Shifted Coded Aperture Imaging for Lens-Free Image Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems are bulky and heavy due to the use of traditional optics, and they struggle to perform well in extreme environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a static coded aperture that shifts in rotational and translational directions relative to a sensor, forming multiple images which are then deconvolved and combined to improve image quality without the need for lens optics, utilizing piezoelectric elements for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional lens optics are used to focus light onto the sensor, then image quality is improved, but system size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lens assembly from the imaging system, extracting the focusing function and replacing it with a coded aperture mask that creates multiple convolved images. This eliminates the bulky optics while maintaining imaging capability through computational deconvolution algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical focusing system (lenses) with a computational approach. The coded aperture mask combined with deconvolution algorithms substitutes the physical lens function, reducing mechanical complexity and weight while achieving similar imaging results.
2Measurement precision
If traditional lens optics are used to focus light onto the sensor, then image quality is improved, but system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly is extracted from the system, removing the need for large optical components and their associated mounting structures. The coded aperture mask provides a compact alternative that achieves focusing through diffraction and computational processing rather than physical lens curvature.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical lens system is replaced with a computational imaging approach using a coded aperture mask. This substitution dramatically reduces system volume by eliminating the need for large optical elements and complex mechanical focusing mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If a static coded aperture is used without shifting, then system complexity is reduced, but image accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic movement of the coded aperture mask relative to the sensor plane. By shifting the mask in multiple positions during image acquisition, the system captures multiple views of the scene, which when combined through deconvolution, significantly improves image accuracy and depth information while maintaining relatively simple hardware.
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
Enhances image quality and reduces system size and weight by eliminating the need for bulky lens optics, while maintaining robust performance in extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator can include piezoelectric elements connected to the static coded aperture to move the static coded aperture translationally relative to the sensor. The actuator can include piezoelectric elements connected to the static coded aperture to move the static coded aperture rotationally relative to the sensor.
Implementation Method 2
In coded aperture imagery, multiple holes or pinholes are defined through the mask. This forms multiple convolved images on the sensor.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes forming a first image of a scene through a static coded aperture onto a sensor with the static coded aperture in a first position relative to the sensor, shifting the coded aperture to a second position relative to the sensor, and forming a second image of the scene through the static coded aperture onto the sensor with the static coded aperture in the second position. Two or more images can be formed in this way. The method includes forming a combined image by deconvolving the two or more images and combining data from the two or more images into the combined image. The combined image can be a more accurate representation of the scene than either of the first and second images.