Microlens Array Single-Shot Synthetic Image Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture technologies require multiple shots and lens adjustments to achieve a sharp synthetic image focused at a desired distance with the same photographic field, which is inefficient and prone to image blur.
Innovation Solution
An image input apparatus with a microlens array and photoreceptor array, where the microlens power and gap between the arrays are optimized to ensure the cross-sectional dimension of ray bundles is equal to or smaller than the microlens pitch, allowing for sharp image synthesis at a desired distance using data from a single shot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple shots are taken with lens focus shifting to obtain a sharp synthetic image, then the sharpness of the synthetic image is improved, but the shooting time and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the imaging system into multiple photoreceptors that each capture light bundles from different exit-pupil regions. This segmentation allows simultaneous capture of multiple focus planes in a single shot, eliminating the need for multiple shots and focus shifting operations while maintaining sharp synthetic image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from capturing images in a single focal plane to capturing light field information in multiple dimensional spaces by using multiple photoreceptors to detect bundles of rays from different exit-pupil regions. This enables synthetic image formation at arbitrary distances without requiring multiple shots.
2Measurement precision
If multiple shots are taken with lens focus shifting to obtain a sharp synthetic image, then the sharpness of the synthetic image is improved, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple photoreceptors, each responsible for capturing light bundles from specific exit-pupil regions. This segmentation automates the focus capture process, eliminating the need for manual focus shifting operations and reducing operational complexity while maintaining image sharpness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically captures light field information from multiple perspectives simultaneously through the microlens array and multiple photoreceptors configuration. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operator intervention in focus adjustment, reducing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a microlens array is introduced to enable single-shot synthetic image formation, then the sharpness and resolution are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented by introducing a microlens array that divides incoming light into multiple bundles, each directed to different photoreceptors. This segmentation enables single-shot capture of multi-focal plane information, improving resolution while the modular microlens structure keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array serves multiple functions: it acts as a beam splitter to direct light bundles to different photoreceptors, functions as a focusing element for each bundle, and enables the system to capture images at multiple distances simultaneously. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the microlens power and gap are optimized to reduce ray bundle cross-sectional dimension, then the image sharpness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes specific parameters including microlens power, gap between microlens array and photoreceptor array, and pitch of microlenses. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves sharp image formation while balancing the manufacturing precision requirements. The patent provides specific guidance on parameter selection to manage fabrication complexity.
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 formation of a sharp synthetic image focused at a desired distance with improved resolution and reduced blur, using data obtained from a single shooting session.
Implementation Method 1
a microlens array having a plurality of microlenses two-dimensionally arrayed with a predetermined pitch in the vicinity of a focal plane of the imaging optical system
Implementation Method 2
Each of the photoreceptors receives bundles of rays passing through one of different exit-pupil regions of the imaging optical system
Implementation Method 3
a photoreceptor array having a plurality of photoreceptors for each of the microlenses
Data Source
AI summary
An image input apparatus includes an imaging optical system, a microlens array having a plurality of microlenses two-dimensionally arrayed with a predetermined pitch in the vicinity of a focal plane of the imaging optical system, and a photoreceptor array having a plurality of photoreceptors for each of the microlenses, each of the photoreceptors receiving bundles of rays passing through one of different exit-pupil regions of the imaging optical system. A power of the microlens and a gap between the microlens array and the photoreceptor array are determined so that a cross-sectional dimension of the bundles of rays for forming an image of each of the photoreceptors related to the microlens is equal to or smaller than the pitch of the microlens, within a range from the microlens array to a predetermined distance.