Frontlit Imaging Panel Layout for Uniform Illumination and Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies face challenges with uniform illumination, rapid loss of resolution at varying object distances, and unwanted capture of illumination sources, particularly in systems with high fill factor active pixels.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a frontlight unit and optical configuration that uses a waveguide and light directing elements to evenly distribute light across the imaging surface, employing a matrix-like arrangement of light directing elements between imager pixels and an optical configuration with a lens array and pinhole layer to focus light precisely onto imager pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a backlight is integrated underneath the imaging panel to provide uniform illumination, then illumination uniformity is improved, but the fill factor of active pixels is reduced and light capture ability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional backlighting approach by positioning light sources in front of the imaging panel rather than behind it. The light directing elements are arranged within interstitial spaces between imager pixels and direct light forward onto the object, reversing the conventional illumination direction to resolve the conflict between illumination uniformity and light capture ability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional backlighting plane to a three-dimensional light distribution system. Light directing elements are positioned at specific depths within interstitial spaces and oriented at various angles to direct light forward, creating a volumetric light distribution that achieves uniform illumination without blocking pixel apertures
2Measurement precision
If the imaging panel is positioned close to the object to maintain high resolution, then imaging resolution is improved, but the system lacks versatility for imaging objects at various distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic optical system with adjustable focus capability. The optical configuration can change its focal length or focus position to accommodate objects at varying distances, transforming a static close-focus system into a dynamic system that maintains high resolution across multiple distance ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes optical parameters such as focal length, aperture size, or focus distance to adapt to different object distances. By adjusting these optical parameters, the system maintains high imaging resolution whether the object is close to or farther from the imaging panel
3Illumination intensity
If the illumination source is integrated closely with the imaging panel to ensure uniform lighting, then illumination coverage is improved, but the light source may be captured in the image degrading quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function from the imaging function by using separate light directing elements positioned in interstitial spaces between imager pixels. Each light directing element independently directs light onto the object without being captured by adjacent imager pixels, separating the illumination path from the imaging path to prevent light source contamination in captured images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by orienting light directing elements at specific angles and positioning them at specific locations within interstitial spaces. Each light directing element is locally optimized to direct light onto the object while avoiding direct line-of-sight to imager pixels, ensuring illumination coverage without image contamination in different regions of the imaging panel
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
Ensures uniform illumination and high-resolution imaging across varying object distances without compromising image quality, minimizing shadows and hotspots, and maintaining image clarity and detail.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide and a plurality of light directing elements distributed along said waveguide, wherein the waveguide includes a light source arrangement configured to provide light in the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
the light directing elements are configured to direct light towards the object to be imaged
Implementation Method 3
the light directing elements are configured to direct light towards the object to be imaged
Implementation Method 4
an optical configuration positioned between the frontlight unit and the imaging panel, configured to focus and direct incoming light onto the imaging panel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention pertains to an imaging system and method for capturing images of objects, whether in direct contact with or at a distance from the imaging panel. A frontlight unit, equipped with a waveguide and numerous light directing elements, efficiently illuminates the object from the front. The light directing elements, strategically positioned within the interstitial spaces of adjacent imager pixels, form a matrix-like structure that facilitates even distribution of light toward the object. Additionally, an optical configuration located between the frontlight unit and the imaging panel focuses and directs the incoming light onto the imaging panel with imaging pixels.