Imaging system and image generation method

Abstract

The present invention provides an imaging system and an image generation method that help reduce the time and / or cost of the imaging process and / or enable video recording. [Solution] The system includes a lens element 11 placed in front of the image sensor 10, a first light-emitting unit 12 and a second light-emitting unit 13, and a control unit 14. The first image is synchronized with the ON timing of the first light-emitting unit 12, and the second image is synchronized with the second light-emitting unit 13. Multiple images of the subject to be recorded at different light illumination positions / angles are acquired without the need to physically change the position of the light-emitting units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an imaging system and an image generation method.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, in order to capture an image for a surface light field display (e.g., a twinkling display) that displays different colors and / or luminances at different viewing angles, it is necessary to rotate a light source around a subject while fixing the positions of the subject and the camera during the imaging process, which takes time and cost and makes video recording impossible.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides an imaging system and an image generation method that help reduce the time and / or cost of the imaging process and / or enable video recording.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In one embodiment of the present invention, the imaging system includes an image sensor, a lens element, a first light projection unit, a second light projection unit, and a control unit. The lens element is provided in front of the image sensor. The control unit is coupled to the image sensor, the first light projection unit, and the second light projection unit. The first recording timing of the image sensor is synchronized with the on-timing of the first light projection unit to obtain a first image, and the second recording timing of the image sensor is synchronized with the on-timing of the second light projection unit to obtain a second image.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present invention, the image generation method includes turning on a first light-emitting unit and simultaneously activating a first recording timing of an image sensor in order to acquire a first image, turning on a second light-emitting unit and simultaneously activating a second recording timing of an image sensor in order to acquire a second image, and combining the first image and the second image.

[0006] To make the above content easier to understand, several embodiments accompanied by drawings are described in detail below. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This can reduce the recording time and / or cost of the imaging process. In addition, it enables not only image recording but also video recording. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] To provide a further understanding of the present invention, accompanying drawings are included and constitute part of this specification. The drawings represent exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the specification, serve to illustrate the principles of the present invention.

[0009] [Figure 1A] This is a front view of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the on / off states of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit at the first recording timing of the image sensor. [Figure 1B] This is a front view of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the on / off states of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit at the second recording timing of the image sensor. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of an image generation method according to several embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how to combine the first and second images. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how to combine the first and second images. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how to combine the first and second images. [Figure 6A] This is a front view of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the on / off states of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit at the first recording timing of the image sensor. [Figure 6B] This is a front view of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the on / off states of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit at the second recording timing of the image sensor. [Figure 7A] This is a front view of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the on / off states of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit at the first recording timing of the image sensor. [Figure 7B] This is a front view of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the on / off states of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit at the second recording timing of the image sensor. [Figure 8] Figures 7A and 7B show schematic diagrams of the optical waveforms of multiple light-emitting elements in the first and second light-emitting units, respectively. [Figure 9A] This is a front view of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the on / off states of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit at the first recording timing of the image sensor. [Figure 9B] This is a front view of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the on / off states of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit at the second recording timing of the image sensor. [Figure 10A] This is a front view of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the on / off states of the first light-emitting unit, the second light-emitting unit, and the third light-emitting unit in landscape mode. [Figure 10B] This is a front view of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the on / off states of the first light-emitting unit, the second light-emitting unit, and the third light-emitting unit in portrait mode. [Figure 11A] This is a front view of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing a state in which the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit are separated from each other by a first distance. [Figure 11B] The front view of an imaging system according to some embodiments of the present invention, showing a state where the first light projecting unit and the second light projecting unit are separated from each other by a second distance. [Figure 12] The schematic diagram of an imaging system according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 13A] The schematic diagram of the first light projecting unit of the imaging system in FIG. 12. [Figure 13B] The schematic diagram of the second light projecting unit of the imaging system in FIG. 12. [Figure 14A] A further schematic diagram of the first light projecting unit of the imaging system in FIG. 12. [Figure 14B] A further schematic diagram of the second light projecting unit of the imaging system in FIG. 12. [Figure 15A] A further schematic diagram of the first light projecting unit of the imaging system in FIG. 12. [Figure 15B] A further schematic diagram of the second light projecting unit of the imaging system in FIG. 12. [Figure 16] The schematic diagram of an imaging system according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 17] The schematic diagram of an imaging system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, and examples thereof will be shown in the accompanying drawings. In order to refer to the same or similar parts as much as possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description.

[0011] Throughout this specification and the claims, specific terms are used to refer to particular components. Those skilled in the art will understand that manufacturers of electronic devices may refer to the same component by different names. This invention is not intended to distinguish between components that have the same function but different names. In the following description and claims, the terms “includes” and “contains” are open terms and should therefore be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to…”.

[0012] The directional terms used herein, such as “up,” “down,” “front,” “back,” “left,” and “right,” are merely for reference to directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are illustrative and do not limit the invention. In the drawings, each figure represents a general characteristic of a method, structure, and / or material used in a particular embodiment. However, these drawings should not be construed as defining or limiting the scope or properties encompassed by these embodiments. For example, the relative sizes, thicknesses, and locations of various layers, regions, and / or structures may be reduced or exaggerated for clarity.

[0013] The electrical connections or couplings described in this invention may refer to either direct or indirect connections.

[0014] In the present invention, the electronic device may include, but is not limited to, a display device, a backlight device, an antenna device, a packaging device, a sensing device, or a splicing device.

[0015] It should be noted that the following embodiments may be replaced, rearranged, and combined with features of several different embodiments to complete other embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Features in the various embodiments may be mixed and combined insofar as they do not contradict or contradict the spirit of the invention.

[0016] Figures 1A and 1B are front views of imaging systems according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the on / off states of the first and second light-emitting units, respectively, at the first and second recording timings of the image sensor.

[0017] Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, the imaging system 1 may include an image sensor 10, a lens element 11, a first light projection unit 12, a second light projection unit 13, and a control unit 14. The lens element 11 is provided in front of the image sensor 10. The control unit 14 is coupled to the image sensor 10, the first light projection unit 12, and the second light projection unit 13. To acquire the first image RM, the first recording timing of the image sensor 10 is synchronized with the ON timing of the first light projection unit 12, and to acquire the second image LM, the second recording timing of the image sensor 10 is synchronized with the ON timing of the second light projection unit 13.

[0018] Specifically, the imaging system 1 is configured to capture images for surface light field displays, such as glitter displays, but is not limited to these. Glitter displays are capable of displaying the surface gloss, transparency, and texture of an object at different viewing angles, and are particularly well-known for displaying the brilliance of butterfly wings or the luster of metallic products. However, it should be understood that the application of the imaging system and image generation method disclosed herein is not limited to glitter displays.

[0019] The image sensor 10 may include, but is not limited to, a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the imaging system 1 may further include a camera body (or housing) 15, and the image sensor 10 may be located within the camera body 15.

[0020] The lens element 11 is located in front of or upstream of the image sensor 10 and guides a light beam (not shown) reflected from a subject (not shown; sometimes also referred to as the subject to be recorded) to the image sensor 10. For example, if the light beam reflected from the subject travels in the opposite direction to direction D3 (for example, towards the paper), the image sensor 10 and the lens element 11 may be arranged along direction D3. The lens element 11 may include, but is not limited to, one or more lenses, such as one or more convex lenses, one or more concave lenses, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, although not shown, the imaging system 1 may further include a lens barrel connected to the camera body 15 along direction D3, and the lens element 11 may be located inside the lens barrel.

[0021] The first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13 are configured to provide a light beam (not shown) for illuminating the subject to be recorded. Figures 1A and 1B schematically show 15 light-emitting elements 120 and 15 light-emitting elements 130, but the number of light-emitting elements 120 and 130 may be changed as needed. In some embodiments, the light-emitting elements 120 and 130 are light-emitting diodes of the same color, such as white light-emitting diodes, but are not limited to these.

[0022] In some embodiments, the relative positions of the light-emitting units (including the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13) with respect to the image sensor 10 may be fixed. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1A or Figure 1B, in the front view of the imaging system 1, a fixed element 16 may be connected to the top of the camera body 15, and the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13 may be connected to opposing sides (e.g., the right and left sides) of the fixed element 16. For example, the camera body 15 and the fixed element 16 are arranged along a direction D2 perpendicular to direction D3, and the first light-emitting unit 12, the fixed element 16, and the second light-emitting unit 13 are arranged along a direction D1 that intersects direction D2 and is perpendicular to direction D3. In some embodiments, direction D1 is perpendicular to direction D2, but is not limited to that.

[0023] The control unit 14 is coupled to the image sensor 10, the first light-emitting unit 12, and the second light-emitting unit 13, and transmits signals between the control unit 14 and the image sensor 10, between the control unit 14 and the first light-emitting unit 12, and between the control unit 14 and the second light-emitting unit 13, thereby enabling the control unit 14 to control the recording timing of the image sensor 10, the on-timing of the first light-emitting unit 12, and the on-timing of the second light-emitting unit 13. For example, the control unit 14 may be located inside the camera body 15, and the control unit 14 may be electrically connected to the image sensor 10, the first light-emitting unit 12, and the second light-emitting unit 13 via conductive wires (not shown), but is not limited thereto. In some alternative embodiments, as shown in Figure 12 or Figure 16, the control unit 14 may be another component located outside the camera body 15.

[0024] The imaging system 1 may optionally include other elements depending on different needs. For example, as shown in Figure 1A or Figure 1B, the imaging system 1 may further include an imaging button 17 (e.g., a shutter button or a video recording button) coupled to a control unit 14, and the control unit 14 may start the imaging process when it detects that the imaging button 17 has been pressed. Figures 1A and 1B schematically show that the imaging button 17 is located on the camera body 15 and between the camera body 15 and the first light projection unit 12, but the position of the imaging button 17 may be changed as needed.

[0025] In some embodiments, the imaging system 1 may further include a memory 18 for storing data from the image sensor 10. Figures 1A and 1B schematically show that the memory 18 is located within the camera body 15, and the memory 18 and control unit 14 are located on opposite sides of the image sensor 10 along direction D2 (e.g., left and right sides), but the positions of the memory 18, image sensor 10, and control unit 14 may be changed as needed. For example, the memory 18 and control unit 14 may be located on the same side of the image sensor 10 (as shown in Figure 10A or Figure 10B), or at least one of the memory 18 and control unit 14 may be another component located outside the camera body 15.

[0026] Figure 2 is a flowchart of an image generation method according to several embodiments of the present invention. Referring to Figures 1A to 2, the image generation method may include turning on the first light-emitting unit 12 and simultaneously activating the first recording timing of the image sensor 10 in order to acquire the first image RM (see step S12), turning on the second light-emitting unit 13 and simultaneously activating the second recording timing of the image sensor 10 in order to acquire the second image (see step S14), and combining the first image and the second image LM (see step S16).

[0027] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the image generation method may further include detecting the pressing of the imaging button 17 before step S12 (see step S10). When the imaging button 17 is pressed by the photographer, the control unit 14 proceeds through steps S12 to S16.

[0028] In step S12, the control unit 14 sends a signal to the first light-emitting unit 12 to turn it on (see Figure 1A), causing the multiple light-emitting elements 120 of the first light-emitting unit 12 to emit light beams and illuminate the subject to be recorded. Meanwhile, the control unit 14 sends a signal to the image sensor 10 to activate the first recording timing of the image sensor 10, thereby acquiring the first image RM.

[0029] In step S14, the control unit 14 sends a signal to the second light-emitting unit 13 to turn it on (see Figure 1B), causing the multiple light-emitting elements 130 of the second light-emitting unit 13 to emit light beams and illuminate the subject to be recorded. Meanwhile, the control unit 14 sends a signal to the image sensor 10 to activate the second recording timing of the image sensor 10, thereby acquiring the second image LM.

[0030] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13 may be turned on alternately.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first recording timing (step S12, Figure 1A) or the second recording timing (step S14, Figure 1B) of the image sensor 10 may correspond to the exposure timing of the camera lens aperture (not shown). In addition, the activation of the first recording timing (step S12, Figure 1A) or the second recording timing (step S14, Figure 1B) of the image sensor 10 may include starting exposure on the image sensor 10 through the lens element 11, completing exposure on the image sensor 10 through the lens element 11, and acquiring data from the image sensor 10.

[0032] Specifically, the camera lens aperture is the opening in the lens element 11 through which the light beam passes and enters the lens element 11. The exposure timing of the camera lens aperture may refer to the timing when the aperture blades (not shown) open to allow the light beam to pass through. During the time from when the aperture blades open until they close (i.e., the image sensor exposure process), the light beam is transmitted to the image sensor 10 through the lens element 11. The image sensor 10 converts the light signal received during the exposure process into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal to the control unit 14.

[0033] In some embodiments, the activation of the first recording timing (step S12, Figure 1A) or the second recording timing (step S14, Figure 1B) of the image sensor 10 may selectively include storing data in the memory 18. That is, data corresponding to the first image RM and the second image LM may be stored in the memory 18. However, in some alternative embodiments, the step of storing data in the memory 18 may be omitted.

[0034] In the image generation method, steps S12 and S14 may be referred to as the imaging process. During the imaging process, the positions of all elements of the imaging system 1 and the subject to be recorded may be fixed. Specifically, the positions of the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13 relative to the image sensor 10 are different. As a result, the first image RM acquired by turning on the first light-emitting unit 12 during the first recording of the image sensor 10, and the second image LM acquired by turning on the second light-emitting unit 13 during the second recording of the image sensor 10, are equivalent to multiple images acquired by changing the position of a single light-emitting unit while fixing the positions of the image sensor 10 and the subject to be recorded. Therefore, multiple images of the subject to be recorded at different light illumination positions / angles can be acquired without physically changing the position of the light-emitting unit. Consequently, the recording time and / or cost of the imaging process can be reduced. In addition, even with a single photographer, not only image recording but also video recording is possible.

[0035] In step S16, the control unit 14 may combine the first image RM and the second image LM. Specifically, the first image RM and the second image LM may be used to form a single frame image for the glitter display. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, combining the first image RM and the second image LM may include combining them in a line-by-line manner (see Figure 4) or a side-by-side manner (see Figure 5).

[0036] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the first image RM may be divided into multiple line portions (e.g., line portion RM1, line portion RM2, line portion RM3, and line portion RM4), and the second image LM may be divided into multiple line portions (e.g., line portion LM1, line portion LM2, line portion LM3, and line portion LM4). In some embodiments, the multiple line portions of the first image RM and the second image LM may be extended along direction D1 and alternately arranged along direction D2 to form a single frame image for the glitter display, but are not limited thereto. In some alternative embodiments, the multiple line portions of the first image RM and the second image LM may be extended along direction D2 and alternately arranged along direction D1 to form a single frame image for the glitter display.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the first image RM and the second image LM may each be cut in half, where the halves of the first image RM and the second image LM are arranged along direction D1 to form a single frame image for the glitter display, but are not limited to this. In some alternative embodiments, the halves of the first image RM and the second image LM are arranged along direction D2 to form a single frame image for the glitter display.

