Deflector Plate Camera System for High Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photosensor arrays often have defective cells and inherent spatial resolution limitations due to Bayer-pattern color filters, leading to suboptimal image capture, especially at low light levels and in high-resolution applications, where large photodiodes are costly and prone to defects.
Innovation Solution
A camera system utilizing a deflector system with at least one deflector plate to shift the focal point on a photosensor array, allowing for the capture of multiple images with focal point offsets, which are then processed to enhance image resolution beyond the array's inherent capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large photodiodes are used to capture sufficient photons at low light levels, then intensity resolution is improved, but spatial resolution and array size are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple sequential exposures with different focal point positions. By segmenting the light capture across multiple time points and spatial positions, the system effectively increases the total light gathering capability without requiring larger individual photodiodes, thus maintaining both intensity and spatial resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by capturing multiple images at different times with different focal point offsets. This transforms a spatial resolution problem into a temporal-spatial problem, where the fourth dimension (time) is used to gather additional light information that is then synthesized to improve both intensity and spatial resolution
2Manufacturing precision
If large numbers of photodiodes are used to achieve high spatial resolution, then pixel count increases, but cost and defect probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple copies of the same scene at different focal point positions and combines them computationally. Instead of using more physical photodiodes, the system captures multiple copies of the image data through sequential exposures and synthesizes them to achieve higher effective resolution, thereby avoiding the need for larger, more expensive arrays with higher defect rates
3Adaptability or versatility
If Bayer-pattern color filters are used for color detection, then color information is captured, but inherent spatial resolution of color is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color capture process by taking multiple exposures at different focal point offsets. This allows each pixel to effectively sample multiple color information points through the focal shift, enabling color resolution to exceed the physical pixel grid by combining data from multiple segmented measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic focal point shifting during the imaging process. By dynamically changing the focal point position between exposures, the system enables each static pixel to access multiple spatial locations' color information, effectively overcoming the static Bayer pattern's spatial resolution limitation
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple exposures are taken to enhance resolution, then image quality is improved, but capture time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic focal point shifting between a limited set of discrete positions. By repeating the exposure sequence at these predetermined periodic positions and combining the results, the system achieves high resolution enhancement through a manageable number of periodic cycles rather than continuous or excessive sampling
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
The system achieves higher spatial resolution images of stationary objects by effectively utilizing the camera's hardware to interpolate and enhance image data, doubling effective resolution in certain scenarios while minimizing the impact of defective cells and Bayer-pattern limitations.
Implementation Method 1
A camera system has a lens focusing incoming light through a deflector system having at least one deflector plate onto a photosensor array
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system has a lens focusing incoming light through a deflector system having at least one deflector plate onto a photosensor array. An image processor captures at least a first image with the deflector system in a first position and a second image with the deflector system in a second position to provide a focal point offset in a first axis on the photosensor array, and the firmware is configured to prepare an enhanced image from at least the first and second images. A method of imaging includes focusing incoming light through a deflector system having at least one deflector plate onto a photosensor array; receiving at least a first image with the deflector system in a first position; receiving a second image with the deflector system configured providing a focal point offset on the photosensor array; and preparing an enhanced image from the first and second images.