Pinhole Array Optical Device for Compact High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical devices, such as telescopes, require large optics and support structures for high image resolution and magnification, which can be undesirable due to size and thermal control challenges, especially in applications where compactness and precision are needed.
Innovation Solution
An optical device incorporating a pinhole array layer with controllable apertures and associated image sensors, along with deformable mirrors and image processing circuitry, which allows for adjustable image resolution and magnification without the need for large lenses, using piezoelectric material layers and controllers to manage aperture size and mirror shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large optics and support structures are used to achieve high image resolution and magnification, then image quality improves, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple pinhole apertures arranged in an array, replacing a single large lens with multiple small apertures. Each pinhole creates a separate image on the sensor array, and computational algorithms combine these images to achieve high resolution without requiring large individual optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical components (large lenses and mirrors) with a pinhole array and computational processing. Instead of using refractive or reflective optics to achieve resolution, the system uses geometric projection through pinholes combined with digital image reconstruction algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If large optics and support structures are used to achieve high image resolution and magnification, then image quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple identical pinhole units, each corresponding to a region on the sensor array. This modular approach simplifies the overall design by repeating simple geometric elements rather than requiring complex lens systems with multiple elements and precise alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical systems with a static pinhole array and computational algorithms. The complexity is shifted from physical optical components to software-based image reconstruction, eliminating the need for precision mechanical assemblies, thermal control systems, and complex support structures.
3Measurement precision
If large optics are used to achieve high image resolution, then measurement precision improves, but thermal control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pinhole array consists of multiple small, discrete apertures that can be distributed across a compact substrate. This segmentation allows for efficient heat dissipation across the array and reduces the thermal mass compared to large monolithic optics, making thermal control more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing large optical components with a pinhole array and computational processing, the system eliminates the need for complex thermal control mechanisms required by large lenses and mirrors. The reduced physical size and lower thermal mass of the pinhole array inherently simplify thermal management.
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 high-resolution imaging with reduced size and weight, improved signal-to-noise ratio, and flexible operation across various light spectrums, including visible, UV, and NIR, while maintaining a compact and efficient thermal profile, suitable for applications like space situational awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a pinhole array layer having a plurality of pinhole array apertures therein... each pinhole array aperture may have a controllable size
Implementation Method 2
Each mirror may reflect incoming E/M radiation passing through the respective pinhole array aperture to the respective image sensor
Implementation Method 3
The pinhole array layer may include a plurality of piezoelectric material layers in stacked relation... Each pinhole array aperture may have a controllable size
Implementation Method 4
The at least one mirror may include a deformable micro mirror... controller coupled to each the at least one mirror to control a shape thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device may include a pinhole array layer having pinhole array apertures therein. The pinhole array layer may have a first side to be directed toward incoming electromagnetic (E/M) radiation, and a second side opposite the first side. The optical device may also include image sensors. Each image sensor may include image sensing pixels adjacent the second side of the pinhole array layer. The optical device may also include mirrors. Each mirror may be associated with a respective image sensor and respective pinhole array aperture defining a camera. Each mirror may reflect incoming E/M radiation passing through the respective pinhole array aperture to the respective image sensor. A respective baffle may be between adjacent cameras.