Description:
Improved-Resolution Light-Field Imaging
Princeton Docket # 13-2912-1
The Princeton researchers have developed a new method to improve the currently available light-field imaging. A novel feature is that this method can go beyond the resolution limit of current light-field imagers.
The resolution of the current light-field imaging system, both lateral and axial, is limited by the size and the numerical aperture of the microlenset and the pixel size of wavefront sensor. This improved light-field Imaging system takes a full-resolution image from a conventional camera as prior knowledge, and a light-field image from a wavefront sensor as a starting point. By using an optimization algorithm, the resolution can be improved over the base limits.
It is anticipated that the method will improve any conventional imaging technique. For example, standard 2D pictures can be supplemented with an additional light-field recording. One major application of this method is in microscopy. Previous light-field methods have been promising but ultimately unsuccessful because of the limited resolution; however with this new method, the resolution will be significantly improved. This method can also apply to photography. For example, using this method, the enhanced resolution of light-field cameras will improve both the image quality and the success rate of digital refocusing.
Applications
· Conventional Imaging
· Microscopy
· Photography
Advantages
· Inexpensive to apply
· Improve conventional imaging techniques
· Improve resolution of microscopy
· Improve image quality and enhance digital refocusing in photography
The Faculty Inventor
Jason Fleischer is Associate Professor of Electric Engineering at Princeton University. His research focuses on nonlinear optics and computational imaging. The emphasis is on propagation problems that are universal to wave systems, taking advantage of the fact that optical systems allow easy control of the input and direct imaging of the output. Among the numerous awards and honors Professor Fleischer has received are Fellowship in the Optical Society of America (2011), a Department of Energy Plasma Physics Junior Faculty Award (2008), and the Emerson Electric Company Lawrence Keys '51 Faculty Advancement Award (2007).
Intellectual Property status
Patent protection is pending.
Princeton is currently seeking commercial partners for the further development and commercialization of this opportunity.
Contact
Michael Tyerech
Princeton University Office of Technology Licensing
(609) 258-6762 tyerech@princeton.edu