[0038] In some embodiments, the process of turning on the first light-emitting unit 12 to acquire the first image RM and simultaneously activating the first recording timing of the image sensor 10, and turning on the second light-emitting unit 13 to acquire the second image LM and simultaneously activating the second recording timing of the image sensor 10, may be repeated until video recording stops. In these embodiments, multiple first image RMs and multiple second image LMs may be acquired, where the multiple first image RMs and multiple second image LMs are acquired alternately in a continuous time series. In addition, each first image RM and adjacent second image LM may be used to form a single frame image for a glitter display. For example, as shown in Figure 3, multiple first image RMs and multiple second image LMs may be displayed alternately in a continuous time series, and the time interval between two adjacent first image RMs (or two adjacent second image LMs) may be shorter than the afterimage of the human eye, thereby allowing the human eye to see a smooth image.

[0039] In the above embodiment, the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13 are turned on alternately. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In some alternative embodiments described later, at each of the first and second recording timings of the image sensor 10, the plurality of light-emitting elements (120 or 130) of the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13 may be turned on at least partially, and the wavelength or polarization of the light beams from the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13 at the first or second recording timing of the image sensor 10 may be different.

[0040] Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, the main differences between imaging system 1A and imaging system 1 shown in Figures 1A and 1B are explained below.

[0041] In imaging system 1A, the first light-emitting unit 12A includes a plurality of red light-emitting elements 120R, a plurality of green light-emitting elements 120G, and a plurality of blue light-emitting elements 120B, and the second light-emitting unit 13A includes a plurality of red light-emitting elements 130R, a plurality of green light-emitting elements 130G, and a plurality of blue light-emitting elements 130B, wherein the light beams from the plurality of red light-emitting elements 120R and the plurality of red light-emitting elements 130R (for example, the red light beam R1 in Figure 8) have the same peak wavelength (also referred to as the "first peak wavelength"). For example, the light beams from multiple green light-emitting elements 120G and 130G (e.g., the green light beam G1 in Figure 8) have the same peak wavelength (also referred to as the "third peak wavelength," for example, the peak wavelength WG1 in Figure 8), and the light beams from multiple blue light-emitting elements 120B and 130B (e.g., the blue light beam B1 in Figure 8) have the same peak wavelength (also referred to as the "second peak wavelength," for example, the peak wavelength WB1 in Figure 8).

[0042] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6A, the first recording timing of the image sensor 10 may be synchronized with the ON timing of the multiple red light-emitting elements 120R and multiple blue light-emitting elements 120B of the first light-emitting unit 12A and the ON timing of the multiple green light-emitting elements 130G of the second light-emitting unit 13A in order to acquire the first image RM. In addition, the multiple green light-emitting elements 120G of the first light-emitting unit 12A and the multiple red light-emitting elements 130R and multiple blue light-emitting elements 130B of the second light-emitting unit 13A may be in the OFF state. In this way, at the first recording timing of the image sensor 10, the light beam from the first light-emitting unit 12A includes a first peak wavelength (e.g., peak wavelength WR1 in Figure 8) and a second peak wavelength different from the first peak wavelength (e.g., peak wavelength WB1 in Figure 8), and the light beam from the second light-emitting unit 13A includes a third peak wavelength different from the first and second peak wavelengths (e.g., peak wavelength WG1 in Figure 8). In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the third peak wavelength may be between the first peak wavelength and the second peak wavelength.

[0043] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6B, the second recording timing of the image sensor 10 may be synchronized with the ON timing of the multiple green light-emitting elements 120G of the first light-emitting unit 12A and the ON timing of the multiple red light-emitting elements 130R and multiple blue light-emitting elements 130B of the second light-emitting unit 13A in order to acquire the second image LM. In addition, the multiple red light-emitting elements 120R and multiple blue light-emitting elements 120B of the first light-emitting unit 12A and the multiple green light-emitting elements 130G of the second light-emitting unit 13A may be in the OFF state. In this way, at the second recording timing of the image sensor 10, the light beam from the first light-emitting unit 12A includes a third peak wavelength, and the light beam from the second light-emitting unit 13A includes a first peak wavelength and a second peak wavelength.

[0044] Since the multiple light-emitting elements of the first light-emitting unit 12A and the second light-emitting unit 13A are at least partially turned on at the first recording timing and the second recording timing of the image sensor 10, the problem of annoying flicker (flashing of light) can be reduced, thereby helping to reduce discomfort for the person being photographed.

[0045] Figures 7A and 7B are front views of imaging systems according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the on / off states of the first and second light-emitting units at the first and second recording timings of the image sensor, respectively. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the optical waveforms of the multiple light-emitting elements in the first and second light-emitting units in Figures 7A and 7B. Referring to Figures 7A to 8, the main differences between imaging system 1B and imaging system 1 in Figures 1A and 1B will be explained below.

