Rectangular Pixel Imaging Device for Multi-Viewpoint Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices that generate multi-viewpoint images using a microlens array suffer from a trade-off between the resolution of the arbitrary viewing field and the number of pixels, leading to decreased two-dimensional resolution due to unnecessary pixels when acquiring images in only one direction.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device with a microlens array where each pixel of the imaging element has a rectangular shape, allowing each lens to be assigned to at least two pixels along the shorter-side direction, optimizing the number of lens-assignment pixels and enhancing the two-dimensional resolution of multi-viewpoint images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If square pixels are assigned to each microlens in a microlens array, then the resolution of angular information is improved, but the two-dimensional resolution of reconstructed images decreases due to unnecessary pixels when acquiring multi-viewpoint images in only one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the pixel shape from square to rectangular, with the longer side aligned in the direction where multiple viewpoint images are acquired. This asymmetric configuration allows the imaging element to capture light ray information in one direction while maintaining high two-dimensional resolution, eliminating the waste of pixels that occurs with square pixel arrangements when only single-direction multi-viewpoint images are needed.
2Measurement precision
If the number of lens-assignment pixels is increased to improve angular resolution, then the resolution of arbitrary viewing field is improved, but the number of pixels available for two-dimensional coordinates decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional square pixel arrangements to one-dimensional rectangular pixel arrangements by aligning the longer side of rectangular pixels in the direction of multi-viewpoint acquisition. This dimensional reconfiguration allows all pixels to be effectively utilized for capturing light ray information without wasting pixels in the perpendicular direction, thereby maintaining both angular resolution and two-dimensional resolution.
3Productivity
If rectangular pixels with longer side in the direction of multi-viewpoint acquisition are used, then pixel utilization is optimized and two-dimensional resolution is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the pixel shape specifically rectangular rather than square, with the longer side oriented in the direction where multiple viewpoint images are acquired. This localized structural optimization ensures that pixels are efficiently utilized only where needed for multi-viewpoint acquisition, while maintaining simplicity in other aspects of the device configuration.
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 eliminates pixel waste, sets the necessary minimum number of lens-assignment pixels, and increases the two-dimensional resolution of multi-viewpoint images by effectively utilizing all pixels, while also reducing the total number of pixels in the imaging element for size and cost reduction, and improving data readout speed.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device employing a microlens array... includes an imaging lens having an aperture stop, a microlens array, an imaging element... allows the imaging element to obtain imaging data including not only the intensity distribution of light but also information on the traveling directions of the light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an imaging device, including: an imaging lens configured to have an aperture stop; an imaging element configured to include a plurality of pixels that each have a rectangular shape as a planar shape and are arranged in a matrix as a whole, and acquire imaging data based on received light; and a lens array unit configured to be disposed on an image forming plane of the imaging lens and include a plurality of lenses, a respective one of the lenses being assigned to n, n is an integer equal to or larger than 2, pixels arranged along a shorter-side direction of the pixels having the rectangular shape in the imaging element.