Monocentric Lens Multi-Scale Optical System Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens design for digital camera systems faces trade-offs between angular resolution, field-of-view, and system volume, leading to compromised image quality and increased complexity and cost, especially in multi-aperture camera systems which require significant computational post-processing and restricted field-of-view.
Innovation Solution
A multi-scale optical system using a monocentric compound lens with spherical geometry and shell segments, where the objective lens collects light and images it onto a spherically shaped field, with secondary lenses positioned to mitigate field curvature and reduce aberrations, allowing for simpler and less costly secondary lenses and a smaller overall optical system volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lens design is used to achieve high angular resolution, then resolution is improved, but field-of-view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple lens units, each with its own aperture stop, arranged in a multi-aperture configuration. This segmentation allows each lens unit to contribute to both resolution and field coverage, resolving the trade-off between angular resolution and field-of-view by distributing these functions across multiple optical paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane aperture arrangement to a three-dimensional multi-aperture configuration where aperture stops are positioned at different depths and locations. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve high angular resolution in the optical direction while simultaneously capturing a wide field-of-view through spatial distribution of multiple aperture elements
2Area of moving object
If multi-aperture camera systems are used to achieve large field-of-view, then field-of-view is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lens units and aperture stops into a single integrated optical assembly where the components work cooperatively. By combining the optical paths and using shared structural elements, the system achieves wide field-of-view coverage without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each lens unit in the multi-aperture system is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing light for wide field coverage, providing angular resolution, and contributing to overall image formation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing system complexity while achieving large field-of-view
3Measurement precision
If aperture size is increased to improve angular resolution, then resolution is improved, but system volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total aperture requirement into multiple smaller aperture stops distributed across different lens units. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the equivalent of a large aperture for high resolution while keeping each individual lens unit compact, thereby maintaining small overall system volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of multiple aperture stops at different positions and depths rather than relying on a single large aperture in one plane. This dimensional distribution achieves high angular resolution through effective aperture area while maintaining compact system volume through efficient spatial packing
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 high-quality imaging with reduced aberrations, lower manufacturing costs, and increased flexibility in camera formats, achieving improved image resolution and field-of-view without the need for complex post-processing, while maintaining a compact system design.
Implementation Method 1
The objective lens collects light from the scene and images the light at a substantially spherically shaped image field
Implementation Method 2
Each secondary lens processes light received from the objective lens and images it onto a corresponding sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
A monocentric lens-based multi-scale imaging system is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a monocentric lens as an objective lens that collects light from a scene. Monocentric lenses in accordance with the present invention include a spherical central lens element and a plurality of lens shell sections that collectively reduce at least one of spherical and chromatic aberration from the magnitude introduced by the spherical lens element itself. A plurality of secondary lenses image the scene through the objective lens and further reduce the magnitude of aberrations introduced by the objective lens. A plurality of sensor arrays converts optical sub-images of the scene into a plurality of digital images, which can then be used to form a composite image of the scene.