Imaging Device Focus Control Reduces Optical Crosstalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in reducing the interference of imaging light between optical systems, particularly when using pupil splitting, leading to deteriorated image quality due to mixed image components, especially when the linearity of the imaging sensor is low, or when the intensity of imaging light is extreme, or when sharp edges are present in the subject image.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with independent first and second optical systems, each with its own light-receiving sensors and focus adjustment, uses importance degree information to control the focus state of each optical system, allowing for adaptive reduction of interference by adjusting one system to a defocus state when the other is in focus, thereby minimizing the influence of unwanted high-frequency components in the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pupil splitting is used to capture multiple images with different focal distances, then image variety and optical system utilization are improved, but image quality deteriorates due to interference (crosstalk) of imaging light between optical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the focus states of multiple optical systems based on importance degree information. The focus adjustment unit changes the focus state of each optical system according to the importance of its corresponding image, allowing the system to adaptively reduce interference while maintaining image variety. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by making the optical system behavior flexible rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the focus parameter (focal distance) of each optical system based on importance degree information. By adjusting the focus state parameter dynamically, the system reduces interference between optical systems while maintaining the ability to capture multiple types of images. This parameter change approach allows the system to optimize image quality without sacrificing adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If image processing is applied to reduce interference influence, then image quality improves, but processing time increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by adjusting the focus state of optical systems before image capture to prevent interference from occurring in the first place. By controlling the focus states based on importance degree information prior to imaging, the system reduces interference at the source rather than requiring complex post-capture image processing. This preliminary focus adjustment significantly reduces processing time while maintaining image quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If processing strength of image processing is increased to remove mixed imaging light, then interference reduction improves, but image quality may deteriorate when sensor linearity is low or light intensity is extreme
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by adjusting the focus state of optical systems to prevent interference from occurring. By controlling the focus states based on importance degree information before imaging, the system proactively counteracts potential interference issues rather than attempting to correct them through strong post-processing. This approach maintains reliability across various sensor conditions and light intensities.
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 effectively reduces the visual impact of interference from one optical system on another, enhancing image quality by selectively blurring unnecessary images and maintaining clarity on important ones, without requiring complex computations or additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element that includes a plurality of light-receiving sensors which are provided corresponding to each of the first optical system and the second optical system and pupil-split light passed through a corresponding optical system among the first optical system and the second optical system to selectively receive the light
Implementation Method 2
a focus adjustment unit that adjusts a focus state of each of the first optical system and the second optical system in an independent manner
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes an imaging optical system that includes a first optical system and a second optical system having independent characteristics; an imaging element that includes plural light-receiving sensors that pupil-split light passed through a corresponding optical system among the first optical system and the second optical system to receive the light; an image generation unit that generates a first captured image from an imaging signal output from the light-receiving sensors corresponding to the first optical system and generates a second captured image from an imaging signal output from the light-receiving sensors corresponding to the second optical system; a focus adjustment unit that adjusts a focus state of each of the first optical system and the second optical system in an independent manner; and a focus controller that controls the focus adjustment unit based on importance degree information.