Back-to-Back Image Sensor Connector Module for Omnidirectional Stitching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capture devices with multiple image sensors struggle to efficiently combine images from opposing sides into a single, coherent omnidirectional image, often resulting in incomplete coverage and inaccuracies in stitching.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an image capture apparatus featuring two back-to-back image sensor and lens assemblies (ISLAs) connected via a connector module, allowing for a cantilevered connection and alignment along an optical axis, enabling efficient image combination and omnidirectional imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple image sensors are located on opposing sides to capture omnidirectional images, then image coverage is improved, but image stitching accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage coverageVSAvoidstitching accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A connector module serves as an intermediary structure between the first and second ISLAs, providing precise alignment features and mechanical coupling that ensure accurate relative positioning. The connector module includes alignment pins, registration features, and a rigid structure that maintains precise spatial relationships between the two image sensor assemblies, thereby enabling accurate image stitching while maintaining omnidirectional coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If image sensors are connected directly to the device body, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into modular components: the device body, the connector module, and the ISLAs. The connector module is a separate, specialized component that handles the connection and alignment functions, allowing the main device body to remain simple while providing stable connections through the dedicated connector module with its integration features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If connectors extend outside the lens assembly area, then connection alignment is improved, but device waterproofing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection alignmentVSAvoidwaterproofing

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector module with its extending connectors is nested within or integrated with the housing structure. The housing serves as a protective enclosure that contains the connector module, providing waterproofing and environmental protection while allowing the connectors to extend sufficiently for proper alignment and connection with the ISLAs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250142195A1Connector module to connect image sensors and lens assemblies within an image capture apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 GOPRO INC

AI summary

An image capture apparatus with a first image sensor and lens assembly (first ISLA), a second image sensor and lens assembly (second ISLA); a connector module, and a front connector. The connector module connects the first ISLA and the second ISLA are in a back-to-back configuration. The front connector is connected to the connector module via fasteners that extend into the front connector and the connector module in a direction from the first ISLA towards the second ISLA so that the first ISLA and the second ISLA are connected within the image capture device.