could be used in sectors such as medicine, Geology or Engineering. Another advantage it brings is its low cost and the speed with which it is able to generate images.

For your design, Scientists used single-pixel light detectors, instead of the millions of pixels required for today's digital camera image sensors, a light projector and a computer.

Researchers say single-pixel detectors can see beyond the frequencies of visible light, reaching X-ray wavelengths. This would open up new uses for 3D imaging in a wide variety of sectors such as geophysics or medicine. It could even help doctors detect tumors.

In addition, the solution that the team from the University of Glasgow proposes is much cheaper than a digital camera, since it does not require lenses or laser equipment.

Light Patterns

In the experiment, The researchers placed four cameras around an object and projected light patterns onto it, Launching Quick Sequences, similar to the typical black and white checkered pattern of crossword puzzles. Once the reflected light intensities had been recorded, the information was entered into a computer and with the patterns an algorithm was executed with which to produce a 2D image.

To create the 3D image, The results of the other three detectors were combined as if it were a collage that creates depth; I mean, they used the different shades of shadows and shades to generate it. The technique is known as shape from shade (Shadow Shape).

A conventional 3D imaging system requires a high degree of calibration and accuracy to convert information into a 3D 2D image. However, The single-pixel camera system does not require as much calibration to create the images with very similar results in terms of accuracy. And the time it takes to create it is just a few seconds.