[0046] In the imaging system 1B, the first light-emitting unit 12B includes a plurality of red light-emitting elements 120R, a plurality of green light-emitting elements 120G, and a plurality of blue light-emitting elements 120B, and the second light-emitting unit 13B includes a plurality of red light-emitting elements 130R, a plurality of green light-emitting elements 130G, and a plurality of blue light-emitting elements 130B. The first red light beam from the plurality of red light-emitting elements 120R (e.g., red light beam R1 in Figure 8) has a peak wavelength WR1 that is different from the peak wavelength WR2 of the second red light beam from the plurality of red light-emitting elements 130R (e.g., red light beam R2 in Figure 8). The first green light beam from the plurality of green light-emitting elements 120G (e.g., green light beam G1 in Figure 8) has a peak wavelength WG1 that is different from the peak wavelength WG2 of the second green light beam from the plurality of green light-emitting elements 130G (e.g., green light beam G2 in Figure 8). The first blue light beam from the multiple blue light-emitting elements 120B (for example, blue light beam B1 in Figure 8) has a different peak wavelength WB1 than the second blue light beam from the multiple blue light-emitting elements 130B (for example, blue light beam B2 in Figure 8).

[0047] At the first recording timing (see Figure 7A) and the second recording timing (see Figure 7B) of the image sensor 10, the light beam from the first light-emitting unit 12B includes a first red light beam (e.g., red light beam R1 in Figure 8), a first green light beam (e.g., green light beam G1 in Figure 8), and a first blue light beam (e.g., blue light beam B1 in Figure 8), and the light beam from the second light-emitting unit 13B includes a second red light beam (e.g., red light beam R2 in Figure 8), a second green light beam (e.g., green light beam G2 in Figure 8), and a second blue light beam (e.g., blue light beam B2 in Figure 8), where the peak wavelengths of the first red light beam and the second red light beam are different, the peak wavelengths of the first green light beam and the second green light beam are different, and the peak wavelengths of the first blue light beam and the second blue light beam are different.

[0048] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the imaging system 1B further includes a first filter 19 and a second filter 20 positioned in front of the image sensor 10 at a first recording timing and a second recording timing, respectively, wherein the first filter 19 transmits a first red light beam, a first green light beam, and a first blue light beam, and filters a second red light beam, a second green light beam, and a second blue light beam, and the second filter 20 transmits a second red light beam, a second green light beam, and a second blue light beam, and filters a first red light beam, a first green light beam, and a first blue light beam.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first filter 19 and the second filter 20 may be housed within the camera body 15, and the imaging system 1B may further include a position adjustment device (not shown) coupled to a control unit 14 and configured to change the positions of the first filter 19 and the second filter 20 in response to control signals from the control unit 14. For example, at the first recording timing of the image sensor 10, the control unit 14 may send a control signal to the position adjustment device instructing it to move the first filter 19 to a first position located in front of the image sensor 10 and between the lens element 11 and the image sensor 10, and to move the second filter 20 to a second position not in front of the image sensor 10 and not between the lens element 11 and the image sensor 10. On the other hand, at the second recording timing of the image sensor 10, the control unit 14 may send another control signal to the position adjustment device instructing it to move the second filter 20 to a first position and to move the first filter 19 to a third position not in front of the image sensor 10 and not between the lens element 11 and the image sensor 10. The third position and the second position may be the same or they may be different.

[0050] In this way, the first filter 19, positioned in front of the image sensor 10 at the first recording timing of the image sensor 10, can reduce the amount of the second red light beam (e.g., red light beam R2 in Figure 8), the second green light beam (e.g., green light beam G2 in Figure 8), and the second blue light beam (e.g., blue light beam B2 in Figure 8) received by the image sensor 10. At the second recording timing of the image sensor 10, the second filter 20 can reduce the amount of the first red light beam (e.g., red light beam R1 in Figure 8), the first green light beam (e.g., green light beam G1 in Figure 8), and the first blue light beam (e.g., blue light beam B1 in Figure 8) received by the image sensor 10.

[0051] Since all of the multiple light-emitting elements in the first light-emitting unit 12B and the second light-emitting unit 13B are lit at the first and second recording timings of the image sensor 10, the problem of annoying flicker (flashing of light) can be minimized or eliminated, thereby helping to reduce discomfort for the person being photographed.

[0052] Referring to Figures 9A and 9B, the main differences between imaging system 1C and imaging system 1 in Figures 1A and 1B are explained below.

[0053] In the imaging system 1C, the first light-emitting unit 12C includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 122, and the second light-emitting unit 13C includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 132. At the first or second recording timing of the image sensor 10, the light beams from the first light-emitting unit 12C and the second light-emitting unit 13C are circularly polarized beams in different directions.

[0054] Specifically, the light beam from the first light-emitting unit 12C may be a right-hand circularly polarized beam, and the light beam from the second light-emitting unit 13C may be a left-hand circularly polarized beam. In addition, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, in order to acquire the first image RM and the second image LM, the first recording timing and the second recording timing of the image sensor 10 may be synchronized with the on-timing of the multiple light-emitting elements 122 of the first light-emitting unit 12C and the multiple light-emitting elements 132 of the second light-emitting unit 13C.

[0055] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the imaging system 1C further includes a first polarizer 21 and a second polarizer 22 positioned in front of the image sensor 10 at a first recording timing and a second recording timing, respectively, wherein the first polarizer 21 transmits the light beam from the first light projection unit 12C and filters the light beam from the second light projection unit 13C, and the second polarizer 22 transmits the light beam from the second light projection unit 13C and filters the light beam from the first light projection unit 12C.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first polarizer 21 and the second polarizer 22 may be liquid crystal modules housed in the camera body 15, and the polarization direction of the liquid crystal modules can be controlled by changing the tilt state of the liquid crystals in the liquid crystal modules through electrical control. For example, when the polarization direction of the liquid crystal module is switched to the first polarization direction, the liquid crystal module can be used as the first polarizer 21, and when the polarization direction of the liquid crystal module is switched to the second polarization direction, the liquid crystal module can be used as the second polarizer 22.

