Camera Zoom via Moveable Light Redirection Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera devices with large lenses for high-quality images are bulky, heavy, and costly due to the need for strong support structures and complex optics, limiting their portability and flexibility, especially in zoom operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple optical chains with moveable light redirection devices, such as plane mirrors or prisms, allows for flexible zoom operations by adjusting the light path and capturing different portions of a scene area, enabling the generation of composite images with improved resolution and light range without the need for bulky lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large aperture lenses are used to capture more light, then image quality is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple discrete optical chains, each with its own sensor and lens assembly. Instead of using a single large lens, the system segments the light capture function across multiple smaller optical paths that can be independently controlled and positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical stacking dimension by arranging multiple optical chains and sensors in a stacked configuration. This allows the optical system to achieve equivalent light capture capability of a large lens through multiple smaller paths arranged in three-dimensional space, reducing the horizontal footprint and overall device size.
2Illumination intensity
If large aperture lenses are used to capture more light, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple independent optical chains, each with simplified optics. This segmentation allows each individual optical path to use simpler, smaller lens elements while the collective system achieves the desired light capture through parallel processing of multiple streams.
Solution Approach 2:
Each optical chain in the stacked configuration is designed with multi-functionality, capable of serving different imaging purposes (wide-angle, telephoto, depth mapping) depending on its activation and configuration. This universal design reduces the need for specialized complex optics for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical chains with moveable light redirection devices are used for zoom operations, then zoom flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs moveable light redirection devices (mirrors or prisms) within each optical chain that can be dynamically positioned to change the optical path length and effective focal length. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables zoom functionality without requiring physically large variable focal length lenses, maintaining compactness while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical zoom mechanisms (which require large moving lens groups) with a combination of fixed optical elements and controllable light redirection. The zoom effect is achieved through optical path manipulation rather than large-scale mechanical movement, reducing overall system complexity.
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 reduces the thickness and weight of camera devices while maintaining high image quality, enabling more portable and versatile camera systems with enhanced zoom capabilities and image capture flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
At least one optical chain in the camera device includes a moveable light redirection device, said light redirection device being one of a substantially plane mirror or a prism
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for performing a zoom operation are described using multiple optical chains in a camera device. At least one optical chain in the camera device includes a moveable light redirection device, said light redirection device being one of a substantially plane mirror or a prism. The moveable light redirection device is moved to a position in accordance with a zoom setting, and a portion of a scene area of interest in captured. Different discrete zoom setting values correspond to different positions of the moveable light redirection device resulting in different capture areas. In some embodiments, multiple optical chains with moveable light redirection devices are used to capture different portions of a scene of interest. A composite image is generated from a plurality of captured images corresponding to different optical chains. A higher zoom setting corresponds to more overlap between captured images of different optical chains.