Adaptive Light Field Modulator for Variable Focal Distance Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing apparatuses with fixed modulation characteristics and light modulator positions are unable to adaptively acquire multi-view 4D light field data, which limits the ability to cope with changes in object properties or focal distances, resulting in unintentionally blurred images.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that include a modulator, an image analyzer, and a controller to adjust the position and modulation characteristics of the modulator, allowing for adaptive acquisition of multi-view light field data by moving, rotating, or tilting the modulator, and controlling its transparency and modulation patterns to increase the number of images or switch between 2D and 4D data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed light modulator with predetermined modulation pattern is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system cannot adaptively acquire multi-view light field data for different object properties or focal distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the light modulator movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The modulator can be positioned at different distances from the lens and rotated to different angles, allowing the system to adaptively acquire multi-view light field data for different object properties and focal distances while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the modulation pattern characteristics through changes in the modulator's position and orientation. By adjusting the modulator's distance from the lens and rotation angle, the system changes the modulation parameters to adapt to different imaging conditions without requiring multiple fixed modulators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single focal point is used for image capturing, then the optical system is simple, but the system cannot capture both nearby and distant objects with clear focus simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light modulator movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The modulator can be positioned at different distances from the lens and rotated to different angles, allowing the system to adaptively acquire multi-view light field data for different object properties and focal distances while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the modulation function into multiple segments through the modulator's adjustable structure. The modulator can be positioned at different locations and oriented at different angles to create different modulation patterns, effectively segmenting the imaging process into multiple controllable states that enable multi-view data acquisition.
3Quantity of substance
If the modulator is moved toward the optical system, then the number of images in multi-view data increases, but the image resolution may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the modulator's position and other parameters to balance the number of captured images with image resolution. By carefully adjusting the modulator's distance from the lens and rotation angle, the system can increase the number of multi-view images while maintaining acceptable resolution through proper parameter selection.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for acquiring light field data using a variable modulator. The apparatus varies a modulator located between an optical system and a sensor adaptively according to objects to be captured or a peripheral environment. Accordingly, 4-dimensional (4D) light field data optimized according to objects to be captured or according to changes in focal distance may be acquired.