Ultra-thin Planar Lens-less Camera Using Pixel Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical imaging systems require bulky lenses and external optical components, limiting their compactness and efficiency in forming images without the need for external optical components.
Innovation Solution
A lens-less imaging device comprising multiple pixels or grating couplers, each with a unique optical element or angle, allowing them to capture light from different directions and form an image through overlapping fields of view and optical transfer functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lenses are used to form images, then image formation quality is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional lens component entirely from the imaging system. Instead of using a lens to focus light, the invention uses an array of photodetectors with associated optical elements (microlenses, gratings, or metalenses) that directly couple light to the detectors. This extraction of the lens eliminates the need for bulky external optical components while maintaining image formation capability through computational imaging techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional 3D optical path approach to a planar, 2D array architecture. By arranging photodetectors and optical elements in a flat array configuration, the system achieves lens-less imaging without requiring the depth and volume of traditional lens systems. This dimensional change enables ultra-thin device profiles while preserving imaging functionality through the spatial arrangement of array elements.
2Device complexity
If external optical components are removed to reduce device size, then compactness is improved, but image formation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function across multiple segmented elements in an array configuration. Instead of relying on a single lens to perform all optical functions, the system uses numerous photodetectors (e.g., 100x100 array) with individual optical elements that collectively capture and process light from different directions. This segmentation distributes the imaging task across many small components, enabling compact size while maintaining image formation capability through computational reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each pixel element multi-functional by equipping photodetectors with optical elements that provide both light collection and directional sensitivity. The same optical element serves multiple purposes: focusing light onto the detector, defining the field of view, and enabling angular discrimination. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate external optical components while preserving complete imaging capability.
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 the formation of images without external lenses, resulting in a thin, compact, and efficient imaging system capable of capturing light from various angles, enhancing image resolution and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
each optical element is a transparent dielectric element having a different angle relative to a reference angle
Implementation Method 2
A lens-less imaging device includes, in part, a multitude of grating couplers each adapted to be responsive to a different direction of light received from a target
Implementation Method 3
a multitude of pixels each having a light detector and an associated optical element adapted to cause the pixel to be responsive to a different direction of light received from a target
Data Source
AI summary
A lens-less imaging device, includes, in part, a multitude of pixels each having a light detector and an associated optical element adapted to cause the pixel to be responsive to a different direction of light received from a target. Each pixel has a field of view that overlaps with a field of view of at least a subset of the remaining pixels. The optical element may be a transparent dielectric element, a transparent MEMS component, a transparent microlens, or include one or more metallic walls. The optical element may be a continuous mapping layer formed over the pixels. Each pixel may or may not have a Gaussian distribution response. The lens-less imaging device forms an image of a target in accordance with an optical transfer functions of the pixels as well as responses of the pixels to the light received from the target.