Intrinsic Imaging Without Filters Using Focused and Diffused Views

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for obtaining intrinsic images and videos require multiple fields of view, complex calibration, and the use of filters and dichroic mirrors, which are cumbersome and introduce errors, especially at low magnifications and high F stops.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a translucent material to capture focused and diffused images of the same field of view, eliminating irrelevant illumination by pixel-by-pixel subtraction, without the need for filters or dichroic mirrors, and accounting for illumination loss through the translucent material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If filters or dichroic mirrors are used to obtain spectral information, then spectral resolution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral resolutionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the filter/dichroic mirror components from the imaging system. Instead of using these separate spectral separation components, the invention captures the full spectral information directly through the sensor, eliminating the need for complex filter assemblies and reducing device complexity while maintaining spectral measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical filtering system with a computational approach. Rather than physically separating wavelengths using dichroic mirrors and filters, the system uses software-based spectral unmixing algorithms to extract spectral information from the captured images, substituting a mechanical/optical system with a computational one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If filters or dichroic mirrors are used to obtain spectral information, then spectral resolution is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral resolutionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, precision-manufactured optical filters and dichroic mirrors with a more economical approach using standard sensors and computational algorithms. This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing costs while achieving comparable or superior spectral resolution through software-based spectral unmixing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If multiple images are captured for spectral analysis, then spectral information quality is improved, but acquisition time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral information qualityVSAvoidimage acquisition time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic modulation of the light source at different wavelengths, capturing multiple images in rapid succession. This periodic illumination approach allows the system to collect spectral information from multiple wavelength bands within a single acquisition cycle, maintaining spectral information quality while minimizing acquisition time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous illumination and continuous image capture throughout the spectral acquisition process. By using a light source that can be rapidly modulated and a sensor that continuously captures images, the system eliminates idle time between measurements, ensuring that useful action (spectral data collection) continues uninterrupted, thus reducing total acquisition time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Simplifies data gathering and processing, providing high-quality intrinsic images and videos by effectively removing irrelevant illumination, enhancing image clarity and color accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a light source to illuminate a target

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a sensor array to capture images of the target illuminated by the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4158394B1Apparatus and method to obtain intrinsic still and video images without the use of filters or dichroic mirrors

Publication Date: 2026.04.29 CENT FOR QUANTITATIVE CYTOMETRY

Figure 1a~1b
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Figure 3a~3c

AI summary

An apparatus and method to generate intrinsic images without barrier filters and dichroic mirrors is provided. The method involves acquisition of an image of a focused field of view and a diffused image of the same field of view. The diffused image is obtained by placing a translucent material in the path between a camera and the field of view. The translucent material permits transmission of the illumination energy while diffusing the spatial details of the field of view, thus producing a featureless image of illumination intensities. The focused and diffused images are then processed pixel-by-pixel by to generate intrinsic images free of irrelevant illumination.