Computational Imaging Without Lenses or Precision Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging techniques face challenges such as limited resolution due to lens aberrations, high accuracy positioning requirements, and inability to measure phase information, especially in scanning transmission imaging and pure diffractive imaging methods, which are time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an iterative process with a softly varying transmittance function or illumination function to generate high-resolution image data without the need for high-resolution positioning of incident radiation, allowing for wavelength-limited resolution imaging without the use of lenses or far-field interferometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional scanning transmission imaging is used to achieve high resolution, then resolution can be improved, but the time required to complete the image increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into two distinct stages: first acquiring low-resolution data quickly to establish an initial model of the object, then using this model to guide focused high-resolution measurements only at critical regions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high overall resolution without the time penalty of uniformly high-resolution scanning across the entire field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing high-resolution measurements only where necessary rather than uniformly across the entire image. The system identifies regions requiring detailed examination based on the low-resolution preliminary scan and concentrates measurement resources there, thereby achieving the necessary resolution with reduced total measurement time.
2Measurement precision
If high accuracy positioning of incident radiation is implemented to achieve wavelength-limited resolution, then resolution can be improved, but device complexity and positioning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for complex mechanical positioning systems with a computational approach. Instead of relying on precision mechanical stages to position the incident radiation beam, the system uses iterative computational algorithms to reconstruct high-resolution images from lower-precision measurement data, thereby achieving wavelength-limited resolution without complex positioning hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by collecting data at multiple defocus positions rather than requiring precise focus at a single plane. This parameter change allows the system to extract high-resolution information through computational processing of defocused images, eliminating the need for high-precision positioning while achieving the desired resolution accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If conventional lens-based imaging is used to focus radiation, then image formation can be achieved, but lens aberrations and instabilities limit resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the imaging function from the lens system entirely. By removing the lens from the imaging path, the system eliminates all lens-related problems including aberrations, chromatic spread, and current instability. The imaging function is instead achieved through computational reconstruction algorithms that process diffraction pattern data, thereby achieving high resolution without relying on lens quality or stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational processing stage between the detector and the final image. Rather than directly forming an image through the lens, the system captures diffraction patterns and uses iterative algorithms as an intermediary to reconstruct the object structure, thereby bypassing the limitations of lens-based direct imaging.
4Measurement precision
If four-dimensional de-convolution imaging is used to improve resolution beyond spot size, then resolution can be improved, but huge quantities of data must be recorded taking hours to collect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection process into a preliminary low-resolution survey followed by targeted high-resolution measurements. This segmentation allows the system to identify and focus measurement resources on regions requiring detailed resolution, thereby achieving super-resolution without the prohibitive time cost of uniformly collecting four-dimensional data across the entire field of view.
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
Enables high-resolution imaging in real-time with improved accuracy and flexibility, capable of scanning large fields of view and handling complex target objects with both phase and amplitude components, while avoiding the limitations of traditional lens-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, via at least one detector, an intensity of radiation scattered off said target object
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for providing image data which can be used to construct a high resolution image of a region of a target object is disclosed. An embodiment of the method includes the acts of providing incident radiation from a radiation source at a target object, via at least one detector, detecting the intensity of radiation scattered by the target object and providing the image data responsive to the detected intensity without high resolution positioning of the incident radiation or a post target object aperture relative to the target object.