Pantoscopic Grating Imaging Device for Thin Lensless Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in reducing thickness and cost while maintaining low processing loads, particularly in digital cameras for information devices like smartphones, where traditional lens-based methods complicate signal processing and increase hardware requirements.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device configuration that includes a modulator with a first pantoscopic grating pattern and an image sensor, where the grating patterns are concentric and modulate light intensity, allowing for image processing without lenses, thereby reducing operation quantity and expanding the field of view at close range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a microlens array is used to reduce the distance for light collection, then the thickness is reduced, but the processing load increases and the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the microlens array from the optical system, extracting the light collection function to a simple aperture array positioned at the image sensor plane. This eliminates the need for complex lens-based light gathering while maintaining thinness, and simplifies the optical path for easier signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using lenses to converge light before the sensor, the patent inverts the approach by using an aperture array at the sensor plane to directly control light admission. This reversal of the traditional lens-first approach simplifies the optical system while achieving the same light collection effect.
2Reliability
If two lens arrays are arranged to converge light, then imaging is achieved, but the device thickness increases due to required space for arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the aperture array and image sensor into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate lens arrays and their associated spacing. The aperture patterns are directly formed on or near the sensor plane, combining multiple functions into one compact unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a mask or aperture array to create a simplified copy of the lens function, where the aperture patterns directly control light admission without requiring actual lens elements. This copying approach achieves the necessary light convergence effect with much simpler, thinner structure.
3Measurement precision
If traditional lens-based imaging is used, then image quality is maintained, but the field of view at close range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic aperture array where the aperture patterns can be switched or adjusted to adapt to different imaging conditions. This allows the system to optimize the field of view for close-range imaging while maintaining image quality, providing versatility without sacrificing performance.
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 solution enables thin, cost-effective imaging devices with reduced processing loads, achieving efficient image capture and expanded field of view without the need for lenses, suitable for applications like finger vein authentication.
Implementation Method 1
a first pantoscopic grating pattern, which modulates light intensity by passage through the first pantoscopic grating pattern
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor configured to convert light passing through the modulator, to image data
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes: a modulator with a first pantoscopic grating pattern, which is configured to modulate light intensity by passage through the first pantoscopic grating pattern; an image sensor configured to convert light passing through the modulator, to image data, and output the image data; and an image processing unit configured to conduct image processing of restoring an image with the use of the image date output from the image sensor, and the imaging device is characterized in that: the first pantoscopic grating pattern is configured to include multiple basic patterns; and each of the basic patterns has the shape of a concentric circle.