Imaging Device Polarization Splitting Lens Optical System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses face challenges in capturing movies with a simpler configuration, particularly in obtaining both polarized and non-polarized light images simultaneously without image shift, and are limited by complex setups that increase size and cost.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a lens optical system and an arrayed optical device that includes multiple optical regions, allowing light to pass through in different polarization axes, enabling both polarized and non-polarized light images to be captured using a single imaging system without image shift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate imaging systems are used to capture both polarized and non-polarized light images, then imaging functionality is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions (polarized light imaging and non-polarized light imaging) into a single imaging system. The lens optical system includes multiple optical regions with different polarization characteristics that share a common optical path, allowing both types of images to be captured simultaneously without requiring separate imaging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating optical regions with different polarization characteristics. The lens optical system can simultaneously capture polarized light images (for road surface condition detection) and non-polarized light images (for lane detection) using shared optical components and a single image sensor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate imaging systems are used to capture both polarized and non-polarized light images, then imaging functionality is improved, but the size of the imaging apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions into a single compact system. By sharing the lens optical system, arrayed optical device, and image sensor between polarized and non-polarized light imaging, the physical size of the apparatus is significantly reduced compared to using separate imaging systems.
3Device complexity
If conventional imaging systems are used, then simple configuration is achieved, but image shift occurs between multiple images when object position changes
Solution Approach 1:
By using a shared optical path for both polarized and non-polarized light imaging, the patent eliminates image shift problems. Since both types of images are captured through the same lens optical system and arrayed optical device, they maintain consistent spatial relationships even when object positions change.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging systems are used to capture polarized and non-polarized light images, then imaging versatility is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing costs by consolidating multiple imaging functions into a single system. Shared components such as the lens optical system, arrayed optical device, and image sensor reduce material costs, assembly complexity, and maintenance requirements compared to deploying multiple separate imaging systems.
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
The solution allows for simultaneous capture of polarized and non-polarized light images with a single imaging system, reducing parallax and complexity, and enabling applications such as road surface condition detection and medical imaging.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of optical regions include at least a first optical region which primarily passes therethrough light oscillating in a direction of a first polarization axis and a second optical region which passes therethrough light oscillating in any direction
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus disclosed in the present application includes a lens optical system L, an imaging device N including a plurality of first and second pixels P1 and P2, and an arrayed optical device K, wherein: the lens optical system L includes a first optical region D1 which primarily passes therethrough light oscillating in a direction of a first polarization axis and a second optical region D2 which passes therethrough light oscillating in every direction; and the arrayed optical device K makes light having passed through the first optical region D1 incident on the first pixels P1 and makes light having passed through the second optical region D2 incident on the second pixels P2.