Spectral Prism Camera Depth of Field Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses experience operation delays when focusing on subjects within a predetermined distance range, as they require frequent calculations of imaging element positions, leading to inefficiencies in capturing high-quality images.
Innovation Solution
The use of a spectral prism camera with multiple imaging units capturing images at different depths of field, utilizing a cross prism to reflect and transmit light at specific wavelengths, allowing for simultaneous imaging and synthesis of visible and near-infrared light, thereby expanding the depth of field and preventing operation delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the imaging apparatus uses a single imaging element with adjustable focus, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity decreases due to operation delays when calculating distances and driving imaging elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple imaging elements (first imaging element and second imaging element) with different fixed focal distances. Each imaging element is dedicated to capturing images at specific depth ranges, eliminating the need for real-time distance calculation and element repositioning. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by accepting increased device complexity in exchange for significantly improved productivity and reduced operation delays.
2Productivity
If the imaging apparatus uses multiple imaging elements with different focal distances, then the productivity improves by eliminating operation delays, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an optical path dividing unit that dynamically routes incoming light to different imaging elements based on wavelength and reflection characteristics. This dynamic optical path management allows the system to efficiently handle multiple depth ranges without requiring mechanical repositioning of imaging elements, thus improving productivity while managing device complexity through intelligent light routing rather than physical reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging apparatus captures images across a wide depth range, then the adaptability improves, but the measurement precision decreases due to operation delays in focusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions multiple imaging elements at different fixed distances from the lens, with each element optimized for a specific depth range. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for real-time focusing adjustments, ensuring that images across the entire depth range are captured with high precision simultaneously. The system achieves both wide adaptability and high measurement precision by preparing the imaging configuration in advance rather than adjusting it during operation.
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 flexible and high-quality image capture of subjects at varying distances without operation delays, by implementing a wide dynamic range of depth of field through the spectral prism camera's multiple imaging units, improving focusing accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spectral prism having a first surface that reflects, at a first reflectance, first light having a first wavelength among the light from the subject and a second surface that reflects, at a second reflectance, second light having a second wavelength among light transmitted through the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a lens on which light from one subject is incident, a spectral prism including a first surface reflecting, at a first reflectance, first light having a first wavelength, and a second surface reflecting, at a second reflectance, having a second wavelength, a first imaging unit capturing a first image of the subject at a first depth of field based on the first light reflected by the first surface, a second imaging unit capturing a second image of the subject at a second depth of field based on the second light reflected by the second surface, a third imaging unit capturing a third image of the subject at a third depth of field based on third light transmitted through the first surface or the second surface, and a signal processing unit synthesizing the first image, the second image, and the third image, and outputting the synthesized image.