Lensless Imaging Device Exposure Control via Non-Directive Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
In imaging apparatuses that rely on calculation processes without imaging lenses, pixel saturation can degrade the overall image restoration accuracy, leading to a decrease in image quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an imaging device with pixels that have independently adjustable incident angle directivity, allowing for exposure control based on non-directive detection signals, enables improved image restoration accuracy by modulating light reception sensitivity according to incident angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If all detection signals from pixels are used in the calculation process, then the imaging apparatus can restore images without an imaging lens, but pixel saturation degrades the overall restoration accuracy and image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into two distinct groups: directive pixel output units with incident angle directivity and non-directive pixel output units without such directivity. This segmentation allows the non-directive pixels to serve as reference for exposure control, preventing saturation from propagating to the directive pixels used for image restoration.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-directive pixel output units act as an intermediary for exposure control. These pixels receive incident light without directionality control and provide detection signals that indicate saturation status, enabling the system to adjust exposure parameters before saturation affects the directive pixels critical for image restoration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If directive pixel output units with incident angle directivity are used, then light reception sensitivity can be modulated according to incident angles, but saturation in these pixels directly degrades image restoration accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the pixel array are assigned different functional qualities: directive pixel output units have incident angle directivity for selective light reception, while non-directive pixel output units lack this directivity and serve for exposure monitoring. This local differentiation ensures that saturation in non-directive pixels does not compromise the restoration accuracy of directive pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
Exposure control is performed preliminarily using detection signals from non-directive pixels before the directive pixels are exposed. By monitoring saturation status in advance through non-directive pixels, the system can adjust exposure parameters to prevent saturation in directive pixels, thereby preserving restoration accuracy.
3Device complexity
If exposure control is performed without dedicated reference pixels, then device complexity is reduced, but saturation cannot be effectively monitored and controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The non-directive pixel output units serve multiple functions: they are part of the overall pixel array structure and simultaneously provide reference detection signals for exposure control. This multi-functionality allows exposure monitoring without adding separate dedicated reference pixel structures, maintaining relative simplicity while enabling reliable saturation detection.
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 enhances the restoration accuracy of images by effectively managing light reception and processing signals from pixels with varying directivities, reducing the impact of saturation and improving overall image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device 121, a restoration section 122, and a control section 123
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus, an exposure controlling method, a program, and an imaging device by which the restoration accuracy of an image can be improved. The imaging apparatus includes: an imaging device including a plurality of directive pixel output units that receivs incident light from an imaging target entering without the intervention of any of an imaging lens and a pinhole and has a configuration capable of independently setting an incident angle directivity indicative of a directivity to an incident angle of the incident light and a non-directive pixel output unit that receives the incident light entering without the intervention of any of an imaging lens and a pinhole and does not have a configuration for providing the incident angle directivity; and an exposure controlling section configured to perform exposure control of the plurality of directive pixel output units on the basis of a non-directive detection signal that is a detection signal outputted from the non-directive pixel output unit. The present disclosure can be applied, for example, to an imaging apparatus that performs imaging without using an imaging lens.