Modular Image Sensor with Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image sensors face challenges in providing satisfactory distortion aberration correction across various combinations of optical systems and imaging elements, making it difficult to meet the diverse needs of users in factory automation and mass customization.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor configuration comprising a main body module, a lens module, and an imaging module, where the main body module acquires form information and distortion aberration characteristics from the mounted modules to perform distortion aberration correction on image data, allowing for flexible combination and optimization of optical systems and imaging elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an image sensor is simply modulized to allow free combination of optical systems and imaging elements, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but distortion aberration correction performance deteriorates because details of distortion aberration correction vary depending on the combination used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing distortion aberration correction characteristics for each possible combination of optical systems and imaging elements in a storage unit. Before actual image processing, the system pre-acquires form information from both modules, identifies their combination, and retrieves the corresponding correction characteristics in advance. This allows the system to maintain high distortion aberration correction performance across all module combinations while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating and storing correction characteristic data for each module combination in advance. Instead of developing new correction algorithms for each combination, the system copies and stores the specific correction characteristics of each optical system and imaging element combination, then retrieves the appropriate copied data based on the actual modules used. This enables the system to handle diverse combinations while maintaining consistent correction quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers line up a large number of products with different specifications to meet diverse user needs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the image sensor into independent, interchangeable modules: optical systems, imaging elements, and a main body module. Each module can be independently selected and combined. The form information acquisition units identify each module type, and the system automatically retrieves the appropriate correction characteristics for that specific combination. This modular segmentation allows manufacturers to offer diverse specifications through different module combinations rather than producing entirely different products, reducing overall device and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a universal main body module that can interface with multiple types of optical systems and imaging elements. The main body module contains universal form information acquisition units and a storage unit that accommodates correction characteristics for various module combinations. This universal design allows a single product platform to serve multiple applications and specifications, reducing the need for manufacturers to maintain complex product lines while still meeting diverse user needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor capable of performing satisfactory distortion aberration correction on an imaging result, regardless of a combination of a lens module and an imaging module being used, is provided. A main body module of an image sensor acquires form information of each module from an imaging module and a lens module which are mounted thereon, acquires size information indicating a number of pixels and/or a pixel size of an imaging element within the imaging module and distortion aberration characteristic information indicating distortion aberration characteristics of an optical system within the lens module from a predetermined device on the basis of the acquired form information, and performs distortion aberration correction using the acquired information.