Camera System with Magnification Gradient Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Two-camera systems in smartphones, with fixed focal lengths, cannot achieve true optical zoom at intermediate magnifications between wide-angle and telephoto settings, leading to difficulties in image fusion algorithms creating satisfactory images at intermediate magnifications due to large differences in focal lengths.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a non-rectilinear lens with a magnification gradient in the second camera, where magnification is highest at the center and lowest at the edges, allowing for improved image fusion and intermediate magnification capabilities between the two lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-camera system uses fixed focal length lenses (wide-angle and telephoto), then the system can capture images at specific magnifications (1X and 3X), but it cannot achieve intermediate magnifications (e.g., 2X) without complex image fusion algorithms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the magnification parameter of the second lens through the introduction of a magnification gradient. Instead of using a fixed focal length lens, the second lens has varying magnification across its surface (highest at center, lowest at edges), enabling the system to achieve intermediate magnifications naturally without complex fusion algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different magnification zones within the second lens. The magnification gradient creates distinct regions: the center provides high magnification (telephoto effect), while the edges provide lower magnification, effectively creating multiple focal lengths within a single lens structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the difference in focal length between the short-focal-length lens and the long-focal-length lens becomes too large, then the system achieves wider magnification range, but the image fusion algorithms have difficulty creating satisfactory images at intermediate magnifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the magnification parameter distribution in the second lens from uniform to gradient-based. This creates overlapping magnification ranges between the two cameras, where the first camera covers lower magnifications uniformly and the second camera covers higher magnifications with its gradient, ensuring sufficient overlap for high-quality image fusion at intermediate magnifications
Solution Approach 2:
The magnification gradient in the second lens creates local quality variations that enable different parts of the lens to contribute to different magnification levels. This local differentiation allows the system to capture intermediate magnifications with sufficient detail and quality, resolving the fusion quality issue
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 enables the creation of improved images at intermediate magnifications by reducing the difference in focal lengths and spatial resolution between the two cameras, making it easier to fuse images and achieve satisfactory results using known image fusion techniques.
Implementation Method 1
the second lens is a non-rectilinear lens having a magnification gradient in which magnification is highest at the center of the second lens and lowest at the edges of the second lens
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A process comprising: capturing a first digital image with a first digital camera including an image sensor optically coupled to a first lens, the first lens (i) being a non-rectilinear lens, and (ii) having a first magnification gradient exhibiting a peak magnification at a center of the first lens and a lowest magnification at edges of the first lens; capturing a second digital image with a second digital camera including an image sensor optically coupled to a second lens, the second lens (i) being a non-rectilinear lens, and (ii) having a second magnification gradient exhibiting a peak magnification at the center of the second lens and lowest at the edges of the second lens, wherein the second magnification gradient of the second lens is greater than the first magnification gradient, wherein the second lens is; fusing the first digital image with the second digital image to create a third digital image.