Compact Catadioptric Telescope Array for Mobile Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile device cameras face a trade-off between achieving a large field-of-view and high resolution, as a large field-of-view produces off-axis aberrations and requires a minimal-size entrance pupil, leading to limited angular resolution and increased optical train length, which is challenging to accommodate in thin devices.
Innovation Solution
An array of compact catadioptric optics, specifically Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, is used to provide a wide field-of-view while maintaining a thin profile, achieved by tilting telescopes with overlapping fields-of-view and partial aperture usage, allowing for computationally stitched images and reduced lens thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a large field-of-view is used, then the camera can capture more of the scene, but off-axis aberrations increase and angular resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera system into an array of multiple micro-cameras, each with a moderate field-of-view, that collectively provide a large overall field-of-view. Each micro-camera captures a portion of the scene with high angular resolution, and the images are computationally stitched together to form a composite image with both large field-of-view and high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational stitching as an intermediary process that combines images from multiple micro-cameras. This computational step enables the system to achieve both large field-of-view and high angular resolution by processing and merging the data from individual cameras with moderate parameters.
2Manufacturing precision
If more optical elements are added to correct aberrations, then image quality improves, but the optical train length and camera thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical correction systems with computational image processing. Instead of adding multiple optical elements to correct aberrations, the system uses digital algorithms to correct and stitch images from simpler micro-camera optics, thereby maintaining image quality while reducing optical train length and camera thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accepts that individual micro-cameras have moderate field-of-view and uses partial overlap between adjacent cameras. By capturing the scene with multiple cameras at moderate parameters and using computational stitching, the system achieves the desired overall performance without requiring each individual optical element to be optimized for extreme parameters.
3Length of moving object
If the entrance pupil size is reduced, then the camera profile becomes thinner, but angular resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aperture function across multiple micro-cameras. While each individual micro-camera has a small entrance pupil that enables a thin profile, the collective array of micro-cameras provides sufficient total light-gathering capability and angular resolution through computational combination of their individual images.
4Manufacturing precision
If chromatic aberration correction is implemented, then color accuracy improves, but lens thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical chromatic aberration correction elements (such as achromatic doublets or low-dispersion glass) with computational color correction. Digital algorithms process the color channels to correct chromatic aberrations, enabling the use of simpler, thinner lens designs while maintaining color accuracy.
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 solution enables a mobile device camera with a wide field-of-view and high resolution, maintaining a thin profile by reducing the need for chromatic aberration correction and allowing for dynamic adjustments in focal state and exposure, resulting in increased dynamic range and efficient power management.
Implementation Method 1
catadioptric (refractive and reflective) optics
Implementation Method 2
catadioptric (refractive and reflective) optics
Implementation Method 3
the two reflections that occur in each telescope, enable an optical path or train that is up to three times longer than the physical thickness of the telescope
Implementation Method 4
a further reduction in camera thickness is achieved by limiting the spectral regard of each micro-camera, thereby reducing the need for chromatic aberration correction
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system for a mobile device includes an array of compact catadioptric telescopes wherein at least some of the telescopes have a portion of their aperture truncated. At least some of the catadioptric telescopes in the array are tilted with respect to the system optical axis.