Imaging Apparatus Polarization Pixel Group Transparent Opaque Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems require separate cameras and complex image synthesis processes to capture transparent and opaque parts of an object, leading to increased complexity and load in image processing.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a pixel group capable of receiving light in multiple polarization directions, allowing for simultaneous formation of images corresponding to different polarization directions using a common imaging unit, which includes a polarization unit that causes pixels to receive linear polarized light with different polarization directions, enabling the extraction of transparent and opaque parts from a single image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cameras are used to capture transparent and opaque parts, then imaging completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions into a single camera by equipping it with a polarizing filter that can rotate to capture images at different polarization angles. This merging approach allows the same camera to capture both transparent and opaque parts by changing the filter angle, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining imaging completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera is designed to perform multiple imaging functions by adjusting the polarization filter angle. The same imaging unit can capture transparent parts at one angle and opaque parts at another angle, making the device universal and multi-functional without requiring separate specialized cameras
2Reliability
If multiple images are synthesized from different cameras, then imaging completeness is improved, but processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image acquisition process into a single capture using one camera with a rotating polarizing filter. This eliminates the need for complex multi-image synthesis and alignment processes, significantly reducing the processing load while still achieving complete imaging of both transparent and opaque parts through angle-based differentiation
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment process is added for image synthesis, then image quality is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the alignment process by combining all imaging captures into a single image taken with one camera. Since all polarized images are captured simultaneously from the same viewpoint by one imaging unit, no post-capture alignment is needed, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining image quality through proper polarization angle selection
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
Enables the capture of transparent and opaque parts of an object in a single image, reducing the complexity of image synthesis and processing load, and improving the observability of object contours with rotation correction.
Implementation Method 1
a pixel group that includes a first pixel group including a pixel capable of receiving light having a first polarization direction, and a second pixel group
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a characteristic of birefringence of the molded product to capture the image of the molded product
Data Source
AI summary
Easy acquisition of an image expressing a transparent part and an opaque part, for example, is achievable by one-time imaging.An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit and an image forming unit. The imaging unit has a pixel group that includes a first pixel group including a pixel capable of receiving light having a first polarization direction, and a second pixel group. The image forming unit forms a first image corresponding to a second polarization direction that is a predetermined polarization direction on the basis of signals of a pixel group including at least the first pixel group, and forms a second image different from the first image on the basis of signals of a pixel group including at least the second pixel group.