Structured-Light Imaging with Single-Pixel Time-Series Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging technologies face limitations in achieving high-speed, high-sensitivity, and cost-effective imaging due to electrical and mechanical constraints, particularly in the visible light range, making them unsuitable for applications in life sciences and medicine.

Innovation Solution

A high-speed imaging method utilizing an optical system with a structured lighting pattern and a small number of pixel detectors, where the relative positions between the object and the optical system are changed to detect optical signals and reconstruct images using time series signal information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If array type detecting elements are used, then measurement precision is improved, but imaging speed deteriorates due to electrical restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging precisionVSAvoidimaging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection process by using a single pixel detector combined with spatial light modulators that divide the scene into multiple regions. Each modulation pattern encodes information from different spatial regions, allowing parallel information acquisition through sequential modulation rather than simultaneous detection across multiple pixels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds the time dimension to the detection process by using temporal modulation sequences. Instead of relying solely on spatial multiplication (multiple pixels), the system uses multiple modulation states over time to encode spatial information, effectively trading spatial resolution for temporal encoding to achieve high-speed imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If single pixel detector is used, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging speed deteriorates due to mechanical/electrical constraints in spatiotemporal structuring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidimaging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with electrically controlled spatial light modulators. Instead of physically moving mirrors or scanners to create structured lighting patterns, the system uses electrically addressable pixel arrays that can rapidly switch between different modulation patterns, eliminating mechanical inertia and enabling high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If ghost imaging with spatial light modulator is used, then measurement precision is improved, but imaging speed deteriorates due to radiation speed constraint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging precisionVSAvoidimaging speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous useful action by using overlapping modulation patterns and continuous detection during the modulation sequence. Rather than completing one full modulation cycle before detection begins, the system continuously detects while modulating, ensuring that detection is always performing useful work and maximizing information acquisition rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Speed

If STEAM is used, then imaging speed is improved, but sensitivity deteriorates in visible light range and device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging speedVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from time-resolved measurement (as in STEAM) to spatially-encoded simultaneous measurement. Instead of relying on time-correlated single photon counting and frequency-wavelength mapping, the system uses spatial light modulators to encode spatial information directly into the detection signal, enabling high-speed operation without the sensitivity and wavelength range limitations of STEAM.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enables high-speed imaging with a high signal-to-noise ratio, reduces costs, and allows for compact designs, overcoming the speed and sensitivity limitations of existing technologies, including visible fluorescence imaging.

Implementation Method 1

an optical system with a structured lighting pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStructured lighting:

Implementation Method 2

detecting optical signals from an object to be observed through one or a small number of pixel detectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotodetection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11054363B2Dynamic high-speed high-sensitivity imaging device and imaging method

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 THE UNIV OF TOKYO

AI summary

Any one or both of an optical system with a structured lighting pattern and a structured detecting system having a plurality of regions with different optical characteristics are used. In addition, optical signals from an object to be observed through one or a small number of pixel detectors are detected while changing relative positions between the object to be observed and any one of the optical system and the detecting system, time series signal information of the optical signals are obtained, and an image associated with an object to be observed from the time series signal information is reconstructed.