3D Image Capture Device Using Segmented Polarizing Light Transmitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-lens 3D image capturing technologies using polarizers and polarization filters face inefficiencies in light usage and sensitivity issues, leading to reduced image quality and the inability to capture parallax and color images simultaneously without mechanical driving sections.
Innovation Solution
A 3D image capture device with a light transmitting member featuring a polarizing area and a non-polarizing area, combined with a solid-state image sensor and a filter array, allows for simultaneous capture of parallax and color images by processing signals from pixels with and without polarization filters, eliminating the need for mechanical driving sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If polarizers and polarization filters are used to capture multiple images with parallax, then parallax images can be captured, but light usage efficiency decreases and sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor surface is segmented into multiple regions, with different pixels capturing light from different directions. Some pixels are equipped with polarization filters while others are not, allowing simultaneous capture of parallax information and full-light images without requiring all pixels to lose 50% of light through polarizers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the image sensor have different optical characteristics. Pixels in certain regions have polarization filters for capturing parallax, while pixels in other regions have no filters for capturing high-quality full-light images. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve both parallax capture and high image quality without compromising overall light efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical driving sections are used to rotate polarization filters, then multiple images with parallax can be captured at different times, but the system complexity increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with a static optical arrangement. Instead of rotating polarization filters mechanically, the system uses multiple fixed polarization filters at different orientations combined with a beam splitter to simultaneously direct light from different directions to different pixel regions, eliminating moving parts while maintaining parallax capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single integrated system. The beam splitter, multiple polarization filters, and pixel array work together as one unified structure that simultaneously captures parallax information from multiple directions without requiring sequential mechanical operations.
3Measurement precision
If all incoming light is received by polarizers and polarization filter, then parallax images can be captured, but the quantity of light received by the image capture device decreases by 50%
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is segmented into regions with different optical characteristics. Some pixel regions are equipped with polarization filters for parallax capture, while other regions have no filters, allowing those pixels to receive 100% of the incoming light. This segmentation ensures that not all light is filtered, maintaining overall light efficiency while still capturing parallax information.
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor serves multiple functions simultaneously: pixels with polarization filters capture parallax information, while pixels without filters capture high-quality full-light images. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both parallax capture and high light efficiency without compromising either objective.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves efficient light usage and improved sensitivity, enabling the simultaneous generation of multiple images with parallax and color images with minimal light loss, using simple signal arithmetic operations.
Implementation Method 1
a light transmitting member (2) having a polarizing area (A) that transmits only a light ray (L) that is polarized in a particular direction
Implementation Method 2
a solid-state image sensor (1), which is arranged to receive the light ray (L) transmitted through the light transmitting member (2)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an image capturing technique for obtaining, at the same time, multiple images with parallax and an image that would cause no sensitivity problem even without mechanically operating any part of its image capturing system.The 3D image capture device of this invention includes: a light transmitting member 2 having a polarizing area A that transmits only a light ray polarized in a particular direction and a non-polarizing area C that transmits any light ray irrespective of its polarization direction; a solid-state image sensor 1 arranged to receive the light ray transmitted through the light transmitting member 2; an imaging section 3 for producing an image on the imaging area 1a of the solid-state image sensor 1; and an image generating section for generating images based on signals supplied from the image sensor 1, which includes a filter array including a polarization filter. The image generating section generates images based on the light rays that have entered the polarizing area A and the non-polarizing area C, respectively.