Movable Multifaceted Prism for High-Resolution Imaging in Thin Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image sensors in mobile devices and smart wearable devices face challenges in achieving high image quality and resolution due to the trade-off between pixel density and photo-sensitivity, leading to increased costs and module thickness, while existing fixed imaging methods fail to meet the dynamic requirements of these devices.
Innovation Solution
An image-capturing module utilizing a movable multifaceted prism that adjusts to capture light data in batches, allowing an image-sensing module with lower pixel density to produce high-quality images by patching together smaller batches of data, thereby reducing costs and module thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pixel number of the image sensor is increased to improve image resolution, then the image resolution is improved, but the photo-sensitivity becomes insufficient and the image processing speed slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple segments by using a multifaceted prism to capture light data from different field of view regions separately. Each facet captures a portion of the scene, and these segmented light data portions are then synthesized to form a complete high-resolution image, avoiding the need for a single high-pixel-density sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multifaceted prism as an intermediary optical element between the scene and the image sensor. This prism redirects and segments light paths, allowing a lower pixel density sensor to capture sufficient light data by receiving focused light from multiple directional facets, thereby maintaining photo-sensitivity while achieving high resolution
2Measurement precision
If the pixel number of the image sensor is increased to improve image resolution, then the image resolution is improved, but the processing speed of image data becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple parallel captures, with each facet of the multifaceted prism capturing a specific region simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to process smaller data portions in parallel rather than handling one massive high-resolution image sequentially, thereby improving overall processing speed
3Reliability
If the lens number of the lens module is increased to improve image quality and prevent insufficient photo-sensitivity, then the image quality is improved, but the lens module becomes thicker
Solution Approach 1:
The multifaceted prism serves as an intermediary optical component that concentrates and redirects light from multiple angles onto the image sensor. This eliminates the need for multiple lenses to achieve the same light-gathering effect, thereby maintaining image quality while keeping the lens module thin
4Device complexity
If a fixed imaging method is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot satisfy the dynamic requirements of smart wearable devices and opto-electronics with various interaction ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable multifaceted prism that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt to different interaction ranges and viewing angles by repositioning the prism facets, providing versatility for smart wearable devices while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
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 enhances image quality and resolution while maintaining a compact form factor, allowing for wider views and improved processing speed without the need for high pixel density sensors, making it suitable for thin and small-size communication devices and smart opto-electronics.
Implementation Method 1
a movable light-selecting module including a multifaceted prism... the first portion and the second portion of the light data pass through the multifaceted prism and lens module in sequence
Data Source
AI summary
An image-capturing module successively captures light data in batches for a scene of a whole field of view by adjusting the position of a multifaceted prism, and executes patch process on these batches of the light data to acquire an image over the whole field of view in a higher imaging quality that is generally achieved by a camera module with large number of pixels. The movable multifaceted prism may be together with an image sensing module and a lens module to be within a holder to have a compact volume for an image-capturing mobile phone, wearable device, and/or smart opto-electronics.