Multi-angle illumination image correction for optical aberrations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern optical systems face challenges in achieving high image quality with inexpensive optics, as they often require high computational effort for post-processing, which can be inefficient, especially for real-time applications, and struggle with correcting longitudinal chromatic aberrations and astigmatism.
Innovation Solution
The system illuminates an object from multiple angles and processes images using a shift-dependent correction method that accounts for illumination angles, allowing for efficient image correction without deconvolution, thereby reducing computational complexity and addressing issues like nulls in the modulation transfer function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If deconvolution techniques are used for post-processing, then image quality can be improved, but computational complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing images at multiple illumination angles before post-processing. By acquiring multiple images with different angular information during the imaging process, the system prepares data that enables simpler computational reconstruction algorithms to achieve high-quality results without requiring complex deconvolution operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces another dimension by adding the illumination angle parameter to the traditional single-image approach. Instead of processing one image with complex algorithms, the system captures images across multiple angular dimensions and uses this additional spatial information to simplify the computational reconstruction process, effectively trading dimensional complexity for algorithmic simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If high-precision optics are used, then image quality improves, but cost and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the need for high-precision mechanical/optical components with a computational approach. Instead of relying on expensive, high-quality optics to achieve sharp images, the system uses standard optics combined with multi-angle capture and computational reconstruction algorithms to achieve comparable or superior image quality, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the imaging system by varying the illumination angle across multiple captures. By systematically changing this angular parameter and incorporating it into the reconstruction process, the system compensates for optical imperfections and achieves high image quality using less expensive optics that would otherwise produce degraded images.
3Measurement precision
If multiple lenses are used to improve image quality, then resolution increases, but susceptibility to reflections and reduced transmission occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing unnecessary optical components from the imaging system. By using a single lens or minimal optics combined with multi-angle capture, the system extracts only the essential optical elements needed for image formation, eliminating redundant lenses that would introduce reflections and reduce light transmission while still achieving high resolution through computational methods.
4Speed
If real-time image rendering is required, then speed increases, but deconvolution techniques become disadvantageous due to computational intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-capturing multiple images at different illumination angles during the real-time imaging process. This preparation of multi-angular data enables the use of computationally efficient reconstruction algorithms that can operate in real-time, avoiding the need for intensive deconvolution calculations while maintaining high image quality and meeting real-time rendering requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In order to capture images, an object is illuminated by means about a plurality of illumination angles. A detector detects a plurality of images (41 - 43) of the object for the plurality of illumination angles. An electronic evaluation device uses at least one image correction on one part of the plurality of images (41 - 43), said image correction having a shifting (T1, T2). Said shifting (T1, T2) is dependent on the illumination angles used when capturing the respective images (41 - 43). The corrected images (44 - 46) can be combined.