Camera Array Prism Light Deflection for Wide Field Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules manufactured using the wafer level optics (WLO) technique face challenges in increasing the field angle due to their thinning design, which results in shorter focal lengths and smaller overall field angles.
Innovation Solution
A camera array apparatus is introduced, featuring a light deflection module with a prism set that deflects obliquely entering light to a larger portion of the cameras, reducing the included angle of the deflected light with respect to the optical axis, thereby increasing the field angle and achieving a wider viewing effect through image stitching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the camera module uses wafer level optics (WLO) technique with thinning design, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and miniaturization is achieved, but the focal length becomes shorter and the field angle becomes smaller
Solution Approach 1:
A light deflection module comprising a plurality of prisms is introduced as an intermediary component between the lens array and the camera array. These prisms deflect obliquely incident light onto the camera sensors, effectively increasing the field angle coverage without requiring longer focal lengths or changing the WLO manufacturing process. This mediator component resolves the contradiction by enabling wider field angle while maintaining the cost-effective WLO architecture.
2Length of moving object
If the focal length is shortened to achieve miniaturization, then the device size is reduced, but the field angle becomes smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The light deflection module introduces a new spatial dimension for light path management by using prisms that redirect oblique light rays onto the camera sensors. This dimensional approach to light redirection allows the system to achieve extended field angle coverage despite the shortened focal length, effectively decoupling the trade-off between compact size and viewing angle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the field angle is increased to achieve wider viewing, then more light coverage is achieved, but the overlapping areas between adjacent camera images increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light deflection module employs prisms with specific geometric configurations that locally redirect light onto designated camera sensors. By carefully designing the prism angles and positions, the system achieves uniform light distribution across the camera array, minimizing overlapping areas while maintaining comprehensive field angle coverage. Each prism is optimized to direct light to its corresponding camera, creating a tailored light path for each sensor element.
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
The camera array apparatus achieves a wider field angle and reduced overlapping areas between images, enhancing the wide viewing angle effect by effectively utilizing the light deflection module to redirect light to more cameras, thus improving the stitching process.
Implementation Method 1
The light deflection module includes at least one prism set having a plurality of prisms which are configured to deflect a light entering obliquely with respect to an optical axis of the cameras to at least a portion of the cameras
Data Source
AI summary
A camera array apparatus including a plurality of cameras and a light deflection module is provided. The cameras are arranged in an array. The light deflection module is disposed on the cameras. The light deflection module includes at least one prism set. The prism set has a plurality of prisms. The prism set is configured to deflect a light entering obliquely with respect to an optical axis of the cameras to at least a portion of the cameras. The angle between the optical axis and the deflected light is smaller than the angle between the optical axis and the light before being deflected.