Stereo Extended Depth of Focus via Wavefront Coding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereoscopic imaging systems face a tradeoff between image resolution and depth of focus, limited by the numerical aperture of the objective lens, which restricts the ability to achieve high resolution with extended depth of focus.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wave front coding in optical paths to both detectors induces imaging effects such as phase shifting, followed by image filtering to remove these effects, resulting in stereoscopic images with higher resolution and extended depth of focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high numerical aperture is used to improve image resolution, then image resolution is improved, but depth of focus deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies wave front coding by introducing a phase object that modifies the wave front of light passing through the objective lens. This changes the optical parameter from a standard phase to a coded phase, which alters the point spread function to have extended depth of focus while maintaining high resolution through subsequent digital decoding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical adjustment method (changing focal length or using multiple lenses) with a digital signal processing approach. By encoding the wave front and then decoding it computationally, the system achieves extended depth of focus without requiring mechanical changes to the optical path or multiple objective lenses
2Length of stationary object
If wave front coding is applied to extend depth of focus, then depth of focus is improved, but image resolution may deteriorate due to imaging effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the wave front coding is applied, images are captured with the coding effects, and then digital filtering is applied to reverse the coding effects. This feedback loop allows the system to achieve extended depth of focus while restoring high resolution through computational correction of the imaging effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary digital processing step between the optical imaging and the final image output. The wave front coding creates an intermediate image state that can be digitally filtered to remove unwanted imaging effects, allowing the system to achieve both extended depth of focus and high resolution
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 stereoscopic imaging systems to achieve high resolution while maintaining extended depth of focus, significantly improving the depth perception by enhancing the depth of field without compromising image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
A wave front coder disposed along the collection path may be configured to induce one or more imaging effects, at least by phase shifting the illumination directed along the collection path
Implementation Method 2
The collection optics may be configured to receive illumination transmitted through or reflected from a surface of the sample
Implementation Method 3
The computing system may be further configured to filter the first image and the second image to remove at least a portion of the one or more imaging effects induced by the wave front coder
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to providing high resolution stereoscopy with extended depth of focus. Wave front coding in optical paths going to a first detector and at least a second detector may be implemented to affect an intermediate set of images. The intermediate set of images may be filtered (i.e. decoded) to produce a filtered set of images with selected resolution and depth of focus properties. A first filtered image and a second filtered image may be substantially simultaneously presented to respective first and second eyes of an observer to further generate an illusion of enhanced depth (i.e. 3D perception).