Light Field Camera Sensor with Variable Transmittance Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light field cameras can obtain depth information but at the cost of decreased image resolution, and existing methods to modify the optical system to maintain resolution also require multiple image capturing systems or modes, failing to achieve both high resolution and depth information simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A light field camera with a micro lens layer and a transmitted light controlling layer that changes optical transmittance, allowing for two image capturing sessions with different transmittance values, enabling the image processor to generate images with no decrease in resolution and depth information by calculating the difference between signals from these sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a light field camera uses multiple micro lenses to capture depth information, then depth information can be obtained, but the resolution of the resultant image decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the optical transmittance of the transmitted light controlling layer variable rather than fixed. The layer changes its transmittance according to different capturing modes (first mode with higher transmittance for resolution, second mode with lower transmittance for depth information), allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different measurement needs and resolve the contradiction between obtaining depth information and maintaining image resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the optical transmittance parameter of the transmitted light controlling layer. By changing this parameter between different capturing sessions, the system can optimize for either resolution or depth information as needed, and then synthesize both qualities through differential processing without permanently sacrificing either parameter
2Manufacturing precision
If the optical system is modified to maintain resolution while obtaining depth information, then image resolution is preserved, but multiple image capturing systems or modes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single image capturing system that performs multiple functions: it can capture both high-resolution images and depth information using the same optical path and image sensor. The transmitted light controlling layer enables this single system to adapt to different capturing modes, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems for resolution and depth measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of resolution capture and depth information capture into a single integrated system. By combining the transmitted light controlling layer with the existing image sensor and optical components, the system achieves both objectives simultaneously through differential processing of signals captured in different modes, rather than requiring separate systems
3Device complexity
If a single-lens system is used to capture multiple images with parallax, then the overall size and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the ability to obtain both high resolution and depth information simultaneously is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the optical transmittance of the transmitted light controlling layer based on the capturing mode. This allows the single-lens system to achieve both high resolution and depth information by changing the transmittance parameter between capturing sessions and then processing the differential signals, rather than requiring multiple fixed 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
Enables the capture of images with no decrease in resolution and depth information using a single-lens system, improving image quality and maintaining high resolution through differential signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective layer which reflects light having been transmitted through the photoelectric conversion layer
Implementation Method 2
a transmitted light controlling layer which is arranged between the photoelectric conversion layer and the reflective layer and changes optical transmittance according to an instruction from the controller
Implementation Method 3
a micro lens layer which includes a plurality of micro lenses arranged between the photoelectric conversion layer and the reflective layer, and is arranged so that light having been transmitted through one photosensitive cell and then reflected from the reflective layer is incident on the same photosensitive cell again
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor 2 includes: a photoelectric conversion layer 1d including a plurality of photosensitive cells; a reflective layer 1c that reflects light that has been transmitted through the photoelectric conversion layer 1d; a micro lens layer 1a that includes a plurality of micro lenses that are arranged between the photoelectric conversion layer 1d and the reflective layer 1c; and a transmitted light controlling layer 1b that is arranged between the photoelectric conversion layer 1d and the reflective layer 1c and that is able to change optical transmittance in accordance with an instruction given by a controller. The micro lens layer 1a is arranged so that light that has been transmitted through one of the photosensitive cells and then reflected from the reflective layer 1c is incident on the same photosensitive cell again.