Single-Sensor Multiview Imaging With Cholesteric Liquid Crystals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face challenges in creating multiple views with a single image sensor and efficiently switching between different spectral bands of light without mechanical mechanisms, while maintaining compactness and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system utilizing a single sensor with multiple lenses, a multi-band pass filter, and cholesteric liquid crystals to selectively transmit and reflect specific wavelength bands, allowing simultaneous capture of multiple views and spectral bands using a single optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image sensors are used to capture multiple views and spectral bands, then imaging capability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single image sensor that performs multiple functions by capturing different spectral bands (visible, near-infrared, short-wave infrared) and multiple views through a shared optical path. The sensor is configured with multiple photodetector arrays, each sensitive to different wavelength ranges, allowing one sensor to replace what would traditionally require multiple sensors for different imaging modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single shared optical path where light from different spectral bands and viewing angles is directed to a single image sensor. This is achieved through beam combining optics and wavelength-division multiplexing, consolidating what would traditionally require separate optical systems into one integrated path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical switching mechanisms are used to switch between spectral bands, then spectral band switching capability is improved, but device complexity and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switching mechanisms with an optical-based spectral separation system using diffraction gratings and beam splitters. Light is separated into different spectral bands through optical dispersion and directed to appropriate photodetector arrays without any moving parts, eliminating mechanical complexity and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic spectral band selection through electronic control of shutter elements and adjustable optical components rather than mechanical switching. The system can rapidly switch between spectral bands by electronically controlling which photodetector arrays are active and adjusting optical path routing, enabling fast, reliable spectral transitions without mechanical wear.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical paths are used for different spectral bands, then spectral band capture capability is improved, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple optical functions within a single compact optical path by integrating diffraction gratings, beam splitters, and wavelength division multiplexing components in a nested arrangement. Different spectral bands are separated and routed through nested optical stages, allowing multiple spectral capture capabilities to coexist in a compact footprint without requiring separate optical paths for each band.
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 capture of multiple views and spectral bands with a compact and cost-effective setup, suitable for applications like biometric identification and driver monitoring, while reducing system size and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-band pass filter capable of filtering light by allowing light having a first wavelength band and light having a second wavelength band to pass through
Implementation Method 2
at least one cholesteric liquid crystal pair, each of the at least one cholesteric liquid crystal pairs tuned to one of the first and second wavelength bands filtered by the multi-band pass filter
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system may comprise: an image sensor; a first lens having a first field of view; a second lens having a second field of view; a multi-band pass filter capable of filtering light by allowing light having a first wavelength and light having a second wavelength to pass through; at least one cholesteric liquid crystal pair, each of the at least one cholesteric liquid crystal pairs tuned to one of the first and second wavelengths filtered by the multi-band pass filter; wherein the image sensor, the multi-band pass filter, the at least one cholesteric liquid crystal pairs, the first lens, and the second lens may be in optical communication with one another; and wherein scenes captured by at least one of the first and second lenses may be transmitted to the image sensor.