Multizone Optics for Extended Depth Imaging Without Autofocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems for extended depth of field suffer from complex optical designs with multiple components, non-uniform modulation transfer functions, and image distortions, such as ring-shaped halos, and lack effective image processing methods.
Innovation Solution
A multizone optical unit with minimized side peaks and an image processing unit using convolutional neural networks or Wiener filters to reconstruct sharp images from intermediate blurred images, eliminating the need for additional optical elements and user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multifocal imaging systems with multiple optical components are used, then extended depth of field is achieved, but image quality deteriorates due to non-uniform modulation transfer functions and optical distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical systems (multiple lenses, phase masks) with a computational approach using a single optical element and digital image processing. The neural network-based image processing unit computationally reconstructs sharp images from blurred intermediate images, eliminating the need for multiple precision-optical components while maintaining extended depth of field capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent intentionally introduces controlled optical aberrations (spherical aberration, coma) as parameters to be optimized. Rather than eliminating all aberrations through complex optics, the system uses a single optical element with specific aberration profiles and compensates through computational methods, changing the approach from optical precision to computational correction.
2Reliability
If additional optical elements are added to achieve extended depth of field, then depth of field is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the depth of field extension function from the optical domain and relocates it to the computational domain. Instead of using multiple optical elements to achieve extended depth of field, the system uses a single optical element to capture images and then applies neural network-based processing to extend the depth of field computationally, significantly reducing optical component complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/optical complexity with computational simplicity. A single optical element replaces multiple precision lenses and phase masks, while the neural network processing unit handles the complexity of depth of field extension digitally, reducing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If conventional optical systems are used, then image capture is performed, but autofocus delay occurs when focusing on objects at varying distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary computational processing to eliminate the need for autofocus. By using a single optical element that captures the entire scene with controlled aberrations and then applying neural network-based image processing, the system pre-computes the final image without requiring time-consuming mechanical focusing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical autofocus mechanisms with computational focusing. Instead of moving lenses or adjusting optical elements to achieve focus, the system uses neural networks to computationally refocus images captured with a fixed optical element, eliminating autofocus delay entirely.
4Reliability
If multiple phase masks and optical components are used, then extended depth of field is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the extended depth of field function from complex optical assemblies and implements it through a single optical element combined with computational processing. This extraction eliminates the need for multiple precision-manufactured optical components, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the extended depth of field capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, precision-manufactured optical components with a single, simpler optical element that can be manufactured more cheaply. The computational processing unit, while adding complexity, uses software algorithms that can be updated and modified without physical manufacturing changes, reducing overall system cost.
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
Achieves sharp images across varying distances without autofocus delay, maintaining image quality and reducing manufacturing costs, with invariant point spread and modulation transfer functions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical unit configured to simultaneously form intermediate images of an object at different distances with a blur effect on at least parts of images of the object
Implementation Method 2
an image processing unit communicatively connected to the sensor and the optical device, wherein the image processing unit is configured to process the intermediate images of the object with the blur effect
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for extended depth of field imaging are provided. The device includes an optical device configured to simultaneously form intermediate images of an object at different distances with a blur effect on at least parts of images of the object, the optical device comprising at least one optical element and at least two pupil zones formed to provide a predetermined distribution of optical powers and aberrations within each of the at least two pupil zones, based on which point spread function is formed, defined by a curve with minimized side peaks compared to a central peak in a given range of object distances, each of the at least two pupil zones corresponding to a respective given range of object distances and a respective given range of field angles, a sensor configured to simultaneously register the intermediate images formed by the optical device from different object distances and at different field angles, and an image processor communicatively connected to the sensor and the optical device, wherein the image processor is configured to process the intermediate images of the object with the blur effect on at least parts of the images of the object registered by the sensor, the intermediate images being processed based on an obtained point spread function over the given range of object distances and field angles, and reconstruct resulting images without the blur effect at output regardless of object distances.