I wonder how good images could be with modern DRAM. A 256MB DDR3 chip would theoretically have over 2 trillion pixels. Light sensitivity should be better too due to the smaller capacitors.
Decapping and testing this wont be difficult, meaning you understand how individual transistors are located on the die to reorder raw data into planar image. I wonder if this information can be recovered using some known patterns shown to such sensor then retrieving appropriate data and analyzing.
Another interesting thing is that for training neural networks for image recognition purpose information about location of individual pixels is not necessary at all.
> Another interesting thing is that for training neural networks for image recognition purpose information about location of individual pixels is not necessary at all.
Convolutions use the spatial information. I'm less sure whether attention-based approaches typically use it.
Capacitors on DRAMs are usually implemented as PN junctions, maybe even parasitic capacitance of a transistor is used. Photons hitting depletion region of PN junction decreasing it hence increasing conductivity.
This isn't exactly what you're looking for, but you run into some of the same limitations using a scanner as a large format back: moving objects end up distorted by the movement of the scanner "head" as it scans the image plane.
Well done. The quality of explanation and production value were good. It seems like by adding more processing power, you can double or triple the scan rate.
I bet by changing up the sensor pixels this would be a pretty cost effective way of making a low res FLIR camera, or really any imaging band. Using a different pin hole you might even be able to image things with xrays, neutrons, or strong 100Ghz through THz radio waves.
Fun and a great learning experience, sure. But, at least with respect to infrared, I'm not seeing the cost effective part when fully integrated solutions with ~19x greater resolution and then some can be had for $400 retail; the BOM for such a project will approach (if not exceed) this figure. Prototyping is often deceptively expensive.
Instead of a front lens element you might get better results using a lens salvaged from an old medium format folder. The whole lens and shutter assembly comes off as a single standard sized unit.
These should be a good fit for the needed image circle and give better images as well.
https://hackaday.com/2014/04/05/taking-pictures-with-a-dram-...