Three-Sensor Imaging Optics With Phase Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging technologies struggle to capture a visible light image, an infrared light image, and a polarization image simultaneously with high accuracy, particularly due to changes in polarization states caused by internal reflections within the imaging apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The proposed imaging apparatus utilizes a light splitting element with specific splitting surfaces to divide incident light into multiple components, which are then imaged by a polarization sensor, a visible light sensor, and an infrared light sensor. A phase difference plate is used to compensate for changes in polarization states, and non-polarization beam splitters and dichroic mirrors are employed to minimize polarization changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-plate prism configuration is used to capture visible light, infrared light, and polarization images simultaneously, then the imaging capability is enhanced, but polarization state changes occur due to internal reflections
Solution Approach 1:
A phase difference plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the light splitting element and the polarization sensor. This plate compensates for the polarization state changes caused by internal reflections in the multi-plate prism, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving the multi-imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical path parameters by introducing a phase difference plate with specific optical properties. This changes the polarization parameters of the light before it reaches the sensor, compensating for unwanted polarization state changes and enabling accurate polarization imaging alongside visible and infrared imaging
2Ease of operation
If internal reflections are utilized in the imaging apparatus, then light distribution to multiple sensors is achieved, but polarization state changes deteriorate image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The phase difference plate serves as a mediator that corrects the polarization state changes introduced by necessary internal reflections. This allows the system to maintain reliable image quality across all three imaging modes (visible, infrared, and polarization) while preserving the ease of light distribution to multiple sensors
3Adaptability or versatility
If a polarization sensor with multiple polarizers is used, then polarization image capture is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple polarizers (first, second, third, and fourth polarizers with different transmission directions) into a single integrated polarization sensor. This merging approach enables comprehensive polarization detection capability while managing device complexity through unified sensor design rather than separate components
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 configuration allows for the simultaneous capture of high-quality visible light, infrared light, and polarization images, effectively addressing the challenges of polarization state changes and enhancing the imaging apparatus's capability to capture multiple image types accurately.
Implementation Method 1
a light splitting element that includes a first splitting surface that splits an incident light into a first reflected light and a first transmitted light
Implementation Method 2
a light splitting element that includes a first splitting surface that splits an incident light into a first reflected light and a first transmitted light
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of first pixels provided with a first polarizer adapted to transmit a linearly polarized light in the first direction, a plurality of second pixels provided with a second polarizer adapted to transmit a linearly polarized light in the second direction intersecting the first direction
Implementation Method 4
another one of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor is a visible light sensor including a plurality of pixels provided with a filter adapted to transmit a visible light, and wherein yet another of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor is an infrared light sensor including a plurality of pixels provided with a filter adapted to transmit an infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: a light splitting element that includes a first splitting surface that splits an incident light into a first reflected light and a first transmitted light, and a second splitting surface that splits the first transmitted light into a second reflected light and a second transmitted light; a first sensor that images the first reflected light; a second sensor that images the second reflected light; and a third sensor that images the second transmitted light. One of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor is a polarization sensor, another one is a visible light sensor, and yet another one is an infrared light sensor.