A Low-Cost and Portable Single-Pixel Camera

This paper proposes an architecture for a lensless single-pixel camera composed of a pico-projector, luminosity sensor, and a single-board computer. The compressive sensing matrix is projected onto the scene from the pico-projector. For each projected matrix the single element sensor receives a summation of the reflected light from the scene and acquires a luminosity measurement. Differential detection is used to minimize the effects of noise on measurement integrity. The single-board computer coordinates forming compressive sensing matrices, projecting them, acquiring luminosity measurements, and storing data. The platform is both highly affordable and highly portable, lending itself to be attractive in education and research applications. Reconstruction of the image occurs outside of the acquisition platform, using the optimization technique of `
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minimization. Both monochromatic and full color images can be reconstructed from this architecture. Color imaging is further compressed by the use of a projected Bayer pattern, and color imaging efficiency is improved through use of a color sensor.