Imaging Device Modulating Unit Aperture Width Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentric grating patterns in imaging devices become excessively fine, leading to light overlap on the image sensor, which prevents the full utilization of pixel numbers and results in reduced resolution.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a modulating unit using a real pattern, such as a Gabor Zone Plate or Fresnel Zone Plate, is employed, where the pattern's pitch is finer closer to the center, and the aperture width is determined based on the distance from the image sensor, allowing for effective light modulation and improved resolution through reconstruction methods like correlation or moire reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a concentric grating pattern with fine pitch is used to reduce device thickness, then the device thickness is reduced, but light overlap occurs on the image sensor causing resolution to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of the grating pattern from conventional fine pitch to a specific pitch range (0.5-2.0 μm), and optimizes the distance between the modulator and image sensor (0.5-5.0 mm) to prevent light overlap while maintaining thin device profile. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between thinness and resolution.
2Ease of operation
If the concentric grating pattern pitch is made fine in inverse proportion to distance from center, then the modulation capability is improved, but light overlap prevents shadow formation and pixel utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the grating pitch within a specific range (0.5-2.0 μm) and sets the modulator-to-sensor distance (0.5-5.0 mm) to ensure that diffracted light from different spatial frequencies does not overlap on the image sensor. This allows effective use of all pixels while maintaining modulation capability.
3Length of stationary object
If the modulator is placed close to the image sensor to reduce thickness, then the device thickness is reduced, but the aperture width must be optimized to prevent light overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides specific guidance for optimizing aperture width based on the distance between modulator and image sensor. By setting the aperture width appropriately (considering the 0.5-5.0 mm distance range), the system prevents light overlap while maintaining a compact form factor, thus resolving the contradiction between thinness and system complexity.
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 configuration enables the effective use of the image sensor's pixel count, enhancing resolution by preventing light overlap and optimizing the imaging device's performance.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor including a plurality of light-receiving elements, configured to generate a sensor image by photoelectrically converting received light through the light-receiving elements
Implementation Method 2
a modulating unit configured to modulate the intensity of the light received by the image sensor, through a real pattern provided at a predetermined distance from a light-receiving surface of the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes: an image sensor including a plurality of light-receiving elements, configured to generate a sensor image by photoelectrically converting received light through the light-receiving elements; and a modulating unit configured to modulate the intensity of the light received by the image sensor, through a real pattern provided at a predetermined distance from a light-receiving surface of the image sensor, and the imaging device is characterized in that the width of an aperture of the real pattern provided for the modulating unit is determined, based on the predetermined distance and a two-dimensional size of the image sensor.