Multi-Plane Imaging System for High Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems struggle to provide high-resolution images of a field of view, especially in surveillance and autonomous driving applications, due to the high cost of large image sensors and the adverse effects of reducing pixel dimensions, such as decreased signal-to-noise ratio and limited depth of field.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an optical system that directs light to multiple image planes, where image detectors capture and combine data to generate enhanced images with higher resolution and depth information, using a processor to stitch together images from different planes, potentially including a wide-angle lens and beam splitters to manage light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the image sensor size is increased to obtain high-resolution images, then the image resolution is improved, but the cost of the imaging system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides the field of view into multiple zones and uses multiple image sensors, each capturing a specific zone. The processor then combines these zone-specific images to create a composite high-resolution image of the entire field of view, eliminating the need for a single large expensive sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single two-dimensional image plane to multiple two-dimensional image planes arranged in three-dimensional space. Each sensor plane captures a different spatial zone, and the processor integrates these multi-dimensional data to achieve high resolution without requiring a single large sensor
2Measurement precision
If pixel dimensions are reduced to increase the number of pixels on the same sensor size, then the image resolution is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large sensor with many small pixels that suffer from poor signal-to-noise ratio, the system segments the sensing function across multiple sensors with larger individual pixels. Each sensor maintains good signal-to-noise characteristics while the collective array achieves high resolution through spatial division
3Measurement precision
If pixel dimensions are reduced to increase the number of pixels on the same sensor size, then the image resolution is improved, but the depth of field is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the field of view into multiple zones captured by separate sensors. Each sensor can be optimized for its specific zone with appropriate focal length and aperture settings, allowing each to maintain adequate depth of field for its region while the composite image achieves high resolution across the entire field
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
This approach allows for the simultaneous generation of high-resolution images across different portions of the field of view, improving image quality and depth information without the need for large, costly sensors, making it economically viable for various applications, including surveillance and autonomous driving.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system configured to receive light from a field of view and direct the received light to a plurality of image planes
Implementation Method 2
The imaging system can also include a beam splitter configured to receive the light from the wide-angle lens and direct the received light to the second image plane
Implementation Method 3
The first plurality of image detectors can be configured to detect at least a portion of the light directed by the optical system to the first image plane and generate first image data
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for obtaining images having enhanced features is described. The imaging system includes an optical system that receives and direct light from a field of view to two or more image planes. The image planes are optically coupled and configured to detect at least a portion of the received light and generate image data corresponding to the field of view. The system can include a processor that receives the image data generated by each plane and combines the data to form a combined image. The combined image can have a higher resolution than any image that can be obtained from the individual image sensors and the image plane may be curved to reduce the cost of optics. The processor can detect objects (e.g., moving objects) contained in images obtained from one image plane and configure the other image planes to obtain more detailed images of the detected objects.