Method and apparatus for recording a sequence of images using a moving optical element
US7554596B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J2003/1243
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An imager (200) including a spatially varying optical element (204) which moves while the imager records a sequence of images. The optical element (204) can be an intensity reduction filter, a spectral or polarization filter, or a refractive or reflective element. Because the optical element (204) moves between frames, each scene portion is captured under a range of imaging conditions. A spatially varying intensity reduction filter enables imaging of each scene portion using multiple, different exposure to generate a high dynamic range image. A spatially varying spectral or polarization filter enables measurement of the spectral or polarization characteristics of radiation from each scene portion. A refractive or reflective element enables imaging of scene portions under various focal characteristics, thereby providing depth information and producing an image which is focused everywhere. A refractive or reflective element is used to apply different vertical and/or horizontal shifts to the different frames, thereby generating an enhanced-resolution image.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.