Deformable Membrane Aperture for Smooth Optical Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional iris diaphragms in cameras form apertures with corners that cause diffraction spikes and affect the bokeh shape in images, unable to create smooth aperture shapes like circles or ovals across various aperture size settings.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable aperture module with a deformable layer between two sheets, allowing the aperture shape and size to be changed by adjusting the distance between the sheets, enabling smooth aperture shapes across a wide range of settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an iris diaphragm with overlapping plates is used to control aperture size, then the aperture can be adjusted to change light intensity and focus, but the aperture shape includes corners that cause diffraction spikes and affect bokeh shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid overlapping plates with a flexible membrane that can be deformed to create smooth aperture edges. The membrane is stretched or relaxed to change aperture size while maintaining a corner-free, smooth circular or oval shape throughout the adjustment range, eliminating diffraction spikes caused by traditional plate edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical overlapping plate system with a different mechanical approach using a deformable membrane controlled by actuators. This replacement maintains aperture adjustment functionality while achieving smooth edges through the membrane's continuous surface rather than discrete plate boundaries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If overlapping plates are used to form the aperture, then aperture size can be controlled, but the aperture cannot maintain a smooth shape across the range of aperture size settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic membrane system that continuously changes shape in response to actuator movement. As the membrane is stretched or relaxed, it maintains a smooth contour throughout the entire aperture size range, adapting its geometry without developing corners or irregularities that would occur with rigid plate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and geometry of the membrane through controlled deformation. By varying the tension and shape parameters of the flexible membrane, the system achieves smooth aperture shapes across different size settings, whereas rigid plates cannot maintain shape consistency during size transitions.
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
Enables quick and reliable changes in aperture shape and size, maintaining smooth aperture shapes like circles or ovals across various settings, thereby improving image quality by reducing diffraction spikes and enhancing bokeh shape consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable layer between two sheets, allowing the aperture shape and size to be changed by adjusting the distance between the sheets
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system may include an image sensor. The imaging system may include two sheets along an optical path of the imaging system, where the two sheets are substantially transparent. The imaging system may include a deformable layer between the two sheets. The deformable layer forms an aperture and/or filter. The imaging system may include a motor configured to adjust a distance between the two sheets, where the size of the aperture is based on the distance between the two sheets.