Light Field Lens Aperture Array for Pixel Usage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras and light field cameras face limitations in capturing three-dimensional space information due to low system pixel usage rates caused by crosstalk between sub-images, resulting in incomplete 3D data and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
An image pickup device and light field image pickup lens design incorporating a multiple aperture optical element with aperture elements arranged in an array, where the ratio of image side f-number to object side f-number is within 0.25 to 2, and the device satisfies the condition 0.7L < D×bP-a < 1.06L, optimizing sub-image overlap and valid usage area to enhance pixel usage and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a lens array method or lens set array method is used in light field camera, then 3D space information can be captured, but system pixel usage rate decreases due to crosstalk minimization between sub images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the f-number ratio parameter (image side f-number to object side f-number) to be within 0.25 to 2, which optimizes the balance between crosstalk minimization and pixel usage. This parameter adjustment allows the sub images to maintain sufficient separation for 3D information while maximizing the usable pixel count on the image sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through the focal length adjustment mechanism, allowing the imaging lens to change its focal length. This enables the system to dynamically optimize the sub image separation and crosstalk levels based on different shooting scenarios, thereby improving pixel usage rate while maintaining 3D capture capability.
2Measurement precision
If sub images are designed with crosstalk minimization, then 3D information accuracy improves, but valid usage area of image sensor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By adjusting the f-number ratio to within 0.25 to 2, the patent finds the optimal balance point where sub images have sufficient separation for accurate 3D information extraction while minimizing the loss of valid usage area on the image sensor. This parameter optimization ensures both measurement precision and area utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows partial overlap between sub images rather than complete separation, which means some degree of crosstalk is accepted to maximize the valid usage area. This partial action approach optimizes the trade-off between 3D accuracy and pixel utilization.
3Quantity of substance
If focal length is adjusted to optimize sub image separation, then pixel usage rate improves, but depth of field coverage changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic focal length adjustment mechanism that allows the imaging lens to change its focal length based on shooting requirements. This enables the system to adapt between different depth of field coverages while optimizing pixel usage rate for each specific scenario, maintaining versatility across various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging lens is designed with multi-functionality to handle both close-up and distant objects by adjusting focal length. This universal design ensures that the system can optimize pixel usage rate for different object distances while maintaining adequate depth of field coverage for various shooting scenarios.
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 design increases the valid usage area of the image sensor by effectively utilizing non-overlapped sub-image parts, leading to improved image capture and increased pixel usage rates, addressing the limitations of existing technologies in capturing 3D space information.
Implementation Method 1
a multiple aperture optical element disposed on a light path between the imaging lens and the image sensor and including a plurality of aperture elements arranged in an array
Implementation Method 2
an imaging lens disposed between an object side and an imaging plane of the light field image pickup lens
Data Source
AI summary
An image pickup device including an imaging lens, an image sensor, and a multiple aperture optical element is provided. The multiple aperture optical element is disposed on a light path between the imaging lens and the image sensor, and includes aperture elements arranged in an array. A ratio of an image side f-number of the imaging lens to an object side f-number of the imaging lens is within a range of 0.25 to 2. A light field image pickup lens is also provided.