Image Sensor with Movable Lenses for Dual Mode Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors lack the capability to operate effectively in both light field and conventional modes, limiting their functional versatility and image sensing performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of an image sensor design that includes a substrate with first and second lenses, adjustable electrode plates, and a supporting structure allowing for movement between the lenses, enabling operation in both light field and conventional modes by varying the distance between the lenses to optimize image sensing in different modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image sensor uses a fixed lens structure, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the sensor cannot switch between light field mode and conventional mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable second lens that can be positioned at different distances from the first lens. The second lens is mounted on a movable platform that can be adjusted along the optical axis, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the lens system. This dynamic structure allows the sensor to switch between light field mode (when the second lens is at a specific distance) and conventional mode (when the second lens is at a different distance), directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between lenses is fixed, then the device structure is stable, but the image sensor cannot optimize performance for different operating modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a controllable movable platform that can stably position the second lens at predetermined distances corresponding to different operating modes. The platform includes positioning mechanisms that ensure stable lens placement during each mode, while allowing transitions between modes. This enables the system to maintain stability within each mode while achieving adaptability across multiple modes, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If electrode plates are used to control lens movement, then precise positioning is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with an electrode plate system that uses electrostatic forces to control the position of the movable platform carrying the second lens. By applying voltages to different electrode plates, the platform can be precisely positioned at required distances without complex mechanical actuators, motors, or gears. This substitution of mechanical systems with electrostatic control achieves precise lens positioning while reducing overall device complexity, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and structural complexity.
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 design allows for seamless switching between light field and conventional modes, enhancing image sensing capabilities and minimizing light loss through the use of air gaps and flexible supporting structures, thereby improving image resolution and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The supporting arm may include bi-metal
Implementation Method 2
The supporting arm may include a bi-morph piezoelectric device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image sensor. The image sensor may include a plurality of first lenses disposed on a substrate, and a plurality of second lenses disposed on a structure disposed on the substrate suitable for changing the distance between the first and second lenses from a first minimum distance wherein the image sensor operates in a first mode to a second maximum distance wherein the image sensor operates in a second mode.