[0057] In this way, at the first recording timing of the image sensor 10, the first polarizer 21 positioned in front of the image sensor 10 can reduce the amount of left-hand circularly polarized beam (or right-hand circularly polarized beam in some alternative embodiments) received by the image sensor 10, and at the second recording timing of the image sensor 10, the second polarizer 22 can reduce the amount of right-hand circularly polarized beam (or left-hand circularly polarized beam in some alternative embodiments) received by the image sensor 10.

[0058] Since all of the multiple light-emitting elements in the first light-emitting unit 12C and the second light-emitting unit 13C are lit at the first and second recording timings of the image sensor 10, the problem of annoying flicker (flashing of light) can be minimized or eliminated, which helps to reduce discomfort for the person being photographed. Because the reflection of the light beam on the surface of certain materials changes the direction of circular polarization, the first image RM and the second image LM need to be post-processed in the embodiments of Figures 9A and 9B.

[0059] Figures 10A and 10B are front views of imaging systems according to several embodiments of the present invention, showing the on / off states of the first light-emitting unit, the second light-emitting unit, and the third light-emitting unit in landscape mode and portrait mode, respectively. Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, the main differences between imaging system 1D and imaging system 1 in Figures 1A and 1B are described below.

[0060] The imaging system 1D further includes a third light projection unit 23, of which the first light projection unit 12 and the second light projection unit 13 are arranged along a first direction (e.g., direction D1), and the second light projection unit 13 and the third light projection unit 23 are arranged along a second direction (e.g., direction D2) different from the first direction.

[0061] The third light-emitting unit 23 is also configured to provide a light beam (not shown) for illuminating the subject to be recorded, and the third light-emitting unit 23 may include a plurality of light-emitting elements 230.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the first light-emitting unit 12, the second light-emitting unit 13, and the third light-emitting unit 23 may be provided on the camera body 15, and the first light-emitting unit 12, the second light-emitting unit 13, and the third light-emitting unit 23 may be provided on the camera body 15 and located at three corners of the camera body 15, while the memory 18 and the control unit 14 may be provided adjacent to the fourth corner of the camera body 15, but are not limited thereto.

[0063] The control unit 14 is further coupled to the third light-emitting unit 23 for signal transmission between the control unit 14 and the third light-emitting unit 23, thereby allowing the control unit 14 to control the ON timing of the third light-emitting unit 23. For example, the control unit 14 may, but is not limited to, being electrically connected to the third light-emitting unit 23 via conductive wires (not shown).

[0064] Through the arrangement of the first light-emitting unit 12, the second light-emitting unit 13, and the third light-emitting unit 23, the imaging system 1D can capture photographs and / or videos in landscape mode or portrait mode. In landscape mode, as shown in Figure 10A, the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13 may be turned on alternately as described above, and the third light-emitting unit 23 may be in the off state during the first and second recording timings of the image sensor 10, respectively. In portrait mode, as shown in Figure 10B, the second light-emitting unit 13 and the third light-emitting unit 23 may be turned on alternately in the same manner as described above, and the first light-emitting unit 12 may be in the off state during the first and second recording timings of the image sensor 10, respectively.

[0065] The embodiments shown in Figures 10A and 10B are variations based on the structure of the embodiments shown in Figures 1A and 1B, but it should be understood that other embodiments of the present invention may also be modified in the same or similar manner, and will not be described in detail below.

[0066] Figures 11A and 11B are front views of imaging systems according to several embodiments of the present invention, representing a first and second light-emitting unit, respectively, spaced apart from each other. Referring to Figures 11A and 11B, the main differences between imaging system 1E and imaging system 1 in Figures 1A and 1B are described below.

[0067] In the imaging system 1E, the distance DT between the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13 is adjustable. For example, the imaging system 1E may further include a track 24 extending along direction D1, and the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13 are mounted on the track 24, so that the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13 can be displaced in a direction parallel to direction D1, and so that the distance DT between the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13 in direction D1 is adjustable.

[0068] The longer the distance DT between the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13, the more pronounced the glare / gloss effect in the image / video becomes, and the shorter the distance DT, the less pronounced the glare / gloss effect in the image / video becomes. The distance DT can be adjusted according to the user's requirements by arranging the first light-emitting unit 12, the second light-emitting unit 13, and the track 24.

[0069] The embodiments shown in Figures 11A and 11B are variations based on the structure of the embodiments shown in Figures 1A and 1B (for example, further including a track 24 to facilitate adjustment of the distance DT between the first light projection unit 12 and the second light projection unit 13), but it should be understood that other embodiments of the present invention may be modified in the same or similar manner and will not be described in detail below.

