Fixed Focus Camera Lateral Sharpness Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed-focus cameras lack the ability to capture sharp images of objects at close distances due to their non-translatable depth of field, and existing solutions like Extended Depth of Field (EDOF) lenses require significant post-processing and additional circuitry, increasing power consumption and cost.
Innovation Solution
A fixed-focus lens design that incorporates lateral sharpness transfer, allowing for macro capabilities by sacrificing in-focus field of view at macro distances, enabling sharpness transfer from peripheral to central regions, and specifying mean transfer function requirements across both standard and macro ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a fixed-focus lens is used, then the camera is compact and low-cost, but it cannot capture sharp images of objects at close distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different depth of field characteristics in different spatial regions. The peripheral regions of the image sensor receive light from macro objects at different angles, and through the optical design, these peripheral rays are mapped to the central region where they form sharp images. This allows the central region to capture sharp macro images while the camera maintains a fixed-focus design suitable for compact size.
2Manufacturing precision
If an Extended Depth of Field (EDOF) lens is used, then the depth of field is extended to include macro ranges, but significant post-processing and additional circuitry are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and computational system of EDOF lenses with a simpler optical design. Instead of using chromatic aberration and requiring digital post-processing to extend depth of field, the invention uses a fixed-focus lens with a specific optical configuration that naturally directs peripheral light rays to form sharp macro images in the central region, eliminating the need for additional circuitry and post-processing steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a variable focus lens is used, then the camera can focus on objects at variable distances, but the camera becomes bulkier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by enabling a fixed-focus lens to perform both traditional far-field photography and macro imaging. The optical design allows the same lens to capture sharp images at both distant and close ranges by utilizing the peripheral regions of the optical system for macro objects, thereby providing variable focus capability without requiring a variable focus mechanism.
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 fixed-focus cameras to capture sharp images in both far and near fields without the need for bulky actuators or high power consumption, supporting applications like image recognition and bar code scanning while maintaining everyday viewing sharpness.
Implementation Method 1
A fixed-focus lens design that incorporates lateral sharpness transfer, allowing for macro capabilities by sacrificing in-focus field of view at macro distances, enabling sharpness transfer from peripheral to central regions
Data Source
AI summary
A lens includes a depth of field (“DOF”) range and a macro range. The macro range is distinct and separate from the DOF range. The macro range is a near field relative to the DOF range. The DOF range provides a first field of view (“FOV”) while the macro range provides a second FOV that is smaller than the first FOV within the DOF range. The lens transfers sharpness from a peripheral viewing region within the macro range into a central viewing region within the macro range.