Micro-Lens Image Capture for High-Resolution, Low-Complexity Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-capturing devices generate images with resolutions lower than the density of image-capturing pixels and require complex arithmetic processing to create synthetic images.
Innovation Solution
An image-capturing device with a micro-lens array and a two-dimensional image sensor that combines image signals from photoelectric conversion elements to generate synthetic image data, using a table to specify positions for generating high-resolution images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image signals from multiple photoelectric conversion elements are combined to generate synthetic images, then image resolution is improved, but arithmetic processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores position information tables that map photoelectric conversion elements to image forming areas before actual image generation. During image synthesis, the system simply queries pre-computed table data rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thereby reducing arithmetic processing complexity while maintaining high image resolution through accurate element positioning information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces position information tables as intermediary data structures between the photoelectric conversion elements and the image forming areas. These tables serve as mediators that store pre-computed positional relationships, allowing the synthesis system to efficiently map element signals to their corresponding image areas without performing complex arithmetic operations, thus resolving the contradiction between resolution and processing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the number of image forming areas is increased to match photoelectric conversion element density, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image forming plane into multiple discrete image forming areas that correspond to different focus positions. Each area is associated with specific photoelectric conversion elements, allowing the system to manage high-resolution image generation through organized segmentation rather than monolithic processing, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of image forming area density to match the photoelectric conversion element density. By adjusting this parameter and using position information tables to manage the correspondence, the system achieves high-resolution images without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the table-based approach scales efficiently with parameter changes.
3Measurement precision
If photoelectric conversion elements are positioned to optimize synthetic image generation, then image quality is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates position information tables that copy and store the positional relationships between photoelectric conversion elements and image forming areas. Instead of requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances to achieve precise geometric alignment, the system uses these copied position data to accurately map element signals to their corresponding image areas, thereby improving image quality while reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/physical positioning precision with information-based positioning. Rather than relying solely on precise physical alignment during manufacturing, the system uses position information tables to define the mapping between photoelectric conversion elements and image forming areas. This substitution allows for relaxed manufacturing tolerances while maintaining high image quality through accurate software-based position mapping.
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 generation of high-resolution synthetic images quickly by optimizing the positions of photoelectric conversion elements and reducing complexity in arithmetic processing.
Implementation Method 1
a two-dimensional array of element groups each corresponding to one of the micro-lenses and made up with a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements which receive, via the micro-lenses light fluxes from a subject having passed through the photographic optical system and output image signals
Data Source
AI summary
An image-capturing device includes: a plurality of micro-lenses disposed in a two-dimensional pattern near a focal plane of an image forming optical system; an image sensor that includes a two-dimensional array of element groups each corresponding to one of the micro-lenses and made up with a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements which receive, via the micro-lenses light fluxes from a subject having passed through the photographic optical system and output image signals; and a synthesizing unit that combines the image signals output from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements based upon information so as to generate synthetic image data in correspondence to a plurality of image forming areas present on a given image forming plane of the image forming optical system, the information specifying positions of the photoelectric conversion elements output image signals that are to be used for generating synthetic image data for each image forming area.