Deformable Phase Plate Optics for Image Tilt and Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next generation wide angle camera systems for mobile devices face challenges with higher resolution and smaller pixel sizes, leading to image plane tilt and increased optical aberrations that limit resolving power and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized adaptive optics system using a deformable phase plate (DPP) for digital tilt and aberration correction, incorporating a deformable surface suspended over a cavity filled with optical fluid, controlled by electrical actuation elements and actuated by electrostatic or piezo forces, with an estimator to generate control signals for aberration or tilt correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If higher resolution image sensors with smaller pixels are used, then image quality and resolving power are improved, but image plane tilt and optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the phase plate from rigid to deformable by introducing a flexible membrane structure filled with optical fluid. This allows dynamic adjustment of the phase plate's surface curvature and shape parameters to compensate for optical aberrations and image plane tilt, thereby maintaining high image quality with smaller pixel sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the static phase plate into a dynamic system by enabling real-time deformation through electrostatic or piezoelectric actuators. The deformable phase plate can adapt its shape during operation to correct varying optical aberrations and tilt angles, allowing the system to maintain optimal performance across different imaging conditions.
2Volume of moving object
If adaptive optics system is miniaturized for mobile devices, then device compactness is improved, but correction capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin flexible membrane as the phase plate, which can be actuated by integrated electrostatic or piezoelectric elements. This thin-film structure enables miniaturization of the adaptive optics system while maintaining sufficient deformation capability to correct optical aberrations, as the flexible membrane requires minimal space yet provides effective wavefront modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses optical fluid within the deformable phase plate cavity to transmit actuation forces efficiently. The fluid-filled structure allows compact packaging of the actuation mechanism while maintaining the structural integrity and deformation capability needed for effective aberration correction in miniaturized systems.
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
The system effectively corrects image tilt and aberrations, improving image quality in mobile devices under various conditions, including atmospheric turbulence and extreme environments, while being optimized for low power consumption and compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
electrical actuation elements configured to change a shape of the deformable surface based on the at least one control signal, the electrical actuation elements arranged in a pattern in the cavity and, when activated, providing an electrostatic force on the deformable surface
Implementation Method 2
piezo actuators added to a periphery of the aperture area to control a volume of optical fluid in the cavity thereby causing the deformable surface to tilt
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, the camera system comprises: an optical assembly to create an optical image from the optical wavefront; a deformable phase plate (DPP) to receive the optical image from the optical assembly and to adjust the optical image in accordance with a control signal, the DPP including a deformable surface suspended over a cavity filled with optical fluid, and electrical actuation elements configured to change a shape of the deformable surface based on the control signal, the electrical actuation elements arranged in a pattern in the cavity and, when activated, provide an electrostatic force on the deformable surface; an image sensor to convert the adjusted optical image into electrical signals; an image signal processor to generate a digital image from the electrical signals; and an estimator to estimate an aberration or tilt correction of the digital image and to generate the control signal based on the estimated aberration or tilt correction.