Segmented Pupil Function for Imaging Saturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging systems face challenges in maintaining image quality under varying and saturating lighting conditions, particularly when the dynamic range of the scene exceeds the detector's capabilities, leading to saturation issues and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of saturation optics with a specially designed pupil function that includes a constant profile path surface and a method for modifying the pupil function to ensure optimal performance under both unsaturated and saturated conditions, using phase modifying optics and signal processing to produce images with reduced aberrations and extended depth of field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional imaging systems are designed for average lighting conditions, then they achieve acceptable performance for typical scenes, but they fail to maintain image quality under saturating lighting conditions or when imaging scenes with extreme dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The pupil function is divided into multiple segments (e.g., central region and outer regions) with different optical characteristics. The central region is optimized for unsaturated imaging while outer regions are optimized for saturated imaging conditions, allowing the system to handle both types of scenes simultaneously through the segmented aperture
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pupil function are assigned different optical properties tailored to specific lighting conditions. The central region uses one set of optical characteristics while outer regions use different characteristics, enabling each region to contribute optimally to the overall image quality under varying illumination conditions
2Ease of manufacture
If the imaging system uses a standard circular pupil function, then the optical system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system produces aberrations and reduced image quality under saturated imaging conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The pupil function is segmented into multiple regions (central and outer) with distinct optical characteristics. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for specific imaging conditions while maintaining overall manufacturability through defined geometric boundaries and phase profiles
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters (phase, amplitude, or both) are changed across different regions of the pupil function. The central region and outer regions have different parameter values optimized for their respective imaging conditions, enabling the system to maintain image quality under both saturated and unsaturated conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging system uses a segmented pupil function with different regions optimized for different conditions, then it maintains image quality across varying lighting conditions, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pupil function is divided into a limited number of segments (typically central and outer regions) rather than numerous complex segments. This moderate segmentation provides adaptability across lighting conditions while keeping the structural complexity manageable through well-defined geometric boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented pupil function serves multiple functions simultaneously: the central region handles unsaturated imaging while outer regions handle saturated imaging. This multi-functionality allows a single optical element to adapt to various lighting conditions without requiring multiple separate optical systems
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 solution enables imaging systems to produce high-quality images across a wide range of illumination intensities, reducing aberrations and maintaining image quality even under saturating conditions, while also allowing for identifiable characteristics that can be used for digital watermarking or artistic purposes.
Implementation Method 1
phase modifying optics for coding a wavefront of electromagnetic energy transmitted therethrough
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for designing a pupil function for use in an imaging system, comprising: selecting a pupil function; calculating a sampled PSF, taking into account characteristics of the imaging system and the pupil function; evaluating the sampled PSF in accordance with a selected metric; and if the sampled PSF does not conform within the selected metric, then modifying the pupil function, using a set of parameter modifications, and repeating the evaluating and modifying of the pupil function until the sampled PSF conforms within the selected metric.