Patent ID: 8125559
Filing Date: 2012-02-28
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A system for numerical image formation and for refinement from overlapping measurement vignettes captured by an array of image sensors and associated micro optical arrangements, the system comprising: a plurality of light sensors geometrically arranged in a two-dimensional array, each light sensor creating an associated light detection signal; a plurality of micro-optical structures geometrically arranged in a two-dimensional array, wherein each micro-optical structure provides optical vignetting functions for directed vignetted portions of an incoming light field to at least one light sensor from the plurality of light sensors and wherein each light sensor from the plurality of light sensors receives vignetted portions of an incoming light field from at most one micro-optical structure; a multiplexing arrangement for gathering said light detection signals into a stream of measurement values; a processor for receiving the stream of measurement values, the processor executing a numerical image formation algorithm on the stream of measurement values, the numerical image formation algorithm producing at least one synthesized digital image; and an output for transferring said at least one synthesized digital image to an external system, wherein the micro-optical structure provides different vignetted portions of the incoming light field to each sensor so that each vignette captures a slightly different portion of a light field associated with an observed scene; wherein the numerical image formation algorithm comprises linear mathematical transformations on the measurements values; and wherein each light sensor in the plurality of light sensors comprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED).