Array optical element with shifted components for stereoscopic imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image pickup devices for stereoscopic viewing require multiple optical systems, leading to large size and high costs, and struggle with achieving high resolution.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup device utilizing a single lens optical system with a novel array-form optical element and pixel configuration, including multiple types of pixels with different spectral transmittance characteristics, and an array-form optical element with shifted optical components to distribute light effectively across the image pickup face.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image pickup optical systems are used for stereoscopic viewing, then stereoscopic image acquisition is achieved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image pickup function by dividing the pixel array into multiple groups with different spectral transmittance characteristics (first, second, third, and fourth pixel groups). Each group captures light with specific wavelength ranges, enabling stereoscopic image acquisition through a single optical system by processing signals from these segmented pixel groups differently
Solution Approach 2:
The single image pickup optical system performs multiple functions: it captures both left-eye and right-eye images simultaneously, acquires color information through multiple spectral bands, and enables both stereoscopic viewing and distance measurement. The array-form optical element with shifted optical components allows one optical system to serve multiple viewing angles and functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image pickup optical systems are used for stereoscopic viewing, then stereoscopic image acquisition is achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple image pickup optical systems into a single system. The single optical system combines multiple spectral filtering paths and optical component arrays that would otherwise require separate optical systems, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining stereoscopic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single image pickup optical system performs multiple functions: it captures both left-eye and right-eye images simultaneously, acquires color information through multiple spectral bands, and enables both stereoscopic viewing and distance measurement. The array-form optical element with shifted optical components allows one optical system to serve multiple viewing angles and functions
3Volume of moving object
If conventional single optical system is used, then device size is reduced, but image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different spectral transmittance characteristics in different regions of the pixel array. Each pixel group (first, second, third, fourth) has specific spectral filtering properties tailored to its position and function. The array-form optical element also applies local quality by having optical components with specific positional relationships that direct light from different object points to specific pixel groups, thereby maintaining high resolution through localized optical paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the resolution issue by adding spectral dimension to the spatial sampling. Instead of relying solely on spatial separation of pixels, the invention uses spectral separation through wavelength-selective filters. This allows the system to distinguish between light from different object points not just by position but also by wavelength, effectively increasing the information dimension and maintaining resolution in a compact form
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
Enables high-resolution stereoscopic viewing with a single image pickup optical system, reducing device size and cost while maintaining high image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an array-form optical element located between the lens optical system and the image pickup element, the array-form optical element including a plurality of optical components
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels on which light that has passed the lens optical system is incident and which include a filter having a first spectral transmittance characteristic, a plurality of third pixels on which light that has passed the lens optical system is incident and which include a filter having a second spectral transmittance characteristic, and a plurality of fourth pixels on which light that has passed the lens optical system is incident and which include a filter having a third spectral transmittance characteristic
Data Source
AI summary
A lens optical system L having areas D1 and D2; an image pickup element N including a plurality of first and second pixels which include a filter having a first spectral transmittance characteristic, a plurality of third pixels which include a filter having a second spectral transmittance characteristic, and a plurality of fourth pixels which include a filter having a third spectral transmittance characteristic; and an array-form optical element K including a plurality of optical components M1 and M2 are included. The plurality of optical components M1 and M2 are arrayed in n number of rows from first through n′th rows (n is an integer of 2 or greater) on a surface of the array-form optical element K. A position of center, in a y direction, of each of the optical components located in a k′th row (1≦k<n) among the n number of rows is shifted in the y direction with respect to a position of center, in the y direction, of a corresponding one of the optical components located in a (k+1)th row among the n number of rows.