Imaging Device Polarization Rotation for Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices configured with a single polarizer cannot generate non-polarized images, and those with divided photosensitive regions compromise image resolution.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a polarization direction rotating section and a control section that sets pixels as polarization pixels, allowing for the generation of both polarized and high-resolution non-polarized images by rotating the polarization direction of incident light and combining images from multiple exposures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single polarizer is used in the imaging section, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to generate non-polarized images is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the polarization direction rotating section rotatable during the exposure period. The polarization direction is rotated n times as large as 180 degrees at constant speed, allowing the imaging section to dynamically capture light with different polarization directions. This dynamic rotation enables a single polarizer to effectively function as multiple polarizers, generating non-polarized images while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
2Measurement precision
If the photosensitive region is divided into first and second regions with different polarizers, then polarized image information is improved, but the resolution of captured images decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the another dimension principle by adding the time dimension to the imaging process. Instead of dividing the photosensitive region spatially into multiple regions with different polarizers, the invention rotates the polarization direction over time during a single exposure period. This temporal dimension allows all pixels to capture information for multiple polarization directions, maintaining full spatial resolution while acquiring polarized image information.
3Manufacturing precision
If the polarization direction is rotated during exposure, then non-polarized images with higher resolution are generated, but the exposure time requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the periodic action principle by rotating the polarization direction in a periodic manner during the exposure period. The polarization direction rotates n times as large as 180 degrees at constant speed, creating a periodic pattern of polarization direction changes. This periodic rotation ensures that all pixels receive light with different polarization directions systematically, enabling high-resolution non-polarized image generation while maintaining a controlled and predictable exposure time.
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 generation of high-resolution non-polarized images while maintaining or improving the resolution of polarized images, addressing the limitations of previous technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization direction rotating section provided on an incidence plane side of the imaging section, and configured to rotate a polarization direction of the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an imaging device including: an imaging section configured to set pixels as polarization pixels having any of polarization directions, the pixels generating pixel signals on the basis of incident light; a polarization direction rotating section provided on an incidence plane side of the imaging section, and configured to rotate a polarization direction of the incident light; and a control section configured to control the imaging section and the polarization direction rotating section to generate a polarized image or a non-polarized image having higher resolution than resolution of the polarized image.