Lensless Imaging System Using Mask and Computational Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera systems rely on lenses to direct light onto imaging sensors, which can be bulky and costly, and do not efficiently utilize the entire electromagnetic spectrum for image generation.
Innovation Solution
A lens-free imaging system comprising an electromagnetic radiation sensor, a mask with opaque and transparent regions, and an image processor that estimates an image based on the sensor's signals and a transfer function, allowing for the generation of images without a physical lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lens is used to direct light onto the imaging sensor, then the image quality can be improved, but the system becomes bulky and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the lens component from the traditional imaging system, replacing it with a lensless approach that uses a mask and computational algorithms to achieve image formation, thereby eliminating the bulk and cost associated with lenses while maintaining imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (lens) with a computational system consisting of a mask and image processing algorithms, substituting physical optical components with computational methods to achieve image formation
2Use of energy by moving object
If a lens-based system is used, then light direction can be controlled, but light collection efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lens that limits light collection and replaces it with a mask-based system that allows broader light acceptance angles, thereby improving light collection efficiency while reducing optical system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by eliminating the lens focal length constraint and using a mask with specific transmission patterns, allowing the system to accept light from a wider range of angles and improve overall light collection efficiency
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional imaging sensors are used, then image generation is limited to visible light, but the entire electromagnetic spectrum cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal imaging system that can operate across multiple parts of the electromagnetic spectrum by using a mask and computational approach rather than lens-based optics, enabling the same sensor to capture visible light, infrared, and other wavelengths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the imaging system by removing wavelength-specific optical components (lenses) and using a mask-based approach that works across different electromagnetic frequencies, thereby expanding the spectrum utilization capability
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 system achieves high light collection efficiency, reduced production costs, and simplified manufacturing compared to lens-based systems, while enabling imaging across various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Implementation Method 1
The image sensor may convert the light captured by the lens into electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
a mask disposed between the EM radiation sensor and the scene
Data Source
AI summary
A lens-free imaging system for generating an image of a scene includes an electromagnetic (EM) radiation sensor; a mask disposed between the EM radiation sensor and the scene; an image processor that obtains signals from the EM radiation sensor while the EM radiation sensor is exposed to the scene; and estimates the image of the scene based on, at least in part, the signals and a transfer function between the scene and the EM radiation sensor.