Folded Optic Layout for Shared-Lens Multicamera Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multicamera devices face increased physical alignment complexity, calibration challenges, and power consumption due to multiple cameras with different field of views and externally exposed lenses, which also compromise aesthetics as the number of cameras increases.
Innovation Solution
A folded optic system is introduced, where multiple image sensors share the same lens, with the optic system using a substrate, reflective layers, and metastructures to direct different spectrums of light to respective sensors, reducing the number of externally exposed lenses and aligning optical paths laterally, thereby reducing thickness and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras with separate externally exposed lenses are used to provide improved picture quality, zoom functionality, and depth perception, then camera functionality is enhanced, but device complexity and aesthetic quality deteriorate due to increased number of visible lenses and alignment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single integrated optic structure. Multiple image sensors (e.g., first sensor for visible light, second sensor for infrared) share a common lens and are positioned at different lateral locations. The optic includes reflective layers and optical paths that direct light from the single lens to multiple sensors, eliminating the need for multiple separate lenses and reducing physical alignment complexity while maintaining enhanced camera functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional vertical stacking arrangement to a lateral positioning arrangement. Image sensors are positioned at different lateral locations rather than being stacked vertically, with optical paths extending laterally from the lens to each sensor. This dimensional change simplifies alignment and integration while enabling multiple camera functions within a compact form factor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras with different field of views are used to provide zoom functionality and depth perception, then imaging capability is improved, but calibration complexity increases due to different FOVs requiring post-processing alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical interface where a single lens serves multiple image sensors with different spectral sensitivities and field of views. The optic structure provides a common reference frame and optical path origin for all sensors, enabling standardized calibration procedures. The reflective layers and optical paths are designed to maintain consistent geometric relationships, reducing post-processing calibration complexity while preserving enhanced imaging capability across different spectra and FOVs.
3Reliability
If each camera receives external light through a separate externally exposed lens, then individual camera performance is optimized, but aesthetic quality deteriorates as more surface area is devoted to accommodate visible lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera functions under a single externally exposed lens. The integrated optic structure allows multiple image sensors to share one lens aperture, presenting a unified aesthetic appearance to the user. This merging maintains individual camera performance through dedicated optical paths for each sensor while significantly reducing the visible surface area devoted to lenses, thereby improving aesthetic quality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are integrated into the device, then functionality is enhanced, but power consumption increases due to multiple image processing pipelines and data transmission channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image processing pipelines by having multiple image sensors share a common lens and integrated optic structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate data transmission channels and processing units required, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining enhanced device functionality through multi-spectral and multi-FOV imaging capabilities.
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 solution allows for increased camera functionality without increasing the number of externally exposed lenses, improving aesthetics and reducing processing complexity and power consumption while maintaining similar field of views for all sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an optical layer between the first sensor and the substrate, the optical layer being configured to transmit the first spectrum of the external light to the first sensor
Implementation Method 2
the optical layer being configured to transmit the first spectrum of the external light to the first sensor, and reflect the second spectrum of the external light toward the first reflective layer
Implementation Method 3
The first reflective layer is configured to reflect the second spectrum of the external light in a direction toward the second sensor
Implementation Method 4
a first metastructure at a region of the substrate overlapping with the second sensor, and configured to collimate the second spectrum of the external light on the second sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A multicamera device includes: a first sensor to detect a first spectrum of external light; a second sensor to detect a second spectrum of the external light; and an optic overlapping with the first and second sensors. The optic includes: a substrate; a first reflective layer on the substrate; and an optical layer between the first sensor and the substrate, the optical layer to transmit the first spectrum of the external light to the first sensor, and reflect the second spectrum of the external light toward the first reflective layer, and the first reflective layer is to reflect the second spectrum of the external light in a direction toward the second sensor.