3D Scatterer Imaging Using Multiple-Scattering Inverse Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies struggle to accurately visualize the three-dimensional structure of scatterers in an object due to the complexity of multiple scattering, which is not adequately addressed by methods that consider only first-order scattering.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device employing multiple transmitters and receivers, coupled with an information processing circuit, analyzes measurement data to derive an imaging function that accounts for multiple first-order scattering, enabling accurate visualization of the three-dimensional structure of scatterers by solving the inverse problem of scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the imaging device is made compact with a short distance between the object and imaging plane, then portability and space efficiency are improved, but depth of field becomes extremely shallow making it difficult to obtain images with sufficient depth of field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple optical paths (first and second optical paths) with different focal lengths. The first optical path uses a wide-angle lens for capturing scenes requiring deep depth of field, while the second optical path uses a telephoto lens for magnified imaging. This segmentation allows the device to maintain compact size while providing depth of field control through optical path selection rather than physical distance adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different optical paths based on shooting requirements. The imaging device can dynamically select which optical path to use (wide-angle or telephoto) and can also dynamically adjust the aperture diameter of the artificial pupil. This dynamic adaptability allows the compact device to achieve varying depth of field characteristics without changing the physical distance between object and imaging plane.
2Illumination intensity
If a large aperture diameter is used to increase brightness, then light gathering capability is improved, but the depth of field becomes shallower and aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the aperture diameter dynamic through the artificial pupil mechanism. The aperture can be adjusted to different diameters based on lighting conditions and shooting requirements. When brightness is needed, the aperture opens wider; when depth of field is needed, the aperture closes down. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by allowing both large and small aperture states as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging function into different optical paths with different characteristics. The first optical path with the wide-angle lens is suited for scenarios requiring deep depth of field, while the second optical path with the telephoto lens provides magnification. This segmentation allows the system to achieve brightness through optical path selection rather than solely relying on large aperture, thereby maintaining depth of field control.
3Volume of moving object
If the distance between the object and imaging plane is shortened for compact design, then device size is reduced, but the entrance pupil diameter must be increased to maintain brightness, which worsens aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple optical paths, each optimized for different functions. The first optical path uses a wide-angle lens with appropriate focal length for general imaging, while the second optical path uses a telephoto lens for magnified imaging. This segmentation allows the compact design to maintain acceptable aberration levels by selecting the appropriate optical path for each shooting scenario rather than requiring a single optical path to handle all conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters (focal length, aperture diameter, optical path selection) to maintain image quality in compact design. By adjusting these parameters through the control unit based on shooting conditions, the system can achieve compact size while controlling aberrations through optimal parameter combinations rather than being constrained by fixed physical dimensions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging device (100) includes: a plurality of transmitters (101) which are disposed on both sides of a region and transmit waves to the region; a plurality of receivers (102) which are disposed on the both sides and receive the waves from the region; and an information processing circuit (103) which derives an imaging function corresponding to a scattering field function related to scattering of the wave according to a correspondence between (i) measurement data obtained by the plurality of transmitters (101) and the plurality of receivers (102) and (ii) a composition of a plurality of functions related to multiple first-order scattering forming multiple scattering, and visualizes a three-dimensional structure of a scatterer included in an object in the region, using the imaging function.