X-Ray Snapshot Multiframe Imager Using Pseudo-Fourier Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Compressed Ultrafast Photography (CUP) systems are lossy, leading to poor image reconstructions due to the removal of half of the spatial information and reliance on sparsity assumptions, which limits their application and image quality, especially when used with X-rays.
Innovation Solution
A snapshot multiframe imaging system utilizing a random aperture element and a random mask to encode images in the pseudo-Fourier domain, allowing for the generation of multiple image frames and enabling reconstruction without sparsity assumptions, with an imaging element operating in a drift-scan mode to capture streaked patterns of electrons for mathematical reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a random mask is used to encode images in the spatial domain, then image encoding is achieved, but half of the spatial information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the encoding approach from spatial domain to pseudo-Fourier domain. Instead of directly encoding spatial information with a random mask, the system encodes the Fourier transform of the image, which preserves global spatial relationships and avoids losing half the spatial information. This dimensional transformation in the signal processing domain resolves the contradiction between encoding efficiency and information preservation.
2Productivity
If traditional CUP systems remove half of spatial information, then encoding efficiency is improved, but image reconstruction quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional encoding approach by encoding in the pseudo-Fourier domain rather than the spatial domain. This inversion allows the system to achieve both high encoding efficiency and high reconstruction quality, as the pseudo-Fourier encoding preserves global spatial information while still enabling compressed sensing reconstruction. The inversion of the encoding domain fundamentally resolves the trade-off between efficiency and quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single pinhole is used as the imaging optic for X-ray compatibility, then X-ray imaging is enabled, but collection efficiency becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pseudo-Fourier domain encoding to X-ray imaging, which allows for larger aperture sizes compared to traditional pinhole cameras. By encoding in the frequency domain rather than direct spatial projection, the system can use larger apertures to collect more X-ray photons while still achieving high-resolution reconstruction through Fourier-based algorithms. This resolves the contradiction between X-ray compatibility and collection efficiency.
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 enhances image reconstruction quality by increasing collection efficiency and reducing noise, enabling high-frame rates and improved signal-to-noise ratios, particularly effective for X-ray imaging without relying on sparsity assumptions, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional CUP systems.
Implementation Method 1
a random mask having a plurality of micron scale apertures, and may be spaced apart from the aperture element. The random mask may receive light representing the spatial information from the scene being imaged, where the light passes through the aperture element and impinges the mask
Implementation Method 2
An imaging element may be included which is disposed adjacent the random mask, and which operates in a drift-scan mode. The imaging element may be configured to receive the encoded image frames and to generate therefrom a streaked pattern of electrons representing a plurality of images of the scene at a plurality of different times
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a snapshot multiframe imager having an aperture element having at least one aperture, an adjacently positioned random mask, an imaging element and a computer. The random mask has a plurality of micron scale apertures and receives light passing through the aperture element, which represents the spatial information from the scene being imaged, and generates a plurality of image frames encoded in a spatial domain. The imaging element may operate in a drift-scan mode receives the encoded image frames and generates a streaked pattern of electrons representing a plurality of images of the scene at a plurality of different times. The computer analyzes the streaked pattern of electrons and mathematically reconstructs the plurality of images.