Lensless Imaging Pixel Array Resolution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems using imaging lenses are bulky and unable to achieve desired resolution in detection images without increasing physical size, and methods without lenses struggle to control image resolution effectively.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with pixel output units that receive incident light without passing through a lens or pinhole, and a read control unit that selectively reads output pixel values to control the resolution of the detection image by adjusting the incident angle directivity of the output pixel values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an imaging lens is used to focus light on the imaging element, then the light intensity distribution of the subject surface can be reproduced, but the physical size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the imaging lens from the optical system, replacing it with a mask-based approach where the imaging element directly receives light from the subject. The mask pattern is formed on the imaging element itself, eliminating the need for separate lens components while maintaining imaging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (imaging lens) with a computational approach using mask patterns and image processing. Instead of using physical lenses to focus light, the system uses direct light reception with patterned masks and applies computational algorithms to reconstruct the subject image.
2Volume of moving object
If an imaging element without an imaging lens is used, then the physical size can be reduced, but the resolution of the detection image cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging element into multiple pixel output units with different mask patterns. Each pixel output unit has a specific incident angle directivity characteristic, allowing selective reading of pixels to achieve different resolution levels. The mask patterns are segmented across multiple pixels to enable resolution control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic control of detection image resolution by selectively reading different pixel output units based on the desired resolution. The read control unit can dynamically adjust which pixels are read and how their values are combined, allowing real-time resolution adjustment without changing the physical structure.
3Loss of information
If all pixel output units are read to obtain a detection image, then complete information is obtained, but the resolution cannot be adjusted to a desired level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively reading only the necessary pixel output units based on the desired resolution level. Instead of always reading all pixels, the system reads a subset of pixels with appropriate incident angle directivity characteristics, reducing data processing while maintaining required information quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reading parameters of pixel output units based on the desired resolution. By adjusting which pixels are read and how their output values are combined (including selective addition and averaging), the system can dynamically change the effective resolution while maintaining information completeness for the required level.
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 control of detection image resolution, allowing for flexible imaging and processing of subjects without the need for bulky lenses, while maintaining image quality and reducing apparatus size.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element including a plurality of pixel output units that receives incident light entering without passing through either an imaging lens or a pinhole, and each outputs one detection signal indicating an output pixel value modulated by an incident angle of the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to an imaging apparatus and method, and an image processing apparatus and method that make it possible to control the resolution of a detection image.A resolution is set, and a restoration matrix is set including coefficients used when a restored image is restored from output pixel values of a plurality of pixel output units, of an imaging element including the plurality of pixel output units that receives incident light entering without passing through either an imaging lens or a pinhole, and each outputs one detection signal indicating an output pixel value modulated by an incident angle of the incident light, depending on the resolution set. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, an imaging apparatus, an image processing apparatus, an information processing apparatus, an electronic device, a computer, a program, a storage medium, a system, and the like.