Polarizing Prism Stereo Imaging for Thick Specimens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image acquisition apparatuses struggle to acquire clear and high-resolution stereo images of thick or inconsistently thick subjects due to inaccuracies in autofocus and limited depth of field.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a polarizing prism unit with specific polarization angles based on the binocular parallax angle of a person, combined with image collecting units positioned at angles considering the binocular parallax, to enhance depth of field and accurately implement binocular parallax for stereo image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If lenses with long focal lengths are used to cover thick subjects at high magnification, then the depth of field increases, but the optical structure of existing microscopes becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple image collecting units (first image collecting unit and second image collecting unit) that capture images at different focal depths simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to cover thick subjects with inconsistent thickness by collecting images from multiple depth planes, effectively increasing the functional depth of field without requiring a single complex long-focal-length lens
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the optical system by adding image collecting units at different angular positions (e.g., 45 degrees and 135 degrees relative to the optical axis). This multi-dimensional arrangement enables simultaneous capture of images from different depth planes and angles, resolving the limitation of traditional single-plane microscopy for thick specimens
2Ease of operation
If autofocus is used for subjects with inconsistent thickness, then image acquisition is simplified, but accuracy deteriorates due to inconsistent thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing multiple images at different focal planes simultaneously before any focusing adjustment is needed. The image collecting units are pre-positioned to capture images from different depth ranges, allowing the system to acquire complete depth information in a single shot without requiring iterative autofocus adjustments that fail for thick, inconsistent specimens
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple optical copies of the specimen at different focal depths through separate image collecting units. Each unit captures a copy of the specimen image from a different depth plane, and these copies are then processed to reconstruct the complete three-dimensional structure, eliminating the need for single-point autofocus
3Device complexity
If stereo image acquisition is implemented without considering binocular parallax, then the system is simpler, but the stereo image accuracy for human observation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring image collecting units at specific angular positions that correspond to human binocular parallax (e.g., 45 degrees and 135 degrees). Each image collecting unit is positioned to capture images from angles that mimic the human eye separation, creating locally optimized views that when combined produce accurate stereo images for human observation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular parameter of the image collecting units to match human binocular parallax. By setting the angles at 45 degrees and 135 degrees relative to the optical axis, the system adjusts its geometric parameters to align with human visual perception characteristics, enabling accurate stereo image generation without requiring complex adaptive optics
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 configuration allows for the acquisition of high-magnification, high-resolution two-dimensional images with improved depth of focus, even for thick or inconsistently thick subjects, while accurately implementing binocular parallax for stereo imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarization unit having a first polarization angle obtained by adding half a binocular parallax angle of a person to 45°, and a second polarization unit disposed to be in contact with the first polarization unit and having a second polarization angle obtained by subtracting half of the binocular parallax angle of a person from 45°
Implementation Method 2
a first image collecting unit for collecting a first light beam passed through the first polarization unit, and a second image collecting unit for collecting a second light beam refracted through the second polarization unit
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image acquisition apparatus capable of acquiring a clear and high-resolution stereo image by increasing the depth of field for a thick subject or a subject with inconsistent thickness. An image acquisition apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a polarizing prism unit for splitting an incident light beam; and a plurality of image collecting units for collecting the split light beam from the polarizing prism unit, in which the polarizing prism unit includes: a first polarization unit having a first polarization angle obtained by adding half a binocular parallax angle of a person to 45°, and a second polarization unit disposed to be in contact with the first polarization unit and having a second polarization angle obtained by subtracting half of the binocular parallax angle of a person from 45°.