Light Field Mask Attenuation Pattern for Resolution Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current light field imaging systems suffer from resolution deterioration due to the acquisition of both angular and spatial data, resulting in a low-resolution image, especially when trying to capture 4D light fields with a microlens array.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that includes a mask with an attenuation pattern to spatially modulate 4D light field data, allowing wideband information capture, and a data processing unit to recover high-resolution depth maps and generate all-in-focus images, enabling the creation of high-resolution light field images by shifting pixels based on depth information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a microlens array is used to capture 4D light fields, then angular data and spatial data are acquired simultaneously, but the image resolution deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mask divides the light field data acquisition into multiple regions with different attenuation patterns. Each region captures different angular information while preserving spatial resolution in specific directions, allowing simultaneous 4D light field capture without uniform resolution loss across the entire image
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mask have different attenuation characteristics optimized for specific functions: some regions prioritize angular resolution while others maintain spatial resolution. This local optimization allows the system to capture wideband light field information while preserving high resolution in critical areas
2Loss of information
If the mask attenuates light to modulate 4D light field data, then wideband information is captured, but light intensity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mask uses periodic attenuation patterns that allow light to pass through at different phases and locations. This periodic structure enables wideband frequency information to be encoded in the spatial pattern while maintaining sufficient overall light transmission intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The attenuation pattern creates multiple copies of the light field information at different spatial locations and angular directions. By distributing the information across multiple copies rather than blocking light, the system captures wideband information while preserving light intensity
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 image resolution by allowing the capture of wideband information, enabling the generation of high-resolution depth maps and all-in-focus images, improving the re-focusing capabilities and angular view variations in light field imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a mask configured to spatially modulate four-dimensional (4D) light field data of a scene passing through the lens such that the spatially modulated 4D light field data includes wideband information of the scene
Implementation Method 2
The mask may have an attenuation pattern comprising unit patterns that are repeatedly formed to attenuate light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an apparatus and method for processing a light field image that is acquired and processed using a mask to spatially modulate a light field. The apparatus includes a lens, a mask to spatially modulate 4D light field data of a scene passing through the lens to include wideband information on the scene, a sensor to detect a 2D image corresponding to the spatially modulated 4D light field data, and a data processing unit to recover the 4D light field data from the 2D image to generate an all-in-focus image.