Dual-Path Imaging for Wide View and Distant Detail Separation

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a trade-off relationship between focal length and angle of view in imaging optical systems, limiting the ability to capture both detailed information of distant targets and wide-range optical information simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

An imaging method that captures a third image by simultaneously displaying and separately processing first and second images on a display, using an imaging device with a light-receiving area and optical elements that guide light at different angles, allowing for the separation of these images into components corresponding to different light sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the focal length is increased to obtain detailed optical information of distant targets, then the image detail is improved, but the angle of view decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage detailVSAvoidangle of view

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging device segments the optical information capture into two distinct optical paths: one for capturing detailed images of distant targets (first image) and another for capturing wide-range optical information (second image). This segmentation allows the system to obtain both detailed and wide-range information simultaneously by processing separate optical channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spatial dimension by using multiple optical paths with different angular ranges. The first optical path captures light within a specific angle range, while the second optical path captures light from different angular directions, effectively adding an angular dimension to the imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the focal length is decreased to increase the angle of view, then the wide-range optical information is improved, but the image detail deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle of viewVSAvoidimage detail

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging device segments the optical information capture into two distinct optical paths: one for capturing detailed images of distant targets (first image) and another for capturing wide-range optical information (second image). This segmentation allows the system to obtain both detailed and wide-range information simultaneously by processing separate optical channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spatial dimension by using multiple optical paths with different angular ranges. The first optical path captures light within a specific angle range, while the second optical path captures light from different angular directions, effectively adding an angular dimension to the imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple single-focus lenses are used to adjust focal length, then the imaging flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating a display within its field of view and using optical elements to guide light from different angles to the imaging element. This allows the same device to capture both detailed and wide-range optical information simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate imaging devices or complex lens switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

Enhances the separation accuracy of superimposed images, enabling the capture of wide-range optical information while minimizing manufacturing errors, and improves the training of image processing models for improved separation and distance measurement.

Implementation Method 1

an optical element configured to guide the second light to the light-receiving area. An angle formed between an optical axis of the optical system and a principle ray incident to the optical system is different for the first light and the second light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260010055A1Imaging method, learning method, learning data generating device, and data structure

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

This imaging method includes capturing a third image using an imaging device. The imaging device includes an imaging element, an optical system, and an optical element. The optical system forms an image in a light-receiving area from incident first light. The optical element guides second light to the light-receiving area. An angle between an optical axis of the optical system and a principle ray that enters the optical system is different for the first light and the second light. The third image is an image obtained when the first image and the second image are simultaneously displayed on a display. The first image is formed by an object point that radiates the first light. The second image is formed by an object point that radiates the second light.