Folded Parallel Light Channel Stereo Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereo imaging systems for mobile devices face challenges in achieving a compact form factor while maintaining high image quality and 3D image generation capabilities, particularly in smaller, thinner smartphones, due to limitations in lens size and interocular distance, which affects the accuracy of depth values in 3D images.
Innovation Solution
A folded-parallel-light-channel (FPLC) stereo imaging system comprising two FPLC units with fixed lens units and light-folding units, where the light-folding units redirect light rays to form parallel beams, allowing for adjustable interocular distance and convergence angle without compromising image size or quality, enabling the generation of 3D images from 2D views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a telephoto camera with CPCIS is used to maintain image quality, then image quality is improved, but the height of the imaging system increases to at least 14 mm which exceeds smartphone thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light-folding mirror that redirects the optical axis from a vertical path to a horizontal path, effectively folding the light channel. This transforms the imaging system from a vertical configuration (requiring 14 mm height) to a folded configuration that fits within the smartphone's thickness constraint (7-9 mm), while maintaining the telephoto lens's image quality capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is divided into distinct functional modules: the telephoto lens assembly, the light-folding mirror, and the image sensor. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the lens for image quality, the mirror for space efficiency, and the sensor for compact integration - while working together as an integrated system that meets both quality and size requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If two identical imaging systems are arranged symmetrically to create a stereo imaging system, then 3D image generation capability is improved, but the vertical profile increases requiring additional packaging space
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the light channels horizontally using light-folding mirrors, the patent eliminates the need for vertical stacking of the two imaging systems. The left and right view imaging systems are arranged side-by-side in the horizontal plane rather than stacked vertically, reducing the vertical profile from what would be required for symmetric vertical arrangement to a compact configuration that fits within modern smartphone thickness constraints
3Measurement precision
If the interocular distance between lens units is increased to improve depth accuracy in 3D images, then measurement precision is improved, but the device size increases which is not acceptable in smaller smartphones
Solution Approach 1:
The light-folding mirrors enable the optical paths of both imaging systems to be folded within a compact footprint. This allows the interocular distance (horizontal separation between lens units) to be optimized for depth accuracy while the vertical dimension remains constrained by smartphone thickness, effectively decoupling the interocular distance optimization from overall device size increases
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 FPLC system achieves a compact design suitable for smaller mobile devices, allowing for adjustable disparity and convergence angle control, enhancing 3D image quality and enabling the use of telephoto lenses in thinner smartphones by separating light-folding and lens functionalities, thus extending the focal point and improving 3D image capture capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a light-folding unit comprising a reflector adapted to define a parallel image reflection path along the stereo imaging system y-axis to the fixed lens unit via a collimated light beam
Implementation Method 2
a fixed lens unit adapted to focus reflected light comprising an image of a scene onto an image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A stereo imaging system includes a pair of folded-parallel-light-channel (FPLC) units arranged to provide a virtual left side view and a virtual right side view of a scene. Each FPLC unit includes a fixed lens unit adapted to focus reflected light comprising an image of a scene to an image sensor and a light-redirecting unit comprising a reflector adapted to define a parallel image reflection path to the fixed lens unit via a collimated light beam.