Polarization Lightfield Camera for Simultaneous 2D and 3D Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cameras require separate structures and operation principles to acquire two-dimensional and three-dimensional information, limiting their ability to simultaneously capture both types of data.
Innovation Solution
A lightfield camera with an optical system comprising a polarizer, polarization switching layer, polarization-dependent concave lens, and polarization micro lens array, which adjusts polarization direction to selectively focus or disperse light based on its polarization, allowing simultaneous acquisition of two-dimensional and three-dimensional information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a general two-dimensional camera focuses object light directly onto an image sensor, then high resolution two-dimensional information is acquired, but only two-dimensional information without three-dimensional spatial information is obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into multiple polarization-specific channels. By using a polarization-dependent concave lens and polarization micro lens array, different polarization components of light are separated and directed to different focal points on the image sensor, enabling simultaneous acquisition of both 2D and 3D information from the same scene
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single camera system capable of multiple functions by incorporating polarization-sensitive optical elements. The same optical system can acquire both two-dimensional image information and three-dimensional spatial information simultaneously by utilizing different polarization states of light, eliminating the need for separate 2D and 3D cameras
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lightfield camera focuses light onto a micro lens array to acquire three-dimensional spatial information, then three-dimensional information is obtained, but image resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical treatments to different spatial locations on the image sensor based on polarization direction. The polarization-dependent concave lens creates different focal points for different polarization components, allowing certain regions to capture 3D spatial information while maintaining high resolution 2D information in other regions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the polarization dimension to the optical system. By exploiting the polarization state of light as an additional dimension, the system can separate and process different types of information (2D vs 3D) simultaneously without compromising the resolution of either, effectively adding a new degree of freedom to the imaging process
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate two-dimensional camera and three-dimensional camera are provided to acquire both types of information, then both two-dimensional and three-dimensional information can be acquired, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate 2D and 3D cameras into a single integrated system. By combining a polarization-dependent concave lens, polarization micro lens array, and image sensor into one optical path, the system achieves dual 2D and 3D information acquisition capabilities without requiring multiple separate camera devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters (focal length, refractive index) of the concave lens and micro lens array based on the polarization direction of incident light. This parameter change allows the same optical components to perform different functions (2D imaging vs 3D spatial encoding) depending on the polarization state, eliminating the need for separate devices
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 capture of two-dimensional and three-dimensional information using a single camera, enhancing imaging capabilities without the need for separate devices.
Implementation Method 1
a polarizer configured to adjust a polarization state of object light scattered from an object to one polarization direction
Implementation Method 2
a polarization switching layer disposed at a rear end of the polarizer based on a direction of travel of the object light, and configured to adjust a polarization state of the object light having passed through the polarizer
Implementation Method 3
a polarization-dependent concave lens disposed at a rear end of the main lens based on the direction of travel of the object light, and configured to transmit or disperse light incident on the polarization-dependent concave lens depending on a polarization direction of the light
Implementation Method 4
a polarization micro lens array disposed at a rear end of the polarization-dependent concave lens based on the direction of travel of the object light, and configured to focus or transmit light incident on the polarization micro lens array depending on a polarization direction of the light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a lightfield camera that can simultaneously acquire two-dimensional information and three-dimensional spatial information from the same depth. An optical system includes a polarizer configured to adjust a polarization state of object light scattered from an object to one polarization direction, a polarization switching layer disposed at a rear end of the polarizer, and configured to adjust a polarization state of the object light having passed through the polarizer, a main lens configured to receive the light having passed through the polarization switching layer and focus the light to one focal point, a polarization-dependent concave lens disposed at a rear end of the main lens, and configured to transmit or disperse light depending on a polarization direction of the light, and a polarization micro lens array disposed at a rear end of the polarization-dependent concave lens, and configured to focus or transmit light.