[0070] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention. Figures 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams of the first and second light-emitting units of the imaging system in Figure 12, respectively. Figures 14A and 14B are further schematic diagrams of the first and second light-emitting units of the imaging system in Figure 12, respectively. Figures 15A and 15B are further schematic diagrams of the first and second light-emitting units of the imaging system in Figure 12, respectively. Referring to Figures 12 to 15B, the main differences between imaging system 1F and imaging system 1 in Figures 1A and 1B will be explained below.

[0071] In the imaging system 1F, the control unit 14 is a separate component located outside the camera body 15. In addition, the first light-emitting unit 12 and the second light-emitting unit 13 include, but are not limited to, different light-emitting elements 250, such as a white light-emitting diode array, within the light-emitting element array 25. The light-emitting element array 25 may be coupled to the control unit 14 wirelessly or via a wired connection for signal transmission. Furthermore, the light-emitting element array 25 does not need to be fixed to the camera body 15, and therefore the fixing elements 16 in Figures 1A and 1B can be omitted.

[0072] In the imaging system 1F, the light-emitting element array 25 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 250 arranged along directions D1 and D2, and a portion of the plurality of light-emitting elements 250 can function as a first light-emitting unit 12 and a second light-emitting unit 13.

[0073] For example, at the first recording timing of the image sensor, as shown in Figure 13A, the first image may be acquired by turning on M light-emitting elements 250 of group G12 from among the multiple light-emitting elements 250. M may be a positive integer of 1 or more. For example, M may be 4 or 2, but is not limited to these. At the second recording timing of the image sensor, the second image may be acquired by turning on N light-emitting elements 250 of group G13 from among the multiple light-emitting elements 250. N may be a positive integer of 1 or more. For example, N may be 4 or 2, but is not limited to these. N may be equal to or different from M. Each of the M groups G12 (or each of the N groups G13) may contain multiple light-emitting elements 250, and if M > 1 (or N > 1), the light-emitting elements 250 in each of the M groups G12 (or each of the N groups G13) are different light-emitting elements 250 in the light-emitting element array 25. The numbers M and N may be changed as needed. In addition, the relative positions of the M groups G12 (or N groups G13), the number of light-emitting elements 250 in each of the M groups G12 (or each of the N groups G13), the shape and / or size of each of the M groups G12 (or each of the N groups G13), the relative positions of the M groups G12 and the N groups G13, and / or the colors of the multiple light-emitting elements 250 may be changed as needed. For example, the colors of the multiple light-emitting elements 250, the numbers M and N, and the shape and / or size of each of the M groups G12 (or each of the N groups G13) may be designed based on environmental conditions, recording methods, etc.

[0074] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, M=N=4, and the four groups G12 (or four groups G13) may be arranged in an array along directions D1 and D2. The four groups G12 and four groups G13 may be further spaced apart to enhance the glitter / gloss effect in the image / video. Alternatively, although not shown, the four groups G12 and four groups G13 may be placed closer together to reduce the glitter / gloss effect in the image / video.

[0075] In embodiments in which the camera records a subject at an oblique angle (for example, the long / short sides of the camera body 15 are neither perpendicular nor parallel to directions D1 and / or D2), as shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the imaginary lines (not shown) connecting the centers of the four groups G12 and the four groups G13 may be parallel or substantially parallel to the long / short sides of the camera body 15.

[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 15A and 15B, M=N=2, and the two groups G12 and / or the two groups G13 may be arranged in directions that are neither perpendicular nor parallel to directions D1 and / or D2.

[0077] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention. Referring to Figure 16, the main differences between imaging system 1G and imaging system 1F in Figure 12 are described below.

[0078] The imaging system 1G further includes a media player 26 coupled to a control unit 14 and a display 27 coupled to the media player 26. Specifically, after the control unit 14 combines a first image and a second image to form an image for a surface light field display (e.g., a glitter display), the corresponding data of the combined image for the surface light field display is transmitted to the display 27 via the media player 26, and the display 27 displays the combined image.

[0079] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of an imaging system according to several embodiments of the present invention. Referring to Figure 17, the main differences between imaging system 1H and imaging system 1 in Figures 1A and 1B are described below.

[0080] In the imaging system 1H, the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit include different light-emitting elements 250 within a light-emitting element array 25. The light-emitting element array 25 includes a plurality of light-emitting elements 250 arranged along directions D1 and D2, and a portion of the plurality of light-emitting elements 250 can function as the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit.

[0081] For example, the first light-emitting unit 12-1 and the second light-emitting unit 13-1 may be selected to obtain a more prominent brightness / gloss effect in the image / video. Alternatively, the first light-emitting unit 12-2 and the second light-emitting unit 13-2 may be selected to obtain a less prominent brightness / gloss effect in the image / video.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first recording timing of the image sensor 10 is synchronized with the ON timing of the first light-emitting unit 12-1 to acquire a first image; the second recording timing of the image sensor 10 is synchronized with the ON timing of the second light-emitting unit 13-1 to acquire a second image; the third recording timing of the image sensor 10 is synchronized with the ON timing of the first light-emitting unit 12-2 to acquire a third image; and the fourth recording timing of the image sensor 10 is synchronized with the ON timing of the second light-emitting unit 13-2 to acquire a fourth image. By recording two right images (including the first and third images) and two left images (including the second and fourth images), the data corresponding to the above images can be flexibly used for image post-processing for surface light field displays such as glitter displays, but is not limited thereto.

