Polarization Image Sensor for Simultaneous Multi-View Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical imaging systems face challenges in simultaneously capturing multiple images without the need for synchronization between multiple cameras.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging apparatus comprising a polarizer assembly, a polarization image sensor, and a lens assembly, which acquires and processes images of different polarization components from the same light flux, allowing for simultaneous capture of multiple images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple cameras are used to capture multiple images simultaneously, then the capability to capture multiple images is improved, but the device complexity and synchronization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polarization components of light using polarizer assemblies positioned at different orientations (e.g., 0° and 45°) within a single camera system. This allows different polarization states to be captured simultaneously by different pixel regions without requiring multiple separate cameras, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining simultaneous capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the polarization dimension as an additional parameter for image capture. By using polarization image sensors that can detect multiple polarization components simultaneously, the system captures images not only in spatial dimensions but also in polarization space, enabling multi-image capture from a single camera without increasing hardware complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to capture images from different positions, then the coverage of adjacent objects is improved, but the synchronization requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor array into multiple regions, each sensitive to different polarization components. This segmentation allows the single camera to capture images representing different viewing angles or object positions simultaneously through polarization multiplexing, eliminating the need for multiple cameras and their associated synchronization requirements while maintaining the ability to recognize adjacent objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarization image sensor serves multiple functions by simultaneously detecting different polarization components that correspond to different spatial views. This multi-functionality allows a single camera to replace multiple cameras, providing universal coverage of adjacent objects without the reliability issues of synchronization between multiple devices.
3Device complexity
If a single camera is used to capture multiple polarization components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of polarization separation is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple polarizer assemblies with precisely controlled orientations (e.g., 0° and 45°) that are manufactured as separate components and then assembled. This segmentation of the polarization separation function into discrete, manufacturable polarizer elements facilitates precise polarization component separation while maintaining simple single-camera hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarizer assemblies as intermediary optical elements between the light source and the polarization image sensor. These intermediaries perform the polarization separation function with high precision, allowing the single camera to accurately capture different polarization components without requiring complex manufacturing of the entire imaging system.
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 simultaneous acquisition of multiple images from different positions on the same optical axis, eliminating the need for multiple cameras and synchronization, while also allowing for the recognition of adjacent objects regardless of their material or color.
Implementation Method 1
a polarizer assembly configured to acquire a first light ray of a first polarization component and a second light ray of a second polarization component which is different from the first polarization component, by using a light flux from an identical direction
Implementation Method 2
a polarization image sensor located in a position facing the polarizer assembly, and configured to acquire an image of the first polarization component and an image of the second polarization component at once or at the same time
Implementation Method 3
a lens assembly including a first lens configured to form the images on the polarization image sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical imaging apparatus comprising a polarizer assembly, a polarization image sensor, and a lens assembly. The polarizer assembly is configured to acquire a first light ray of a first polarization component and a second light ray of a second polarization component which is different from the first polarization component, by using a light flux from an identical direction. The polarization image sensor is located in a position facing the polarizer assembly. The polarization image sensor is configured to acquire an image of the first polarization component and an image of the second polarization component at once or at the same time. The lens assembly includes a first lens configured to form the images on the polarization image sensor.