Polychromatic Patterned Filter Light-Field Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light-field imaging systems either multiplex low-resolution light fields into a single 2D sensor image or require multiple photographs to acquire high-resolution light fields, limiting the resolution and efficiency of image refocusing.
Innovation Solution
A compressive light field camera architecture utilizing a polychromatic patterned filter at an intermediate plane between the imaging lens and detector array, which spatially modulates light and enables robust sparse reconstruction of 4D light field data from a single coded 2D projection, eliminating the need for RGB filters and allowing higher-resolution image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional light-field imaging systems use a micro-lens array or gray-level patterned filter, then light propagation information can be collected, but the resolution of the light field is reduced or multiple photographs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a polychromatic patterned filter that combines multiple functions into a single composite element. This filter integrates wavelength differentiation (similar to RGB filters) with spatial modulation (similar to micro-lens arrays or gray-level patterns) in one structure, enabling high-resolution light field capture without requiring multiple separate components or multiple photographs
Solution Approach 2:
The polychromatic patterned filter performs multiple functions simultaneously: it separates different wavelength ranges (colors), spatially modulates the light field, and enables compressed sensing for high-resolution reconstruction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate RGB filters on the detector array and micro-lens arrays, simplifying the overall device while improving performance
2Measurement precision
If RGB filters are placed directly on the detector array, then color information can be captured, but the spatial resolution and light field quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate polychromatic patterned filter plane positioned between the imaging lens and the detector array. This intermediary filter performs wavelength separation and spatial modulation before the light reaches the detector, allowing the detector to capture high-resolution spatial information while the filter handles color differentiation. This separates the color filtering function from the spatial detection function, preventing information loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the color filtering operation from the detector plane (2D array) to an intermediate plane in the optical path. By placing the polychromatic patterned filter in this intermediate plane, the system adds a dimensional separation between color differentiation and spatial detection, allowing both functions to operate optimally without interfering with each other
3Measurement precision
If multiple photographs are taken to acquire high-resolution light fields, then resolution can be improved, but the time required and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies compressed sensing theory to design the polychromatic patterned filter in advance, optimizing its pattern to enable high-resolution light field reconstruction from a single photograph. The filter pattern is pre-designed to satisfy the compressed sensing requirements, allowing the system to achieve high resolution without requiring multiple photographs or complex post-processing sequences
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 higher-resolution light field imaging with improved signal-to-noise ratio and optical resolution, allowing for refocusing of images onto different object planes without the need for multiple photographs, thus enhancing the capabilities of light field data collection and processing.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes a polychromatic patterned filter located at an intermediate plane between an imaging lens arrangement and a detector array... spatially modulates the incoming light of different wavelength ranges (colors) into a structured light
Implementation Method 2
collection of data about light propagation to generate a four-dimensional image data... utilize a polychromatic patterned filter located at an intermediate plane between an imaging lens arrangement and a detector array
Data Source
AI summary
A light-field imaging system and a method for generating light-field image data are presented. The system comprising an imaging lens unit, a detector array and a polychromatic patterned filter located in optical path of collected light, being at an intermediate plane between the lens unit and the detector array. The method comprising: acquiring image data of a region of interest by passing input light coming from said region of interest through said imaging lens unit and said polychromatic patterned filter to be detected by said detector array to generate corresponding image data; and processing said image data to determined light components passing through different regions of said polychromatic patterned filter corresponding to different colors and different parts of the region of interest to provide light-field image data of said region of interest.