Plenoptic Camera Spatial Light Modulator View Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plenoptic cameras reduce the number of views when controlling light and depth of field by partially closing the iris, which blocks peripheral light beams and masks outer views.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a spatial light modulator (SLM) in the aperture stop plane of the camera lens, allowing individual cells to switch between blocking and allowing light, enabling precise control of light quantity without deleting any views, specifically using a liquid crystal display panel to manage light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the iris is partially closed to control light and depth of field, then the amount of light reaching the photosensor array is reduced, but the number of views is reduced and outer views are masked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aperture stop plane into multiple independently controllable regions corresponding to different angular ranges or views. Each region can be selectively opened or closed to control light from specific directions, allowing the system to reduce overall light exposure while preserving all angular views by only blocking light paths that exceed exposure requirements rather than blocking entire views.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different light blocking properties to different spatial locations within the aperture stop plane. Each region is independently controlled to have the appropriate level of light transmission needed for its specific angular range, enabling precise local control of light intensity without uniformly blocking all peripheral views as traditional iris diaphragms do.
2Reliability
If the iris is partially closed to increase depth of field, then the amount of light is reduced, but peripheral light beams are blocked and outer views are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture stop plane is segmented into multiple independently controllable zones that correspond to different spatial frequencies or angular ranges. This segmentation allows the system to selectively control light from different directions, enabling depth of field enhancement through controlled light reduction while preserving peripheral view information by maintaining open paths for oblique light rays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable light control elements at different positions within the aperture stop plane, allowing real-time modification of light transmission characteristics. This dynamic control enables the system to adaptively adjust depth of field and light exposure independently for different angular ranges, maintaining peripheral views while achieving the desired depth of field effect.
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
This solution allows for the control of light reaching the photosensors array without reducing the number of views, maintaining all views of the scene while adjusting light and depth of field, unlike traditional diaphragms which block peripheral light and views.
Implementation Method 1
each cell being configured to switch between a first state and a second state, the first state corresponding to a state where the cell blocks light and the second state corresponding to a state where the cell lets light passing through the cell
Data Source
AI summary
A plenoptic camera including a camera lens, a lenslet array having a plurality of microlenses and a photosensors array and having a plurality of photosensors. The camera lens has a spatial light modulator arranged in the aperture stop plane of the camera lens.