Non-linear Light Focusing Element for Imaging Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems with uniform pixel distributions struggle to provide adequate resolution for objects at different distances, resulting in objects close to the camera appearing larger and more detailed than necessary, while objects farther away appear smaller and less clear, due to a non-linear vertical scale and inefficient use of pixels, particularly in surveillance applications where only a specific area of interest needs to be monitored.
Innovation Solution
A non-linear light focusing element with a unique profile redirects pixels from an undesired zone to a desired zone, ensuring a tailored pixel distribution that matches the aspect ratio of the image sensor, allowing for enhanced resolution and clarity within the area of interest, while eliminating unnecessary pixel usage on outside areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a uniform pixel distribution is used in existing imaging systems, then the manufacturing process is simple and the device complexity is low, but the resolution for objects at different distances is inadequate and pixels are inefficiently used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-linear light focusing element that operates in the optical domain to redistribute pixels across the image sensor. This element maps the two-dimensional pixel array to a transformed coordinate system, enabling non-uniform pixel distribution in the captured image while maintaining uniform sampling in the optical domain. The transformation function T(x,y) remaps pixel coordinates to achieve desired spatial distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of light focusing by using a non-linear focusing element with specific refractive index profiles or curvature. This element modifies the ray trajectories and pixel mapping relationships, transforming the uniform pixel distribution into a non-uniform distribution that matches the aspect ratio requirements and optimizes resolution for objects at different distances.
2Measurement precision
If the number of pixels or pixel density is increased to increase resolution, then the image resolution improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating pixels in specific regions of interest rather than uniformly distributing them across the entire image sensor. The non-linear light focusing element creates a pixel density distribution that is higher in areas where objects are expected to appear and lower in peripheral areas, optimizing the use of available pixels for the specific monitoring application.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing pixel density in the traditional two-dimensional sensor plane, the patent uses a third dimension by introducing a non-linear light focusing element that performs spatial transformation. This allows the system to achieve effective resolution enhancement without proportionally increasing the physical pixel count or sensor area.
3Ease of operation
If a standard lens with uniform pixel distribution is used, then the imaging system is simple and easy to manufacture, but objects close to the camera appear larger and more detailed than necessary while distant objects appear smaller and less clear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by not trying to correct the natural optical behavior of standard lenses through complex post-processing, but rather by pre-transforming the pixel distribution in the optical domain. The non-linear light focusing element creates the desired resolution distribution directly during image capture, eliminating the need for complex computational corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the imaging system by introducing a non-linear light focusing element with specific refractive properties. This element modifies the mapping between object space and image space, creating a non-linear transformation that achieves uniform resolution distribution across the field of view without requiring complex digital signal processing.
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 solution ensures that objects both close to and far from the camera are captured with optimal resolution, improving identification capabilities and reducing unnecessary pixel usage, thereby enhancing image quality and resource efficiency in monitoring specific areas.
Implementation Method 1
a non-linear light focusing element constructed with a profile to form an altered view of a three-dimensional desired zone of the area with a desired pixel distribution. The non-linear light focusing element redirects the pixels of the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system positioned relative to a three-dimensional area for capturing an image includes an image sensor having an X-Y plane and an aspect ratio defined by the quantity of pixels in the X-Y plane; and a non-linear light focusing element constructed with a profile to form an altered view of a three-dimensional desired zone of the area with a desired pixel distribution. The non-linear light focusing element redirects the pixels of the image sensor from an undesired zone of the area to within a frame that encompasses the three-dimensional desired zone of the area to form the altered view of the desired zone. The image sensor captures the altered view of the desired zone to match the aspect ratio of the image sensor.