Lens Array Imaging with Coded Aperture for Wide Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical imaging and projection systems face challenges in achieving a wide field of view and high resolution while managing ambient light and maintaining cost-effectiveness, particularly in applications requiring depth mapping and pattern projection.
Innovation Solution
The use of lens arrays to form multiple optical images of different areas onto a common image sensor, with optical encoding and processing to reconstruct electronic images and generate depth maps, along with ambient light cancellation and wide field of view designs, enables efficient imaging and projection across a broad range of applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical axis arrangement is used, then the system structure is simple, but the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple lens arrays, each responsible for a specific angular range or field of view. This segmentation allows the system to achieve a wide overall field of view while maintaining relatively simple individual lens designs, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and field of view coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple images are superimposed to increase field of view, then the field of view increases, but the image resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular or directional encoding in the optical paths, allowing multiple images to be distinguished not just by spatial position but by their angular characteristics. This additional dimension enables the system to maintain high resolution while capturing a wide field of view through angularly-resolved imaging.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lens arrays are used to achieve wide field of view, then the field of view increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens arrays with coded aperture masks and digital signal processing into an integrated system. By merging optical encoding elements with computational methods, the system achieves wide field of view while managing complexity through unified design rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs coded aperture patterns that modulate light in specific ways, changing the optical parameters of the system. These coded patterns enable the lens arrays to capture angular information efficiently, achieving wide field of view without proportionally increasing device complexity through intelligent parameter optimization.
4Measurement precision
If coded apertures are used for optical encoding, then the image resolution is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses coded aperture patterns that can be replicated or copied with standard manufacturing tolerances. By designing coding patterns that are robust to manufacturing variations and can be accurately reproduced using conventional fabrication methods, the system achieves high image resolution without requiring extreme manufacturing precision.
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 approach allows for high-resolution, wide-field imaging and projection systems that effectively manage ambient light, achieving enhanced contrast and resolution while maintaining a compact, cost-effective design, suitable for applications like 3D mapping and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
objective optics, which are configured to focus optical radiation and are positioned so as to form multiple, respective optical images of different areas of a scene onto a common area of the array
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus includes means for optically encoding the optical images with different, respective coding patterns
Data Source
AI summary
A method for projection includes generating a pattern of illumination, and positioning an array of lenses so as to project different, respective parts of the pattern onto a scene.