MEMS-Released Curved Image Sensor for Monocentric Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices with multi-lens assemblies face limitations such as poor resolution at the edges of the flat focal plane, precise lens alignment requirements, and compromise on device thickness, making it difficult to achieve high-quality imaging in thin or small form factors.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS-released curved image sensor that uses a curved photodetector surface integrated with a CMOS sensor, conforming to the curved focal surface of a monocentric lens, allowing for higher optical resolution across a wide field of view while maintaining a smaller size and lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multi-lens assemblies are used to provide a flat focal plane, then planar image devices can be used, but resolution at edges deteriorates and lens alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by conforming the photodetector array to a curved focal surface that matches the monocentric lens. This curved surface geometry eliminates the edge resolution deterioration and alignment sensitivity inherent in flat multi-lens assemblies, as the curved sensor surface naturally accommodates the curved focal plane of a single lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the sensor from flat to curved, transforming the sensor surface from a planar configuration to a curved configuration that matches the optical focal surface. This parameter change enables the sensor to work with monocentric lenses while maintaining high resolution across the entire field of view.
2Measurement precision
If multi-lens assemblies are used to achieve high-quality imaging, then image quality improves, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple lenses by using a single monocentric lens combined with a curved sensor surface. This extraction of the multi-lens assembly while maintaining image quality through the curved sensor geometry enables thinner device design.
Solution Approach 2:
By using a curved sensor surface that conforms to the focal surface of a single lens, the patent achieves high image quality without requiring the thickness of multi-lens assemblies. The curved geometry allows the single lens to provide the same optical performance as complex multi-lens systems.
3Measurement precision
If monocentric lenses are used to provide higher optical resolution and smaller size, then imaging performance improves, but compatibility with planar chips deteriorates due to curved focal surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the sensor from a planar to a curved configuration that matches the monocentric lens focal surface. This curvature adaptation enables direct compatibility with monocentric lenses while maintaining the high optical resolution and compact size benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensor geometry parameter from flat to curved, enabling the sensor to conform to the curved focal surface of monocentric lenses. This parameter change resolves the compatibility issue between planar chips and curved focal surfaces.
4Ease of manufacture
If planar image devices are used with multi-lens assemblies, then manufacturing is simpler, but edge resolution and field of view performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the sensor surface, transforming it from flat to curved to match the focal surface of the lens. This curvature enables the sensor to capture images with high resolution across the entire field of view, including edges, while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard curved substrate fabrication techniques.
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-quality imaging with a wider field of view and reduced device thickness by effectively utilizing monocentric lenses with a curved focal surface, overcoming the limitations of traditional multi-lens assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
receives light focused on a curved focal surface through a curved photodetector surface
Implementation Method 2
capable of sensing light of a curved focal surface
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes MEMS-released curved image sensors capable of sensing light from a monocentric lens. This MEMS-released curved image sensor receives light focused on a curved focal surface by releasing a photodetector side of a computing and sensing wafer, such as a Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. This releasing is effective to allow the photodetector side to conform to the curved focal surface of the monocentric lens. By so doing, the wider field of view, smaller size, and often smaller weight of monocentric lenses can be gained while using generally high-quality, low-cost computing and sensing wafers by processing these wafers to give them a curved surface at which to sense light from a monocentric lens.