Depth Estimating Image Capture Device Using Polarization and Diffraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light field cameras suffer from reduced image resolution when obtaining depth information, and methods like diffraction grating-based techniques face challenges in accurately separating zero-order and high-order light images, leading to inaccurate depth measurement.
Innovation Solution
A depth estimating image capture device with a light-transmitting section comprising diffraction, transparent, and polarization regions, and an image sensor with polarization filters, allowing for the separation of diffracted and straight light images to calculate depth information while matching images with different luminance levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light field camera uses multiple micro lenses to obtain depth information, then depth information can be obtained, but the image resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light-transmitting section into multiple functional regions: diffraction regions for generating depth information and transparent regions for maintaining high-resolution imaging. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specialized function without compromising the overall system performance, resolving the contradiction between depth measurement and image resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by adding a light-transmitting section with diffraction and transparent regions in front of the image sensor. This additional optical element captures depth information through diffraction patterns while the transparent regions preserve the direct light path for high-resolution imaging, effectively adding depth information without sacrificing spatial resolution
2Measurement precision
If a diffraction grating is used to separate zero-order and high-order light images for depth measurement, then depth information can be obtained, but accurate separation of images with different luminance levels becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polarization filter as an intermediary element that works in conjunction with the diffraction grating. The diffraction grating separates light into different orders, and the polarization filter selectively transmits specific polarized components, making it easier to separate and detect zero-order and high-order light images with different luminance levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization state of light as a parameter to differentiate between zero-order and high-order diffracted light. By using polarized light and polarization filters, the system can selectively transmit or block specific light orders, making the separation and measurement of images with different luminance levels more accurate and less difficult
3Manufacturing precision
If two image capturing systems are used to increase resolution while obtaining depth information, then resolution increases, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light-transmitting section multi-functional by incorporating both diffraction regions for depth measurement and transparent regions for high-resolution imaging within a single component. This single element performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate systems, reducing device size and complexity while maintaining both depth information capability and high resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the depth measurement function and high-resolution imaging function into a single integrated system. The light-transmitting section with its diffraction and transparent regions works together with the image sensor to simultaneously capture both depth information and high-resolution images, eliminating the need for two separate image capturing systems
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 enables the calculation of depth information with minimized resolution loss and accurate matching of images with varying luminance levels, improving depth measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction region that diffracts incoming light
Implementation Method 2
a polarization region that is arranged so as to overlap at least partially with the diffraction region
Data Source
AI summary
This image capture device includes: a light-transmitting section 1 that is made up of a plurality of portions 1AB, each including diffraction regions 1D1, 1D2 that diffract incoming light, a transparent region 1CLR that transmits the incoming light without diffracting it, and polarization regions 1P1, 1P2 arranged so as to overlap at least partially with the diffraction regions 1D1, 1D2; an image sensor in which a plurality of unit elements are arranged two-dimensionally on an imaging area, wherein each of the unit elements includes a first photosensitive cell, a second photosensitive cell, and a polarization filter arranged so as to face the first photosensitive cell; and an imaging section configured to obtain images produced on the imaging area by the light transmitted through the transparent region and by the light transmitted through the diffraction region.