Rotating Mirror High-Speed Imaging Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-speed imaging systems are large, costly, and inflexible, limiting their application in resource-limited environments and preventing efficient visualization of dynamic events in microfluidics studies, such as blood plasma separation, due to their size and high maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-cost high-speed imaging apparatus utilizing an optical encoder and rotating mirror to encode and project images, allowing for single-directional rotation and spatial shifting of encoded images across an image sensor for simultaneous high-frame-rate capture, with real-time data encryption capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional high-speed imaging systems use multiple CCD sensors and high-speed turbine mechanisms, then ultra-high frame rates can be achieved, but the physical dimensions become large and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into two functional segments: an optical encoder that performs spatial encoding of the image, and a rotating mirror that performs temporal scanning. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and smaller, avoiding the need for large arrays of CCD sensors while achieving ultra-high frame rates through the combination of spatial encoding and temporal multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical system of multiple CCD sensors and helium-driven turbines with an optical encoding system combined with a single rotating mirror. The optical encoder uses optical elements (lenses, mirrors, or spatial light modulators) to perform the encoding function, substituting mechanical complexity with optical processing, thereby reducing physical dimensions and maintenance requirements.
2Productivity
If conventional high-speed imaging systems use custom-designed high-speed electronics and multiple sensors, then high frame rates are achieved, but build costs and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating mirror serves multiple functions: it acts as both the scanning element for temporal multiplexing and the deflecting element for directing encoded images to the sensor array. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for custom-designed high-speed electronics and multiple specialized sensors, using instead a single mirror and standard image sensors, thereby reducing both build and maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical encoder creates multiple spatial copies of the image data encoded with different spatial patterns, which are then temporally multiplexed onto a single sensor array. This copying approach allows standard image sensors to be used instead of requiring specialized high-speed sensors, reducing manufacturing costs and improving ease of maintenance.
3Reliability
If conventional high-speed imaging systems use fixed configurations, then stable operation is achieved, but flexibility and adaptability to different object dimensions are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through the optical encoder, which can modify its encoding patterns in real-time based on the imaging requirements. The spatial light modulator or variable mask can change the encoding scheme dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to different object dimensions and imaging conditions while maintaining stable operation through controlled modulation rather than mechanical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (encoding patterns, modulation frequencies, mirror rotation speeds) dynamically to adapt to different imaging scenarios. This allows the same hardware configuration to maintain stable operation across various object dimensions by adjusting software-controlled parameters rather than requiring physical reconfiguration.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional systems require high storage capacities to handle large data volumes, then complete image capture is achieved, but resource requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical encoder performs preliminary spatial encoding and compression of the image data before it reaches the sensor array. By encoding the image spatially and temporally multiplexing it, the system reduces the instantaneous data volume that needs to be stored and processed, while still capturing complete information through the encoding scheme. This preliminary encoding action reduces storage requirements compared to capturing full-resolution frames at ultra-high frame rates.
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 efficient, flexible, and portable high-speed imaging of non-repeatable dynamic events at ultra-high frame rates for extended capture durations, maximizing captured frames and ensuring secure data handling.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating mirror configured to rotate and to receive and subsequently project the encoded image
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus (100, 300) comprising: an optical encoder (150, 350) configured to provide an encoded image of an object (110) with at least one mask pattern; a rotating mirror (170) configured to receive and project said encoded image; and an image sensor (180) configured to receive said encoded; wherein, said rotating mirror (170) is operable such that a plurality of encoded images, which are individually projected by said rotating mirror (170) are spatially shifted as a result of rotation of said rotating mirror (170), are swept across said image sensor (180).