Integrated Imaging Module with Coded-Aperture Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices using coded-aperture imaging techniques face challenges with increased device size, mounting conflicts between optical components, and the need for high accuracy in arranging the image sensor and coded-aperture pattern, which complicates the optical system and makes it difficult to handle changes such as lens adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An imaging module where the image sensor and spatial modulation element are integrated, with a short distance between them, using a transmissive liquid crystal device as the spatial light modulation element and a CCD image sensor, and a fixing part with a gap-defining member to maintain a precise gap structure, allowing for high-accuracy alignment and reduced noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the image sensor and coded-aperture pattern are individually arranged, then the optical system can be designed with separate components, but the device size increases and mounting becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the coded-aperture pattern and the image sensor into a single integrated imaging module. The coded-aperture pattern is formed on a first surface of the image sensor substrate, eliminating the need for separate component mounting and reducing the overall device volume while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through unified substrate fabrication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image sensor and coded-aperture pattern are individually arranged, then component flexibility is maintained, but high accuracy arrangement position is required which complicates the optical system
Solution Approach 1:
By forming the coded-aperture pattern directly on the image sensor substrate, the integration eliminates alignment and positioning errors that would occur with separate components. The pattern and sensor are manufactured as a single integrated structure, ensuring precise relative positioning without requiring complex high-precision mounting procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If the image sensor and coded-aperture pattern are individually arranged, then separate optimization is possible, but it becomes difficult to deal with changes in the optical system
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated imaging module with the coded-aperture pattern formed on the image sensor substrate serves multiple functions: it provides both the spatial light modulation capability and the image detection function in a unified structure. This integration enables the system to adapt to various optical configurations and lens changes more easily, as the core imaging function remains stable and pre-aligned.
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 configuration enables high-resolution and high-accuracy image information capture with improved image quality, reducing the risk of aliasing and allowing for precise spatial information acquisition, such as distance and direction, without the limitations of conventional separate component arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal element, or alternate technique, or the like has been proposed (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Publication Numbers 2005-316321, 2005-316316, and Beni, G. and Hackwood, S., 'Appl. Phys. Lett. Vol. 38, Issue 4', 207-209, USA, 1981)
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor which obtains the luminous flux to which the spatial modulation has been applied by the spatial light modulation element as image information
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging module has a spatial light modulation element which applies spatial modulation to an incident luminous flux and emits it; an image sensor which obtains the luminous flux to which the spatial modulation has been applied by the spatial light modulation element as image information; and a fixing part which integrally fixes the spatial light modulation element and the image sensor, and the fixing part has a gap-defining member which is arranged between the spatial light modulation element and the image sensor and forms a gap structure having a certain distance, and an imaging device includes the imaging module.