Imaging Device Polarization Crosstalk Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices that generate images based on light with different polarization directions without aligning these directions face issues such as difficulty in aligning one polarization direction with the direction where s-polarized light is shielded, and incorrect spectral reflectance calculations, especially for high glossy objects, leading to improper image generation.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device comprising an imaging optical system with multiple pupil regions, polarizers that align and transmit light in specific polarization directions, and an imaging element with pixel units receiving light in different polarization directions, performing a crosstalk removal process to generate images that suppress the appearance difference caused by polarization direction differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If light in two different polarization directions is received by different pixels without aligning the polarization directions, then two independent images can be acquired, but the appearance difference between images increases and spectral reflectance calculation becomes incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a polarization alignment mechanism before the light reaches the imaging element. A polarization converter is placed in the optical path to pre-align the polarization directions of light from different pupil regions, ensuring that when the light is subsequently separated by polarization direction, the alignment has already been established. This preliminary alignment prevents the appearance difference and spectral reflectance calculation errors that would occur without it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a polarization converter as an intermediary component between the imaging optical system and the imaging element. This intermediary device actively manages the polarization state of the light, converting and aligning the polarization directions before the light is separated and received by different pixels. The intermediary ensures that the polarization directions are properly aligned while still allowing the acquisition of images with different polarization characteristics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a polarizing plate transmits light with two types of polarization directions to generate two types of light, then independent images can be generated, but it becomes difficult to align one polarization direction with the direction where s-polarized light is shielded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the polarization alignment adjustable rather than fixed. The polarization converter can dynamically adjust the polarization directions to match different requirements, such as aligning with the direction where s-polarized light is shielded. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different imaging conditions while maintaining ease of operation through controlled adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarization state parameters of the light through the polarization converter. By actively controlling and adjusting the polarization parameters (such as polarization angle and orientation), the system can align the polarization directions as needed. This parameter change capability allows the system to overcome the difficulty of alignment while maintaining the ability to generate images with different polarization directions.
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 the generation of images that minimize the appearance difference due to polarization direction differences, even when based on light with different polarization directions, ensuring accurate image generation and spectral reflectance calculation.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarizer that aligns a polarization direction of light transmitted through the first pupil region and the second pupil region with a first polarization direction
Implementation Method 2
a second polarizer that transmits light in a second polarization direction different from the first polarization direction in the light which has been transmitted through the second pupil region
Implementation Method 3
an imaging element that receives the light transmitted through the first pupil region and the second pupil region and has a plurality of pixel units each of which is a set of a first pixel and a second pixel receiving light in different polarization directions
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an imaging device and an imaging method that can generate images between which a difference in appearance caused by a difference between the polarization directions of received light is suppressed in a case in which different images are generated on the basis of light having different polarization directions. An imaging device (1) includes: an imaging optical system (10); a first polarizer that aligns a polarization direction of light transmitted through a first pupil region and a second pupil region with a first polarization direction; a second polarizer that transmits light in a second polarization direction different from the first polarization direction; an imaging element (100) that receives the light transmitted through the first pupil region and the second pupil region; and an image generation unit that performing a crosstalk removal process on pixel signals of a first pixel and a second pixel and generates a first image corresponding to the light transmitted through the first pupil region and a second image corresponding to the light transmitted through the second pupil region on the basis of the pixel signals subjected to the crosstalk removal process.