Imaging Device Array Lens Overlapping Pupil Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices with concentrically divided optical systems face a limitation in increasing the number of pixels for images with different characteristics due to the restricted assignment number of light reception cells per microlens, leading to a decrease in image quality and pixel count.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device employs an array lens that causes adjacent pupil images from different optical systems to partially overlap on the image sensor, reducing the assignment number of light reception cells per microlens while maintaining image quality by ensuring that central and annular pupil images do not collapse, allowing for a higher pixel count of images with different characteristics to be captured simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of light reception cells assigned to each microlens is reduced to increase the number of pixels for images with different characteristics, then the pixel count increases, but the image quality may deteriorate due to insufficient light collection
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging optical system is segmented into a first optical system (central portion) and a second optical system (surrounding portion) with different characteristics. This segmentation allows each optical system to be optimized independently while sharing the same image sensor, enabling the extraction of multiple images with different characteristics without compromising the overall pixel count or image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by arranging the first and second optical systems in different spatial positions (central vs. surrounding) to capture light from different directions. This dimensional approach allows multiple optical systems to coexist on the same optical axis without interfering with each other's light collection, resolving the contradiction between pixel count and image quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a concentrically divided imaging optical system is used to capture multiple images with different characteristics, then the versatility increases, but the number of pixels that can be effectively utilized decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor serves multiple functions by receiving light from both the first optical system and the second optical system simultaneously. The same light reception elements are used to capture images with different characteristics (e.g., different fields of view, different focal lengths), making the sensor universal and eliminating the need for separate sensors for different imaging modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters (focal length, field of view, aperture) by switching between the first optical system and the second optical system, which have different inherent parameters. This allows the system to capture images with different characteristics while maintaining the same physical sensor, effectively utilizing all pixels for multiple imaging purposes.
3Manufacturing precision
If the assignment number of light reception cells per microlens is limited to maintain proper pupil image formation, then the image quality is preserved, but the number of pixels for multi-characteristic images is greatly decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct first and second optical systems with different characteristics, allowing each system to have its own optimized light collection path. This segmentation enables the full utilization of light reception cells for each optical system independently, preventing the pixel count reduction that would occur if a single optical system had to serve multiple functions with limited cells.
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 approach effectively increases the number of pixels that can be captured with different characteristics, improving image quality and efficiency without mechanical switching or zooming operations, and allows for compact device design.
Implementation Method 1
an array lens 16 including a two-dimensionally arranged microlenses 16a, which forms a pupil image of the imaging optical system 12 on the image sensor 18 using each microlens 16a
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor 18 including a plurality of light reception elements 18a arranged in two dimensions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an imaging device capable of greatly reducing the assignment number of light reception cells assigned to each microlens of an array lens and increasing the number of pixels of images having different characteristics that are captured simultaneously. One aspect of the present invention is an imaging device that includes an imaging optical system including a center optical system (wide-angle lens) and an annular optical system (telescopic lens) that share an optical axis, an image sensor (18), and an array lens (16) arranged on the incidence side of the image sensor (18) and including microlenses (pupil imaging lenses) (16a). The array lens (16) causes annular pupil images (17b) corresponding to the annular optical system adjacent to each other among a center pupil image (17a) and annular pupil images (17b) formed on the image sensor (18) by the respective microlenses (16a) to partially overlap each other on the image sensor (17).