Dual-Sensor Waveguide Imaging for Extended Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems suffer from sensor noise and limited dynamic range, leading to poor image quality, especially in scenes with significant brightness variations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing two image sensors with different sensitivities and exposure times, combined with holographic optical elements and an optical waveguide, to capture and combine image data from the same perspective, thereby reducing noise and extending the dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple individual captures with different exposure times are taken to extend dynamic range, then the dynamic range is improved, but the time required for image capture and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple image sensors with different sensitivities into a single imaging system that captures multiple exposure levels simultaneously. This merging approach allows the system to acquire both bright and dark region information in one capture event, eliminating the need for sequential captures and thereby reducing capture time while extending dynamic range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by using sensors with different sensitivities rather than just varying exposure times. This adds a sensitivity dimension to the traditional exposure time dimension, allowing simultaneous capture of multiple exposure levels without temporal sequencing, thus resolving the time-dynamic range tradeoff.
2Measurement precision
If smaller sensors with higher resolution are used, then the image resolution is improved, but the sensor noise increases due to reduced pixel sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple sensors with different sensitivities to produce a single high-quality image. By combining the high-resolution data from small pixels with the high-sensitivity data from larger effective aperture sensors, the system achieves both high resolution and low noise performance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different sensitivity characteristics to different parts of the imaging system. By using sensors with varying sensitivities and selectively combining their outputs based on local image characteristics (bright vs. dark regions), the system optimizes both resolution and noise performance across the entire image.
3Device complexity
If a single image sensor is used to capture the scene, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture both bright and dark regions correctly is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging system universal by enabling it to handle multiple lighting conditions simultaneously. The multi-sensor configuration allows the same system to correctly capture both bright outdoor scenes and dark indoor scenes without requiring different equipment, achieving multi-functionality in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging function across multiple sensors with different sensitivities. Rather than using a single sensor that must compromise between bright and dark region capture, the system divides the capture task among specialized sensors and combines their strengths in post-processing.
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 produces images with reduced noise and improved dynamic range by averaging data from multiple sensors, capturing bright and dark regions without overexposure or underexposure.
Implementation Method 1
a first diffractive optical element configured to receive the light waves from the capturing unit, an optical waveguide configured to forward the light waves received from the first diffractive optical element, the first diffractive optical element further configured to couple the light waves into the optical waveguide, and a second diffractive optical element configured to couple the light waves forwarded by the optical waveguide out of the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 2
A suitable image sensor is provided behind the outcoupling optical element. Herein, the so-called sensor noise exerts a great influence on the achievable image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for imaging a scene includes a capturing unit to capture two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional information of the scene, the information including light waves from the scene; a first diffractive optical element to receive the light waves from the capturing unit; a waveguide to forward the light waves received by the first diffractive optical element, the first diffractive optical element additionally to couple the light waves into the optical waveguide; and a second diffractive optical element to couple the light waves forwarded by the optical waveguide out of the optical waveguide. The system additionally includes a first image sensor and at least one second image sensor to capture the light waves coupled out of the optical waveguide and to generate first image data and second image data therefrom. The first image sensor and the second image sensor are in a region paired with the second diffractive optical element.