Objective Optics with Polarizing Beam Splitting for HDR Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies struggle to capture high dynamic range images with large brightness variations efficiently without losing light quantity, leading to potential double images or uneven brightness due to geometrical and brightness differences between separate object images.
Innovation Solution
An objective optical system using a polarizing beam splitter with specific transmittance properties and a quarter wave plate to separate object images into different exposures, combined with an imager and processor to align and merge these images, ensuring efficient light utilization and extended dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a polarizing beam splitter is used to separate object images into different exposures, then the dynamic range is extended, but light quantity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the transmittance values of the polarizing beam splitter for different polarizations. By satisfying the conditional expression (Tp+Ts)/(100-Ts)≥1.25, the system optimizes the balance between light utilization and dynamic range extension, achieving high dynamic range imaging without significant light loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite optical system combining a polarizing beam splitter with specific transmittance properties and a quarter wave plate. This composite structure enables the system to separate light into different exposures while maintaining high light efficiency, resolving the contradiction between dynamic range extension and light quantity preservation
2Illumination intensity
If separate object images are captured and merged, then high dynamic range is achieved, but double images or uneven brightness occur due to geometrical and brightness differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separately captured object images into a single high dynamic range image. By using an image processor to combine the first and second object images with different exposures, the system achieves extended dynamic range while maintaining image quality and avoiding artifacts like double images or uneven brightness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through an image processor that analyzes and combines the two object images. The processor uses algorithms to detect and correct geometrical and brightness differences, ensuring precise alignment and seamless merging of the images to produce a high quality high dynamic range result
3Loss of energy
If conventional imaging methods are used, then light quantity is preserved, but dynamic range cannot be extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action through the quarter wave plate and polarizing beam splitter configuration, which periodically separates light into different polarization states and exposures. This periodic optical path division enables the capture of multiple exposure levels while maintaining high light efficiency, extending dynamic range without sacrificing light quantity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a polarizing beam splitter with specifically designed transmittance characteristics. By satisfying the conditional expression involving Tp and Ts, the system optimizes light distribution across different exposure paths, achieving both light efficiency and dynamic range extension simultaneously
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
The system achieves an extended dynamic range of at least 25% without light loss, reducing noise and halation, and allows for clear image resolution of both bright and dark areas, while minimizing manufacturing costs and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a polarizing beam splitter having an optical path dividing surface that divides an optical path into a first optical path that intersects the optical axis of the lens group and a second optical path that extends straight on the optical axis
Implementation Method 2
a quarter wave plate provided between the polarizing beam splitter and the first reflection surface
Implementation Method 3
a first reflection surface provided in the first optical path, a second reflection surface provided in the second optical path
Data Source
AI summary
An objective optical system comprising a lens group that forms an object image, a polarizing beam splitter having an optical path dividing surface that divides an optical path into a first optical path that intersects the optical axis of the lens group and a second optical path that extends straight on the optical axis, a first reflection surface provided in the first optical path, a second reflection surface provided in the second optical path, and a quarter wave plate provided between the polarizing beam splitter and the first reflection surface. The objective optical system satisfies the following conditional expression (1):(Tp+Ts)/(100−Ts)≥1.25 (1)where Tp (%) is the transmittance of the optical path dividing surface for p-polarized light, and Ts (%) is the transmittance of the optical path dividing surface for s-polarized light.