Light Field Camera Mode Switching via Liquid Crystal Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light field cameras either have inadequate imaging resolution or low angular resolution, necessitating a mode-switching capability to meet user requirements.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that includes a main lens, a micro lens array, and a focal length control unit, allowing switching between two light field camera modes by controlling the focal lengths of the main and micro lenses, enabling the camera to adapt its imaging mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the micro lens array is located on an image plane of the main lens (light field camera 1.0), then the camera can focus after photographing and display three-dimensional images, but the imaging resolution is not ideal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a liquid crystal lens whose focal length can be dynamically adjusted by changing the applied voltage. This allows the lens to transition between different focal lengths, enabling the system to switch between light field camera mode (with post-focusing capability) and conventional camera mode (with higher imaging resolution), thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the focal length parameter of the lens by applying different voltages. In light field camera mode, a first focal length is used to enable post-focusing, while in conventional camera mode, a second focal length is used to achieve higher imaging resolution. This parameter change allows the system to optimize performance for different operational modes
2Measurement precision
If the micro lens array is located in front of or behind a focal plane of the main lens (light field camera 2.0), then the spatial resolution is relatively high, but the angular resolution is relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal lens provides dynamic focal length adjustment, allowing the system to switch between different operational modes. When in light field camera mode with adjusted focal length, the system can maintain both spatial and angular resolution requirements, resolving the contradiction between spatial resolution and angular resolution information loss
3Adaptability or versatility
If switching between two light field camera modes is implemented, then user requirements can be satisfied, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electrically controlled liquid crystal lens. By applying different voltages, the focal length is adjusted without mechanical movement, simplifying the control system while maintaining mode switching capability between light field camera mode and conventional camera mode
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 seamless switching between different light field camera modes, improving user experience by optimizing both spatial and angular resolution as needed.
Implementation Method 1
the focal length control unit is a voltage-controlled focal length control unit, the main lens and the micro lens are voltage-controlled zoom lenses
Implementation Method 2
the image sensor is configured to: sense an optical signal that is transmitted from the main lens and the micro lens array, and convert the optical signal into an electrical signal
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for image acquisition. The apparatus includes: a main lens, a micro lens array, an image sensor, and a focal length control unit; the main lens, the micro lens array, and the image sensor are successively disposed alternately, and the image sensor is configured to: sense an optical signal that is transmitted from the main lens and the micro lens array, and convert the optical signal into an electrical signal; and the focal length control unit is configured to control a focal length of the main lens, a focal length of a micro lens in the micro lens array, or focal lengths of the main lens and the micro lens, so that the apparatus is switched between a first light field camera mode and a second light field camera mode. The apparatus and the method for image acquisition according to embodiments of the present invention can implement switching between the two light field camera modes, thereby improving user experience.