Scanning Folded-Optics Tele Camera for ROI Zoom Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-aperture zoom cameras face challenges in efficiently inspecting a specific region of interest with high resolution, particularly in automotive or surveillance applications, requiring large pixel sensors for single cameras to achieve the necessary spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
Dual-aperture zoom cameras equipped with scanning optical path folding elements (OPFEs) that allow the Tele camera to move its field of view to focus on a region of interest, combining it with a Wide camera's field of view to form a composite image with enhanced resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single camera with large pixel sensor is used to achieve high spatial resolution, then image resolution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into two separate camera modules: a wide-angle camera with a first field of view and a telephoto camera with a second field of view. Each camera uses a standard-sized sensor, avoiding the need for a single large sensor. The segmentation of imaging functions allows both cameras to use conventional sensor sizes while collectively providing high-resolution capability for regions of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the imaging process by sequentially capturing images from both cameras. The telephoto camera captures high-resolution images of specific regions of interest at different time points, while the wide-angle camera captures the broader scene. This temporal sequencing allows the system to achieve high spatial resolution without requiring a single camera to simultaneously capture the entire high-resolution scene.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual-aperture cameras capture images simultaneously with different focal lengths, then field of view coverage is improved, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by having the wide-angle camera continuously capture the broader scene and identify potential regions of interest before the telephoto camera captures detailed images. This preliminary detection and region identification simplifies subsequent processing by pre-selecting only the relevant areas that require high-resolution telephoto imaging, rather than processing entire high-resolution images from both cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by having the telephoto camera capture images only of specific regions of interest rather than the entire scene. The telephoto camera selectively images only the portions of the scene that require high spatial resolution, while the wide-angle camera covers the complete field of view. This reduces the total amount of high-resolution image data that needs to be processed and stored.
3Volume of moving object
If telephoto camera uses folded optical path with moving prism, then compactness is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the telephoto camera module within or adjacent to the wide-angle camera module in a compact arrangement. The folded optical path with the movable prism allows the telephoto optical elements to be nested within a compact volume, fitting the longer focal length optics into a smaller overall camera housing while maintaining the required optical path length.
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 high-resolution imaging of specific regions of interest by dynamically adjusting the Tele camera's field of view, improving image quality and enabling applications such as face recognition and hazard detection in vehicles and surveillance.
Implementation Method 1
The folded camera has an optical axis substantially perpendicular (orthogonal) to an optical axis of the upright camera. The folded Tele camera may be auto-focused and optically stabilized by moving either its lens or by tilting an optical path folding (reflecting) element ('OPFE'), e.g. a prism or mirror inserted in an optical path between its lens and a respective sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems including dual-aperture zoom digital cameras with scanning optical path folding elements (OPFEs) for automotive or surveillance applications and methods for operating and using same. In some embodiments, a dual-aperture zoom digital camera comprises a Wide camera with a Wide field of view FOVw, a Wide sensor and a Wide lens, wherein the Wide camera is operative to output Wide image information, a Tele camera with a Tele field of view FOVT smaller than FOVW and with a Tele sensor, a Tele lens with a Tele lens optical axis and a scanning OPFE, and a processing unit operative to detect an object of interest (OOI) from Wide and/or Tele image information and to direct the Tele camera to move FOVT to acquire Tele image information on the OOI.