Deformable Camera Array With Island-Bridge Sensors for Light Field Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing array light field imaging systems face a contradiction between performance and adaptability due to rigid morphology design, leading to increased volume and weight, which compromises their portability and further development.

Innovation Solution

A self-deformable camera array system with a flexible image sensor array module using a rigid image sensor island-bridge structure and flexible stretchable conductors, enabling high pixel resolution, flexibility, and adaptability through a deformable and extensible design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If array light field imaging system is used to improve imaging performance, then imaging performance is improved, but volume and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging performanceVSAvoidvolume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system is divided into multiple independent image sensors arranged in an array, where each sensor captures a portion of the light field. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive light field imaging performance while distributing the volume across multiple smaller units rather than requiring a single large sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple image sensors are integrated into a compact array configuration where sensors are closely packed and interconnected through flexible circuits. The sensors, conductors, and support structures are nested together in a space-efficient manner, maximizing imaging performance within minimized volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If array light field imaging system is used to improve imaging performance, then imaging performance is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging performanceVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The image sensors are mounted on flexible substrates with thin flexible conductors connecting them. This flexible film-based structure significantly reduces the weight compared to traditional rigid circuit boards and mounting structures, while maintaining electrical connectivity and mechanical stability of the sensor array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs composite construction combining lightweight sensor elements with flexible polymer substrates and thin conductor traces. This composite approach minimizes overall weight while preserving the structural integrity and imaging performance of the array configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid morphology design is used to ensure structural stability, then structural stability is ensured, but adaptability and portability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array is mounted on flexible substrates that can dynamically change shape and conform to different surfaces. This dynamic flexibility allows the rigid image sensors to maintain their stability while the overall array adapts to various geometries and mounting configurations, achieving both structural stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible substrate allows the array to change its physical parameters such as curvature, area, and configuration. By changing these geometric parameters, the system can adapt to different application scenarios while the rigid sensors themselves maintain their operational stability and imaging performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4648435A1Self-deformable camera array system and device for intelligent light field imaging
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
  • EP4648435A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4648435A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5(d)
  • EP4648435A1 patent drawingFigure 6(a)~7

AI summary

A self-deformable camera array system for intelligent light field imaging includes: a flexible image sensor array module, in which the flexible image sensor array module includes a plurality of rigid image sensors and a plurality of flexible stretchable conductors; in which an island-bridge structure is formed by taking the plurality of rigid image sensors as islands and taking the plurality of flexible stretchable conductors as bridges between the plurality of rigid image sensors.