Camera Imaging Optics for Simultaneous Filtered Depth Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plenoptic imaging systems lack the ability to efficiently generate and record differently filtered images simultaneously, limiting the acquisition of depth information and requiring multiple recordings for varied imaging effects.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an optical filtering device within the imaging system that allows separate filtering of real and virtual mirror images, enabling simultaneous generation and recording of differently filtered images, and utilizing a processing device to determine image depth and filter effects from these images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple recordings are taken to obtain differently filtered images, then complete filter information is obtained, but time consumption and recording effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light path into multiple segments using beam splitters, allowing different portions of light to be directed to different filters simultaneously. This enables parallel processing of multiple filter types in a single recording, resolving the contradiction between obtaining complete filter information and minimizing recording time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple filtering operations into a single integrated imaging system. By merging beam splitters, multiple filters, and the imaging device into one system, it enables simultaneous acquisition of differently filtered images during a single recording, eliminating the need for multiple separate recordings.
2Device complexity
If a single imaging device is used, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to capture depth information and multiple viewing angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second spatial dimension by incorporating beam splitters that divide the light path into multiple channels. This allows the single imaging device to capture light from different angles and paths simultaneously, enabling depth information extraction through parallax analysis without requiring multiple physical cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitters act as intermediaries that redirect light from different angles to the single imaging sensor. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to capture multiple viewing angles and depth information using only one imaging device, maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing functional capability.
3Loss of information
If multiple imaging devices are arranged to capture different views, then depth information is obtained, but the device complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light paths and viewing angles into a single imaging device through the use of beam splitters. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate imaging devices and their complex alignment, while still capturing the necessary depth information through the divided light paths.
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
Significantly reduces the effort to obtain different images and depth information, allowing for efficient generation of high dynamic range images and videos, and enabling precise determination of object positions and depths from various viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
the imaging system includes a device for optical filtering, by means of which the image of the real intermediate image and/or at least one of the virtual mirror images can be filtered separately from one another
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system having multiple imaging devices arranged in succession in the direction of an optical axis, including a first imaging device for generating a real intermediate image of an object on an intermediate image plane, a second imaging device for generating a virtual mirror image of the real intermediate image, the mirror image being laterally offset to the real intermediate image on the intermediate plane, and a third imaging device for imaging the real intermediate image and the virtual mirror image together as a real image on an image receiver surface to be arranged at an axial distance to the intermediate image plane. The imaging system has an optical filtering device for filtering the imaging of the real intermediate image and/or at least one of the virtual mirror images separately from each other. The imaging system includes the image receiver surface and a device for processing a real image captured by the image receiver surface. The processing device uses the image to determine positions in the direction of the optical axis of object region points, which are imaged by at least individual pixels of the pixels of the image.