Lensless Imaging Pixel Array for Wearable Device Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses that do not use imaging lenses are limited in design flexibility and size reduction due to the requirement of optical filters and pinholes, restricting their applicability and miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with an imaging element that provides incident angle directivity to each pixel, allowing light to be modulated without an imaging lens or pinhole, enabling the capture of surroundings without the need for optical filters, and allowing for a thinner profile and increased design freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional imaging apparatuses use optical filters or pinholes to modulate light without an imaging lens, then image capture is enabled, but the device size and structural complexity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the optical filter component from the imaging system. By using a pixel array where each pixel has predetermined light receiving characteristics, the system removes the need for separate optical filters while maintaining the ability to modulate and capture light information effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pixel in the array serves multiple functions: it acts as both the light receiving element and the filtering element through its predetermined light receiving characteristics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical filter components, thereby reducing device size and structural complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional imaging apparatuses use optical filters or pinholes to modulate light without an imaging lens, then image capture is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the optical filter component from the imaging system. By using a pixel array where each pixel has predetermined light receiving characteristics, the system removes the need for separate optical filters while maintaining the ability to modulate and capture light information effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pixel in the array serves multiple functions: it acts as both the light receiving element and the filtering element through its predetermined light receiving characteristics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical filter components, thereby reducing device size and structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If an imaging lens is used to capture light from the subject, then image quality is improved, but the device size and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical imaging lens system with a computational approach using a pixel array with predetermined light receiving characteristics. This substitution eliminates the need for physical lens components, thereby reducing device thickness and size while maintaining effective light capture and image restoration capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using pixels with predetermined light receiving characteristics instead of relying on optical focusing. This parameter change enables the elimination of the imaging lens while maintaining the ability to capture and restore light information effectively.
4Reliability
If optical filters are used to modulate incident light in lensless imaging, then light modulation is achieved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel in the array serves multiple functions: it acts as both the light receiving element and the filtering element through its predetermined light receiving characteristics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical filter components, thereby reducing device size and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light receiving function and the light filtering function into a single pixel structure. By combining these functions, the system eliminates the need for separate optical filter components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
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
The solution enables the downsizing of electronic instruments with imaging capabilities while maintaining effective image capture and restoration, enhancing design flexibility and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element that provides incident angle directivity to each pixel, allowing light to be modulated without an imaging lens or pinhole
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electronic instrument capable of downsizing an electronic instrument having a function of imaging surroundings of a user.In an electronic instrument worn or used by a user, the electronic instrument includes an imaging unit arranged at a position where surroundings of the user wearing or using the electronic instrument is capturable, the imaging unit including a plurality of pixel output units that each receive incident light from a subject incident not via either an imaging lens or a pinhole and output one detection signal indicating an output pixel value modulated depending on an incident angle of the incident light. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a wearable device.