Coded Aperture Imaging Optical Decoding

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coded aperture imaging systems are computationally intensive, leading to unacceptable time delays and high power consumption, making them unsuitable for resource-limited devices like mobile electronics.

Innovation Solution

The optical system generates spatially encoded light with an initial spatial distribution, which is reflected from the object through a coded aperture defining a mask pattern based on the initial distribution, directly forming an image on the image sensor without the need for complex computational reconstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If computational techniques are used to reconstruct images from spatially encoded light, then image reconstruction is achieved, but imaging time increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage reconstruction qualityVSAvoidimaging time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces computational image reconstruction with an optical decoding system using a coded aperture mask. The mask pattern is designed to directly encode spatial information such that the image forms optically on the sensor without requiring computational processing, substituting mechanical/optical means for computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coded aperture mask is pre-designed with a specific pattern that encodes the spatial distribution of light before it reaches the sensor. This preliminary optical encoding allows the image to form directly on the sensor plane without requiring subsequent computational decoding steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If computational techniques are used to reconstruct images from spatially encoded light, then image reconstruction is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage reconstruction qualityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces computational image reconstruction with an optical decoding system using a coded aperture mask. The mask pattern is designed to directly encode spatial information such that the image forms optically on the sensor without requiring computational processing, substituting mechanical/optical means for computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If computational reconstruction is used in coded aperture imaging, then image data is obtained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage data acquisitionVSAvoidimage processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces computational image reconstruction with an optical decoding system using a coded aperture mask. The mask pattern is designed to directly encode spatial information such that the image forms optically on the sensor without requiring computational processing, substituting mechanical/optical means for computational methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach reduces the complexity of image processing, decreases computational burden, and results in faster imaging times and lower energy consumption, making it more suitable for mobile devices.

Implementation Method 1

the object reflects at least a portion of the spatially encoded light to form reflected light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the reflected light is directed through the coded aperture to form spatially decoded light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission through aperture: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS12328513B2Coded aperture imaging system and method

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 AMS OSRAM ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD

AI summary

An optical system includes a spatial encoding arrangement for generating spatially encoded light with an initial spatial distribution; a coded aperture defining a mask pattern based on the initial spatial distribution of the spatially encoded light; and—an image sensor. The spatial encoding arrangement—directs the spatially encoded light onto the object, and the object reflects at least a portion of the spatially encoded light to form reflected light. The reflected light is directed through the coded aperture to form spatially decoded light. The spatially decoded light is directed onto the image sensor to form an image thereon, and the image sensor detects the image. The spatial encoding arrangement includes optical emitters spatially arranged, defining the initial spatial pattern of the spatially encoded light. The mask pattern is the inverse of the initial spatial pattern of the spatially encoded light defined by the spatial arrangement of the optical emitters.