Adjustable Camera Optics and Photo Detectors for Compact Zoom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital cameras face challenges in achieving high image quality and zoom capabilities while maintaining a compact size and low cost, as increasing pixel density requires larger lenses and additional components, leading to increased size and cost, and electronic zoom compromises image resolution.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera design featuring multiple arrays of photo detectors and optics portions with actuators that allow for relative movement between the photo detectors and optics portions, enabling improved image generation and zoom capabilities without the need for large lenses, by using multiple camera channels and a processor to combine images from different channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of photo detectors (pixels) is increased to increase image resolution, then image quality is improved, but the lens size must be increased to span the larger image sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple separate arrays (first array and second array), each with its own smaller optics portion. This segmentation allows each optics portion to be smaller while collectively covering the same or larger effective imaging area through combined operation of multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces relative movement between optics portions and sensor arrays in addition to spatial arrangement. By adding the dimension of temporal movement and positioning adjustment, the system achieves effective zoom and resolution enhancement without requiring proportionally larger static lens apertures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a zoom lens with additional components is added to provide optical zoom capability, then zoom feature is improved, but camera size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic relative movement between optics portions and sensor arrays to achieve zoom functionality. Instead of adding multiple static lens elements, the system uses actuators to dynamically reposition components, providing optical zoom through controlled movement rather than complex multi-element lens designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The same relative movement mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides optical zoom capability, enables image stabilization, and supports hyperspectral imaging by positioning different optics portions over different sensor arrays. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each feature.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic zoom is used to provide zoom capability by cropping and enlarging image regions, then zoom feature is added, but image resolution is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic image processing zoom (software-based cropping and enlargement) with mechanical/optical zoom achieved through physical repositioning of optics portions relative to sensor arrays. This substitution maintains full optical resolution by capturing actual optical images at different focal lengths rather than digitally enlarging cropped regions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances image quality and zoom capabilities while maintaining a compact size and reducing costs by allowing for relative positioning of optics and sensors, improving resolution and enabling features like image stabilization and hyperspectral imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a first array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light; and a second array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light
Data Source
AI summary
There are many inventions described herein. Some aspects are directed to methods and/or apparatus to provide relative movement between optics, or portion(s) thereof, and sensors, or portion(s) thereof, in a digital camera. The relative movement may be in any of various directions. In some aspects, relative movement between an optics portion, or portion(s) thereof, and a sensor portion, or portion(s) thereof, are used in providing any of various features and/or in the various applications disclosed herein, including, for example, but not limited to, increasing resolution, optical and electronic zoom, image stabilization, channel alignment, channel-channel alignment, image alignment, lens alignment, masking, image discrimination, range finding, 3D imaging, auto focus, mechanical shutter, mechanical iris, multi and hyperspectral imaging, and/or combinations thereof. In some aspects, movement is provided by actuators, for example, but not limited to MEMS actuators, and by applying appropriate control signal thereto.