Image Sensor Resolution via Tilting Mechanism Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors face challenges in achieving high resolution due to limitations in the arrangement pitch and density of photoelectric conversion sections, leading to low aperture ratios and reduced light utilization, which hampers the quality of captured images.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus that includes a light source, a tilting mechanism, and an image sensor positioned to capture images at multiple tilt angles, synthesizing these images to form a high-resolution image through the image processing section, effectively increasing the resolution by combining low-resolution images captured from different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the arrangement pitch of photoelectric conversion sections is reduced to increase resolution, then the resolution improves, but the aperture ratio decreases and light utilization worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension by capturing images at multiple tilt angles (different illumination directions) rather than only from the normal direction. This allows the same photoelectric conversion sections to receive light from various angles, effectively increasing the usable photosensitive area without reducing the arrangement pitch, thus improving both resolution and light utilization simultaneously
2Loss of energy
If micro lenses are added to increase aperture ratio, then light utilization improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the micro lens component from the imaging system. Instead of using micro lenses to concentrate light onto photoelectric conversion sections, the invention uses a tilting mechanism to change the illumination direction, achieving the same light concentration effect without adding optical components, thereby simplifying the device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical system (micro lenses) with a mechanical system (tilting mechanism). By mechanically tilting the object or illumination source, the system achieves light concentration and improved aperture ratio without relying on optical focusing components, reducing device complexity
3Measurement precision
If multiple image sensors are used to increase resolution, then resolution improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic capability by capturing multiple images at different tilt angles using a single image sensor. This temporal and angular multiplicity allows the system to achieve high resolution equivalent to using multiple sensors, but with a single sensor, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving resolution
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 approach enhances image resolution by increasing the aperture ratio and utilizing light more efficiently, allowing for the creation of high-resolution images without the need for micro lenses, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional image sensor configurations.
Implementation Method 1
Each of those photoelectric conversion sections is typically a photodiode which has been formed on a semiconductor layer or on a semiconductor substrate, and generates electric charges based on the light incident thereon
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a light source which irradiates an object with light and of which the orientation and position are fixed; a tilting mechanism which tilts the object at multiple tilt angles; an image sensor which is arranged at a position where the light that has been transmitted through the object is incident, gets tilted along with the object by the tilting mechanism, and captures a plurality of images at the multiple tilt angles; and an image processing section which forms a high-resolution image of the object, having a higher resolution than any of the plurality of images, by synthesizing the plurality of images together.