Lensless Imaging Module Azimuthal Light Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lensless imaging technologies face challenges in obtaining high-quality images at a wide angle of view due to interference from light from oblique directions, which degrades the signal-to-noise ratio and limits the ability to individually acquire images from different directions.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a pattern mask having transmissive and light shielding regions, combined with a directional sensor that divides incident light into azimuthal regions, allowing for the acquisition and processing of projection images from multiple directions, and a restoration unit that performs Fourier transforms on moire fringes to generate high-quality images without a lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a lensless imaging approach using a pattern mask is used, then the device size is reduced and ex-post focusing is enabled, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to interference from light from oblique directions
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging apparatus segments the incident light into multiple azimuthal regions using a directional sensor, allowing separate processing of light from different directions. This segmentation enables the system to isolate and process only the relevant light signals while filtering out interference from oblique directions, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining the lensless compact structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different processing characteristics to different azimuthal regions. The directional sensor captures projection images with directional information, and the image processing unit selectively processes images from specific azimuthal regions with appropriate restoration algorithms, optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio for each direction while maintaining overall system compactness
2Adaptability or versatility
If light from all directions is received without directional separation, then the angle of view is wide, but the image quality deteriorates due to interference from oblique directions
Solution Approach 1:
The directional sensor segments the wide-angle incident light into multiple azimuthal regions, allowing the system to maintain a wide angle of view while processing images from different directions separately. This enables selective restoration processing for each azimuthal region, improving image quality by eliminating interference from oblique directions while preserving the wide angle of view capability
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing unit dynamically selects and processes projection images from specific azimuthal regions based on the desired imaging direction. By adaptively processing images from different azimuthal regions, the system can optimize image quality for specific directions while maintaining the capability to capture a wide angle of view
3Measurement precision
If projection images from multiple directions are processed individually, then high-quality images for each direction can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The directional sensor and image processing unit serve multiple functions: they capture projection images from multiple directions, separate them into azimuthal regions, and apply restoration processing. This multi-functionality enables individual processing of images from different directions to achieve high quality while avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems for each direction, thereby controlling device complexity
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 individual acquisition of high-quality images for multiple directions at a wide angle of view by separating light from different directions, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and enhancing image restoration processing.
Implementation Method 1
receives projection images of the pattern mask with incident light from a subject
Implementation Method 2
divides incident light from the subject into a plurality of azimuthal regions with different directions
Implementation Method 3
performs Fourier transform on a plurality of moire fringes formed by superimposition
Implementation Method 4
moire fringes formed by superimposing a projection image formed on the imaging element with light from a subject and a projection pattern corresponding to the Fresnel zone plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an imaging apparatus that individually obtains high image quality, restored images for a plurality of different directions at a wide angle of view without using a lens, and an imaging module using such an imaging apparatus. In an imaging apparatus according to an aspect of the invention, incident light is divided into a plurality of azimuthal regions by a directional sensor, and images corresponding to the azimuthal regions are restored from a plurality of projection images acquired corresponding to the azimuthal regions. Accordingly, incident light from oblique directions does not become noise to incident light from a front direction, and projection images can be individually acquired for the azimuthal regions throughout a wide range from the front direction to the oblique directions. For this reason, restoration processing according to properties of a pattern mask and the projection images is executed, whereby it is possible to individually obtain high image quality restored image for a plurality of different directions (azimuthal regions) at a wide angle of view without using a lens.