Image Sensor Mask Actuator Eliminates Dead Zone Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation detectors face challenges in efficiently capturing images of large scenes without gaps or overlaps, particularly in applications like radiography and cargo scanning, where precise imaging is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The image sensor system comprises a plurality of radiation detectors, a mask with radiation transmitting and blocking zones, and an actuator that moves the detectors and mask to different positions, allowing for the capture of images from multiple angles and stitching them together to form a complete image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple radiation detectors are used to capture large scenes, then image coverage is improved, but dead zones between detectors cause gaps in the image
Solution Approach 1:
A mask with radiation-transmitting zones is introduced as an intermediary component positioned between the radiation source and the detectors. The mask's transmitting zones are precisely aligned with the active areas of the detectors, allowing radiation to pass through to the active sensing regions while blocking radiation from reaching dead zones. This intermediary structure eliminates image gaps caused by detector dead zones without requiring overlapping detector placement.
2Area of stationary object
If radiation detectors are positioned to cover large areas, then scene coverage is improved, but overlaps and gaps in coverage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mask serves as a precision alignment intermediary that defines exact radiation transmission paths to each detector's active area. By controlling which radiation reaches which detector through the mask's transmitting zones, the system achieves precise geometric mapping between the scene and detector array, eliminating overlaps and gaps in the final stitched image.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask is pre-configured with transmitting zones positioned to align with detector active areas before radiation exposure. This preliminary geometric arrangement ensures that each detector captures only the intended portion of the scene with precise boundaries, facilitating accurate image stitching without requiring post-processing correction of overlaps or gaps.
3Manufacturing precision
If a mask is used to block radiation from dead zones, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is integrated with the detector array as a unified imaging assembly, where the mask and detectors work together as a single functional unit. The actuator system moves both the mask and detectors simultaneously to multiple positions, capturing images that are then stitched together. This merging approach manages the added complexity by creating a coordinated system where components compensate for each other's limitations.
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 solution enables the formation of continuous images of large scenes or objects by eliminating dead zones and ensuring that all active areas of the radiation detectors contribute to the image, thereby improving image quality and coverage.
Implementation Method 1
the radiation blocking zone is configured to block radiation from a radiation source that would otherwise be incident on a dead zone of the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
the radiation transmitting zones are configured to allow at least a portion of radiation from the radiation source that would be incident on active areas of the image sensor to pass through
Implementation Method 3
the actuator comprises a linear motor and a linkage; wherein the linear motor is configured to move the radiation detectors from the first position to the second position
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an image sensor comprising: a plurality of radiation detectors; a mask with a plurality of radiation transmitting zones and a radiation blocking zone; and an actuator configured to move the plurality of radiation detectors from a first position to a second position and to move the mask from a third position to a fourth position; wherein while the radiation detectors are at the first position and the mask is at the third position and while the radiation detectors are at the second position and the mask is at the fourth position, the radiation blocking zone blocks radiation from a radiation source that would otherwise incident on a dead zone of the image sensor and the radiation transmitting zones allow at least a portion of radiation from the radiation source that would incident on active areas of the image sensor to pass through.