Imaging Device With Bifocal Lens And Weighted Light-Receiving Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses cannot effectively obtain images corresponding to different characteristics of a photographing optical system using separate light beams passing through regions with distinct spectral transmission characteristics, as they lack the capability to weight and process signals from different light-receiving element groups for each characteristic.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus is designed where light beams from different regions of the photographing optical system enter specific light-receiving element groups, allowing for the generation of weighted images corresponding to each characteristic, with the use of a bifocal lens and an image pickup device featuring light-receiving cells with different pupil directivities and weighted arrangements to process these signals effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light beams from different regions with distinct spectral transmission characteristics are allowed to enter separate light-receiving element groups, then images corresponding to each characteristic can be obtained, but the device complexity increases due to the need for pupil division and weighted signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the photographing optical system into multiple regions with different spectral transmission characteristics and divides the light-receiving elements into multiple groups, where each group corresponds to a specific region. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of images with different characteristics (e.g., visible light and infrared) by directing light from different regions to different sensor groups, thereby achieving multi-characteristic imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pupil division structure that acts as an intermediary between the optical system and the light-receiving elements. This pupil division mechanism separates light beams from different regions and directs them to appropriate light-receiving element groups, enabling characteristic-specific image capture without requiring separate camera systems for each wavelength range.
2Measurement precision
If light-receiving cells with different pupil directivities are arranged in weighted patterns, then image quality and sensitivity are improved for specific characteristics, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different pupil directivities to different light-receiving cells based on their positional requirements. Specifically, light-receiving cells are configured with pupil directivities matched to their corresponding optical regions, creating localized optimization where each cell's characteristics are tailored to its specific function in the imaging system.
3Loss of information
If separate images are obtained from different light-receiving element groups, then images corresponding to each optical characteristic can be generated, but loss of information occurs without proper weighting and combination of signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through signal processing circuits that receive imaging signals from multiple light-receiving element groups and perform weighted combination. The weighting factors are adjusted based on the characteristics of each optical region and the desired output image properties, allowing optimal information retention and flexible image generation by feedback-controlled signal mixing.
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 capture and processing of high-quality images for both macro and general photography modes by weighting the information from light-receiving cells, improving image quality and sensitivity according to the specific characteristics of the photographing optical system, while minimizing crosstalk and enhancing image processing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens portion having a first focal length for imaging the first object (e.g., the user of the imaging apparatus) at a normal distance and a second lens portion having a second focal length for imaging the second object (e.g., a bar code) nearer than the first object
Implementation Method 2
an image pickup device featuring light-receiving cells with different pupil directivities and weighted arrangements to process these signals effectively
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An imaging apparatus (1) according to an aspect of the present invention includes an image generating unit obtaining a first imaging signal or a second imaging signal from a first light-receiving element group or a second light-receiving element group of an image pickup device (16), respectively and generating a first image or a second image, and the first light-receiving element group and the second light-receiving element group of the image pickup device (16) are configured to obtain a first image and a second image with different weights according to a first characteristic and a second characteristic, respectively, of a photographing optical system (10).