Display Panel with Dynamic Light Valve Mask for Lensless Depth Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens-based imaging systems are difficult to miniaturize due to the need for sophisticated optical components, and current lensless imaging methods are limited by fixed optical masks that restrict their applicability.
Innovation Solution
A display panel integrating a light valve array and an imaging array, capable of forming multiple mask patterns to capture images and determine depth, allowing for flexible and adaptable imaging without the need for lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lens-based imaging systems are used, then imaging quality is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lens component from the imaging system entirely, extracting the optical focusing function and replacing it with a computational approach using mask patterns and image processing algorithms to achieve imaging without physical lenses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (lens) with an electronic/computational system that uses mask patterns formed by light valve arrays and processes images through algorithms, substituting physical optical mechanisms with digital processing
2Device complexity
If fixed optical masks are used in lensless imaging, then device size is reduced, but adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs light valve arrays that can dynamically change mask patterns in real-time, allowing the imaging system to adapt to different imaging conditions and objects, transforming a static fixed mask into a dynamic reconfigurable pattern
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal imaging system where the same light valve array and processing algorithm can handle various imaging tasks and object types by simply changing the mask pattern, eliminating the need for different fixed masks for different applications
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mask patterns are formed by light valve array, then imaging versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light valve array with the display array into a single integrated structure, merging two functions into one component that serves both display and imaging purposes, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added functionality
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 reduced thickness and increased versatility in imaging systems, allowing for the capture of images and determination of depth without the constraints of fixed optical masks, thus facilitating miniaturization and broader application.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid crystal layer comprises liquid crystal molecules, and the control electrode is configured to control deflection of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer to thereby adjust a rate of light transmittance of the each of the plurality of light valve portions
Implementation Method 2
The imaging array comprises a plurality of imaging pixels and is configured to generate an intermediate image upon receiving lights from the object and transmitting through the second mask pattern in the displaying array and at least one of the plurality of first mask patterns in the light valve array
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel capable of capturing an image of an object over a light-entering surface thereof includes a displaying array, a light valve array, and an imaging array, which are sequentially below the light-entering surface. The light valve array includes a plurality of light valve portions and can form a plurality of first mask patterns, and at least two first mask patterns are configured to be different. The displaying array includes a plurality of displaying pixels and can form a second mask pattern. The imaging array includes a plurality of imaging pixels and can generate an intermediate image upon receiving lights from the object and transmitting through the second mask pattern in the displaying array and at least one of the plurality of first mask patterns in the light valve array. The image of the object can then be deduced from the intermediate image.