Structured Light Grating for Super-Resolution Flow Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current resolution enhancement techniques for flow imaging are limited by system spatial resolutions, and there is a need for a system that can enhance pixel resolution and estimation of scalar gradients in imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a grating with a patterned illumination that enhances the spatial resolution of imaging systems, which includes a grating configured to generate a plurality of openings, a slider to move the grating, and a slider to move the grating laterally across the imaging plane, synchronized with a camera to capture low-resolution images, and reconstructs high-resolution images using super resolution image reconstruction algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If structured illumination with a grating is used to enhance spatial resolution, then pixel resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple low-resolution captures with different grating positions, which are then computationally reconstructed into a high-resolution image. This divides the complex task of direct high-resolution imaging into manageable steps that use simpler optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
A grating is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source and the image sensor. This grating modulates the light to encode high-frequency spatial information that can later be extracted through computational processing, effectively mediating between the limited sensor resolution and the desired high-resolution output.
2Measurement precision
If multiple low-resolution images are captured and reconstructed, then super resolution is achieved, but loss of time occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The grating is moved periodically through different positions during the capture sequence, with each position corresponding to a specific phase of the structured illumination pattern. This periodic movement allows systematic sampling of spatial frequencies that can be efficiently reconstructed using Fourier-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple low-resolution images are captured in advance with different grating positions before the final high-resolution reconstruction is performed. This preliminary capture of multiple phases allows the computational algorithm to extract high-frequency information without requiring real-time processing during the actual high-resolution imaging moment.
3Measurement precision
If subpixel-sized grating openings are used, then spatial resolution enhancement is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grating period and opening sizes are carefully selected to satisfy the Nyquist sampling criterion relative to the desired resolution enhancement factor. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves optimal balance between resolution enhancement capability and manufacturability, ensuring that the grating features are neither too small to manufacture nor too large to provide sufficient resolution improvement.
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
The system enhances spatial resolution without the need for a microscope, enabling high-speed imaging with twice the pixel resolution and improved estimation of scalar gradients in flow imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a grating configured to include a plurality of openings... configured to generate a plurality of openings
Implementation Method 2
The patterned light illumination of a particle or object can generate Moiré fringes that enable higher resolution image reconstruction
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, there is provided a system configured to provide super resolution comprising a grating configured to include a plurality of openings, wherein each of the openings is subpixel in size, wherein the subpixel size is smaller than an image sensor pixel of a camera including a plurality of image sensor pixels; a slider to move the grating laterally along an image plane of the camera; an illumination source; and super resolution image reconstruction operations comprising receiving the plurality of low-resolution images; reconstructing a super resolution image using the plurality of low-resolution images, wherein the reconstructed super resolution image is noise filtered to remove noise due to in part upscaling of the plurality of low resolution images; and outputting the reconstructed super resolution image as a representation of the subject. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.