Partial Wavelength Spectrum Diaphragm for Simultaneous Visible and Infrared Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing apparatuses fail to simultaneously capture visible light and infra-red light images of a subject in focus due to chromatic aberrations, where the subject is out of focus in images captured in visible light and infra-red light.
Innovation Solution
An image capturing apparatus with a partial wavelength spectrum diaphragm section that includes a light passing section allowing both visible and infra-red light to pass through, and a filter section on the periphery that allows visible light to pass through while blocking infra-red light, enabling the apparatus to generate focused images in both wavelength spectra by overlapping their depth of field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same photographic lens is used for capturing images in near infra-red light and visible light, then the device complexity is reduced, but chromatic aberrations cause the subject to be out of focus in both images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aperture into multiple sections: a central light passing section that allows both visible and infra-red light through, and a peripheral filter section that blocks infra-red light. This segmentation enables different wavelength ranges to be captured separately through the same lens, resolving the chromatic aberration focus issue while maintaining a single lens configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the aperture are assigned different optical properties: the central region has high transparency to both wavelength ranges, while the peripheral region has high absorption for infra-red light. This local differentiation allows the same lens to serve multiple wavelength-specific functions
2Manufacturing precision
If a filter section is added to block infra-red light in the peripheral region, then the manufacturing precision of images is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter function with the aperture structure itself, integrating the infra-red blocking capability into the existing aperture rather than adding a separate filter component. This merging approach improves image focus precision while minimizing increases in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture structure serves multiple functions: it controls the amount of light entering the lens, segments different wavelength ranges, and provides infra-red filtering capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, balancing improved precision with controlled complexity
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
Enables simultaneous capture of visible light and infra-red light images with the same subject in focus, effectively addressing chromatic aberrations and simplifying the apparatus configuration, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a filter section, which is disposed on a periphery of the light passing section, that allows the light in the first wavelength spectrum to pass through but does not allow the light in the second wavelength spectrum to pass through
Implementation Method 2
Through the present invention, a visible light image and an infra-red light image in which the same subject is in focus can be captured simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing apparatus is provided that simultaneously captures a visible light image and an infra-red light image in which the same subject is in focus. The image capturing apparatus includes a light receiving section that receives light from a subject; a partial wavelength spectrum diaphragm section that is disposed between the subject and the light receiving section and that includes a light passing section that allows light in a first wavelength spectrum and light in a second wavelength spectrum to pass through and a filter section, which is disposed on a periphery of the light passing section, that allows the light in the first wavelength spectrum to pass through but does not allow the light in the second wavelength spectrum to pass through; and an image generating section that generates a first image based on the light in the first wavelength spectrum received by the light receiving section via the light passing section and the filter section and generates a second image based on the light in the second wavelength spectrum received by the light receiving section via the light passing section.