Maskless Imaging Device with Pixel Angle Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging elements require imaging lenses or pinholes to achieve desired resolution, leading to larger device sizes and limitations in controlling detection image resolution.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with pixel output units that receive incident light without lenses or pinholes, and a signal processing unit that selectively reads and processes output pixel values from these units to control the resolution of the detection image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an imaging lens is used to collect light on the imaging element, then the imaging quality and resolution are improved, but the physical size of the device becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the imaging lens from the optical system, replacing it with a maskless imaging element that directly modulates incident light. This eliminates the need for separate lens components while maintaining imaging functionality through computational methods and pixel-level light modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging lens system with an electronic/computational imaging approach. The imaging element uses electronic control of pixel output units to achieve light collection and image formation, substituting mechanical optical components with electronically controlled pixel arrays and signal processing.
2Volume of moving object
If an imaging element without imaging lens is used, then the device size is reduced, but the ability to control detection image resolution is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resolution control by enabling the imaging element to adaptively adjust its detection characteristics in real-time. The pixel output units can dynamically modulate their response to incident light, allowing the system to change resolution levels on-demand without physical reconfiguration, thus providing versatility in a compact form.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the pixel output units to control detection image resolution. By adjusting parameters such as readout patterns, signal processing algorithms, and pixel activation modes, the system achieves variable resolution output from a fixed compact imaging element structure.
3Loss of information
If all pixel output units are read out, then complete image information is obtained, but the processing complexity and data volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively reading out only the necessary pixel output units based on the required resolution level. Instead of always reading all pixels, the system reads a subset of pixels proportional to the desired output resolution, reducing processing complexity while maintaining sufficient image information for the application.
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 controlled resolution of detection images without the need for imaging lenses or pinholes, allowing for compact device designs and improved image processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of pixel output units that receives incident light incident without intervention of 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 device, a method thereof, and an imaging element capable of controlling resolution of a detection image. Provided is a plurality of pixel output units that receives incident light incident without intervention of 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, and a signal processing unit provided so as to be associated with an area in which at least two pixel output units out of the plurality of pixel output units are formed that processes signals read out from the pixel output units formed in the area and obtains output pixel values. The present disclosure may be applied to, for example, an imaging element, an imaging device, an image processing device, an electronic device, a system and the like.