Monocentric Imaging Optics for Compact Gigapixel Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical imaging systems face challenges in producing high-resolution images, particularly Gigapixel images, due to the complexity and cost associated with large image sensors, aberrations in lens systems, and the physical constraints of macro-camera arrays, which make it difficult to achieve compact and cost-effective imaging solutions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a monocentric primary optics section with a symmetrical arrangement around a common point of origin, combined with a secondary optics module comprising rotationally symmetric subsections that correct on-axis aberrations, allowing for the capture of high-resolution images within a compact form factor and facilitating cost-effective manufacturing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large image sensors and complex optics are used to achieve high pixel counts (greater than 20 Mega pixels), then image resolution is improved, but physical footprint and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into multiple sub-imagers, each with its own image sensor and optics. These sub-imagers work together to form a complete high-resolution image, allowing the system to achieve high pixel counts without requiring a single large image sensor, thus reducing the physical footprint while maintaining high resolution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar array of macro-cameras to a three-dimensional monocentric configuration where sub-imagers are arranged in a spherical geometry around a common focal point. This dimensional change allows compact packaging of multiple sensors while maintaining optimal optical paths, effectively reducing the overall physical footprint compared to flat macro-array configurations
2Measurement precision
If conventional macro-camera arrays are used to achieve high resolution, then image quality is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs identical or substantially similar sub-imager units that can be mass-produced using standardized manufacturing processes. Each sub-imager serves multiple functions: capturing image data, providing mechanical registration features, and contributing to the overall spherical geometry. This universality enables cost-effective manufacturing through economies of scale and simplified assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-imagers are pre-assembled as complete functional units with integrated optics and sensors before being assembled into the final spherical configuration. This preliminary assembly allows for standardized production of modular sub-units, reducing overall system assembly complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining high image quality through consistent pre-tested configurations
3Measurement precision
If multiple macro-cameras are arranged in a planar array to achieve high pixel counts, then measurement precision is improved, but alignment precision and mechanical registration become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges sub-imagers in a spherical geometry around a common focal point, replacing the conventional planar array configuration. This spherical arrangement provides inherent geometric symmetry that simplifies alignment, as all sub-imagers are equidistant from the focal point and can be mechanically registered using the spherical structure itself as a reference, thereby improving alignment precision while maintaining high pixel count capability
Solution Approach 2:
The monocentric spherical configuration creates an equipotential geometric relationship where all sub-imagers have equivalent positional relationships to the common focal point. This symmetry ensures that alignment requirements are uniform across all sub-imagers, simplifying the mechanical registration process and reducing the need for complex individual alignment procedures while achieving high overall alignment precision
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 approach enables the capture of very high-resolution images, such as Gigapixels, in a smaller form factor compared to conventional systems, with reduced manufacturing costs and physical volume, while maintaining high image quality by utilizing rotationally symmetric components and efficient alignment techniques.
Implementation Method 1
a monocentric primary optics section adapted to receive light from a wide field of view
Implementation Method 2
each secondary optics subsection is adapted to correct on-axis aberrations produced by the monocentric primary optics section
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided to enable the capture of large (e.g., Gigapixel) images with high image quality using optical imaging systems that have a small form factor. The disclosed systems can be manufactured in a cost effective fashion, and can be readily assembled, aligned, tested and utilized. One such system comprises a monocentric primary optics section that includes one or more surfaces adapted to form a symmetrical arrangement around a common point of origin. The system also includes a secondary optics section that includes a plurality of secondary optics subsections, where each secondary optics subsection can intercept at least a portion of the light collected by the monocentric primary optics section. The combination of the primary optics section and the secondary optics section is adapted to form an image.