Monocentric Optics With Secondary Modules for Gigapixel Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems for high-resolution imaging, such as Gigapixel cameras, face challenges in achieving compact size and cost-effectiveness due to complex optics and large image sensors, as well as aberration issues that scale with lens size, making it difficult to produce high-quality images efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The use 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 smaller form factor and at a lower cost, using established fabrication processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical systems are used for Gigapixel imaging, then image resolution is improved, but system size and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into a monocentric primary optics section and multiple secondary optics subsections. Each secondary subsection captures a specific field of view and corrects aberrations independently, allowing the complex Gigapixel imaging task to be segmented into manageable sub-tasks that can be processed in parallel
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple secondary optics subsections are combined with the common primary optics section to achieve Gigapixel resolution. The individual images from each secondary subsection are merged through post-detection processing to form a complete high-resolution image, distributing the complexity across multiple simpler components
2Measurement precision
If large image sensors are used for high pixel counts, then image quality is improved, but physical footprint and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The large image sensor requirement is segmented into multiple smaller image sensors, each positioned at discrete image regions corresponding to different fields of view. Each smaller sensor has reduced physical footprint while the collective array achieves Gigapixel resolution through combination of multiple sub-images
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single large planar image sensor, the system distributes multiple smaller sensors across three-dimensional space at different angular positions around the primary optics, utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions to achieve high resolution without requiring a single large sensor area
3Measurement precision
If lens size is increased for high-resolution imaging, then image quality is improved, but aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aberration correction function is extracted from the primary optics and implemented separately by each secondary optics subsection. Each secondary subsection is specifically designed to correct on-axis aberrations produced by the primary optics, isolating the aberration correction task from the main imaging function
Solution Approach 2:
Each secondary optics subsection is optimized for its specific field of view and angular position, with rotationally symmetric components tailored to correct local aberrations in that particular region. This localized optimization allows each subsection to achieve high image quality for its specific function without compromising overall system performance
4Measurement precision
If complex optics are used for Gigapixel imaging, then image resolution is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex optical system is segmented into standardized secondary optics subsections that can be manufactured independently using established fabrication processes. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing, quality control, and assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to building a single complex optical system
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in the secondary optics design, specifically rotationally symmetric components with optimized curvature and spacing, to achieve aberration correction and high resolution through simpler manufacturing processes rather than requiring complex free-form surfaces or precision alignment mechanisms
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 compact and cost-effective manner by minimizing aberrations and simplifying the manufacturing and alignment of optical components, resulting in a significant reduction in physical volume and weight compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a monocentric primary optics section comprising one or more surfaces adapted to form a symmetrical arrangement around a common point of origin
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.