Light-Field Camera Beam Splitter Maintains Accuracy During Zooming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light-field cameras face accuracy deterioration during zooming operations due to changes in image formation, affecting the precision of light direction information captured by micro-lens arrays and photo-sensor arrays.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method involve a beam splitter to split light into two beams, with an image sensor detecting the first beam to form an object image and a light-field sensor using a lenslet array and spatial light modulator to detect the second beam, maintaining a conjugate relationship between the pupil of the lens unit and the spatial light modulator to ensure accurate light-field data acquisition during zooming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a micro-lens array and photo-sensor array are used to capture light-field data, then information about light direction can be obtained, but the accuracy deteriorates during zooming operations due to changes in image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light detection function into two separate systems: a first light beam path for image formation and a second light beam path for light-field data acquisition. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized independently, preventing zooming operations from affecting light direction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary component that divides incoming light into two separate beams. This mediator enables the system to simultaneously capture both image data and light-field data without interference, maintaining measurement precision during zooming operations.
2Measurement precision
If a beam splitter is used to separate light into two beams for independent detection, then spatial and angular information can be independently detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical system so that the beam splitter and subsequent optical components serve multiple functions: the first beam path captures spatial information for image formation, while the second beam path captures angular information for light-field data. This multi-functionality approach manages complexity by having components perform multiple roles rather than adding separate dedicated systems.
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 maintains high spatial and angle resolution by independently detecting spatial and angular information, preventing the deterioration of accuracy associated with zooming operations and allowing for precise light-field data capture.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter configured to split light, through a lens unit which is connected to the apparatus, from an object into a first light beam and a second light beam
Implementation Method 2
a light-field sensor, including a lenslet array and a detecting unit to detect the second light beam through the lenslet array
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus to acquire information about light-field data includes: a beam splitter configured to split light, through a lens unit which is connected to the apparatus, from an object into a first light beam and a second light beam; an image sensor configured to detect the first light beam to form an image of the object; and a light-field sensor, including a lenslet array and a detecting unit to detect the second light beam through the lenslet array, configured to acquire information about the light-field data, the lenslet array including a plurality of lenslets, wherein a first position where the detecting unit is provided is conjugate to a second position of a pupil of the lens unit.