Flexible Imaging Zone Bending for Light Field Camera Refocusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light field cameras have a fixed refocusing point adjustment range, which fails to meet the varying demands for either a large refocusing point range for capturing scenes at different depths or high refocusing accuracy for specific regions of interest, such as in photography or close-up shots.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling light field capture by adjusting the distance from pixel points in an imaging zone of a light field camera's image sensor to a sub-lens reference point based on the depth range of a scene, allowing for an adjustable refocusing point range by bending the imaging zone, thereby accommodating diverse user or device requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed refocusing point adjustment range is used in conventional light field cameras, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it fails to meet varying demands for either large refocusing point range or high refocusing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the imaging zone flexible rather than fixed. The imaging zone can dynamically adjust its bending degree to change the refocusing point adjustment range. This allows the system to adapt to different shooting scenarios (wide depth range or high accuracy) without requiring multiple fixed-configuration cameras, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the imaging zone by adjusting its bending degree. By varying the bending degree of the flexible imaging zone, the distance relationship between pixel points and sub-lens reference points changes, which directly adjusts the refocusing point adjustment range. This parameter change approach enables the system to achieve different refocusing characteristics without structural complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging zone is adjusted to increase refocusing point range, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible imaging zone (flexible shell/thin film) that can be bent to different degrees. This flexible structure allows for continuous adjustment of the refocusing point range without requiring precise mechanical positioning mechanisms. The flexibility itself provides the adjustment capability, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision in rigid positioning components
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible imaging zone can be adjusted through controlled bending that leverages the material's own elastic properties. The system uses the inherent flexibility of the imaging zone material to achieve the desired position adjustments, rather than requiring complex external positioning mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements
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 approach enables an adjustable refocusing point range, allowing for either a wider depth range coverage or higher refocusing accuracy, better satisfying the needs of users or devices in different photography scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting bending degree of sensor imaging zone
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present application disclose methods and apparatus for control of light field capture. A depth range of a first zone, which is at least a part of a scene to be shot, is acquired. An object distance adjustment range from a pixel point of at least one imaging zone to a reference point of a sub-lens is determined according to the acquired depth range. The at least one imaging zone is an imaging zone that affects light field capture of the first zone in an image sensor of a light field camera. The sub-lens corresponds to the at least one imaging zone in a sub-lens array of the light field camera. A bending degree of the at least one imaging zone is adjusted according to the object distance adjustment range. After being adjusted, the image sensor captures the light field emanating from the scene to be shot.