[0083] In some embodiments, although not shown, the multiple light-emitting elements 250 of the light-emitting element array 25 may be divided into more than two first light-emitting units and more than two second light-emitting units, and more than two right images and more than two left images (including the second and fourth images) can be captured by the imaging system 1H.

[0084] In summary, in the embodiments of the present invention, multiple images of the subject to be recorded can be acquired by the first and second light-emitting units at different light illumination positions / angles without the need to physically change the position of the light-emitting unit. Therefore, the recording time and / or cost of the imaging process can be reduced. In addition, not only image recording but also video recording is possible.

[0085] The embodiments described above are used merely to illustrate, and not to limit, the technical solutions of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments described above, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions described in the embodiments above can still be modified, or that some or all of the technical features can be replaced with equivalent substitutions. However, these modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of each embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] While embodiments and advantages of the present invention have been disclosed above, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of various embodiments can be arbitrarily mixed and substituted to form new embodiments. Any processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods, and steps currently or hereafter developed, as can be understood by those skilled in the art from the present invention, can be used in accordance with the present invention insofar as they can perform substantially the same function or obtain substantially the same results as in the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the present invention encompasses the above-mentioned processes, machines, manufactures, material compositions, devices, methods, and steps. In addition, each claim constitutes an individual embodiment, and the scope of protection of the present invention also encompasses combinations of claims and embodiments. [Industrial applicability]

[0087] The present invention provides an imaging system and an image generation method that help reduce the time and / or cost of the imaging process and / or enable video recording. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1: Imaging System 10: Image sensor 11: Lens element 12: First floodlight unit 13: Second floodlight unit 14: Control Unit 15: Camera body 16: Fixed elements 17: Image capture button 18: Memory 120, 130: Light-emitting elements D1, D2, D3: Direction LM: Second image RM: Image 1

Claims

1. Image sensor and A lens element provided in front of the image sensor, First light-emitting unit and With the second floodlight unit. The image sensor, the first light-emitting unit, and the control unit coupled to the second light-emitting unit Includes, To acquire a first image, the first recording timing of the image sensor is synchronized with the ON timing of the first light-emitting unit, and to acquire a second image, the second recording timing of the image sensor is synchronized with the ON timing of the second light-emitting unit. Imaging system.

2. The first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit are turned on alternately. The imaging system according to claim 1.

3. At each of the first and second recording timings of the image sensor, a plurality of light-emitting elements of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit are at least partially turned on. The wavelength or polarization of the light beams from the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit at the first recording timing or the second recording timing of the image sensor are different. The imaging system according to claim 1.

4. At the first recording timing of the image sensor, the light beam from the first light-emitting unit includes a first peak wavelength and a second peak wavelength different from the first peak wavelength, and the light beam from the second light-emitting unit includes a first peak wavelength and a third peak wavelength different from the second peak wavelength. At the second recording timing of the image sensor, the light beam from the first light-emitting unit includes the third peak wavelength, and the light beam from the second light-emitting unit includes the first peak wavelength and the second peak wavelength. The imaging system according to claim 3.

5. At each of the first and second recording timings of the image sensor, the light beam from the first light-emitting unit includes a first red light beam, a first green light beam, and a first blue light beam, and the light beam from the second light-emitting unit includes a second red light beam, a second green light beam, and a second blue light beam. The peak wavelengths of the first red light beam and the second red light beam are different. The peak wavelengths of the first green light beam and the second green light beam are different. The peak wavelengths of the first blue light beam and the second blue light beam are different. The aforementioned imaging system is: At the first recording timing and the second recording timing of the image sensor, a first filter and a second filter are respectively placed in front of the image sensor. It further includes, The first filter allows the first red light beam, the first green light beam, and the first blue light beam to pass through, and filters the second red light beam, the second green light beam, and the second blue light beam. The second filter allows the second red light beam, the second green light beam, and the second blue light beam to pass through, and filters the first red light beam, the first green light beam, and the first blue light beam. The imaging system according to claim 3.

6. The light beams from the first and second light-emitting units at the first or second recording timing of the image sensor are circularly polarized beams in different directions. The aforementioned imaging system is: At the first recording timing and the second recording timing of the image sensor, the first polarizer and the second polarizer are positioned in front of the image sensor, respectively. It further includes, The first polarizer allows the light beam from the first light projection unit to pass through and filters the light beam from the second light projection unit. The second polarizer allows the light beam from the second light projection unit to pass through and filters the light beam from the first light projection unit. The imaging system according to claim 3.

7. Third floodlight unit It further includes, The first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit are arranged along the first direction, The second light-emitting unit and the third light-emitting unit are arranged along a second direction different from the first direction. The imaging system according to claim 1.

8. The distance between the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit is adjustable. The imaging system according to claim 1.

9. The first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit include different light-emitting elements within the light-emitting element array. The imaging system according to claim 1.

10. To acquire the first image, the first light-emitting unit is turned on, and at the same time, the first recording timing of the image sensor is activated. In order to acquire the second image, the second light-emitting unit is turned on and the second recording timing of the image sensor is activated. Combining the first image and the second image including, Image generation method.

Images