Moveable Lens Array for Zoom Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges in efficiently changing fields of view without increasing weight, size, and power consumption, as they often require switching between different lens systems or using digital zoom, which results in a loss of detail due to interpolation.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system comprising a sensor array, a primary lens, and a moveable lens array that can be positioned along an optical axis and transversely to focus light, allowing for a single lens system to provide multiple fields of view, reducing the need for hardware changes and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual lens system is employed to provide multiple fields of view, then the imaging system can switch between wide and narrow fields of view with high detail, but the weight and size of the camera system increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single lens system is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a moveable lens array that can be positioned in different configurations. The lens array can be moved to different positions along the optical axis and transverse to the optical axis, allowing one lens system to provide both wide field of view and narrow field of view with high detail, eliminating the need for separate lens systems
Solution Approach 2:
The lens array is made dynamically moveable within the single lens system housing. The movement system can reposition the lens array to different locations to change the field of view and magnification dynamically, providing adaptability without requiring physical replacement of entire lens systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dual lens system is employed to provide multiple fields of view, then the imaging system can switch between wide and narrow fields of view with high detail, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single lens system is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a moveable lens array that can be positioned in different configurations. The lens array can be moved to different positions along the optical axis and transverse to the optical axis, allowing one lens system to provide both wide field of view and narrow field of view with high detail, eliminating the need for separate lens systems
Solution Approach 2:
The lens array is made dynamically moveable within the single lens system housing. The movement system can reposition the lens array to different locations to change the field of view and magnification dynamically, providing adaptability without requiring physical replacement of entire lens systems
3Loss of information
If digital zoom is used to enlarge objects, then the field of view is narrowed and objects appear larger, but detail is lost due to interpolation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic digital zoom processing with a mechanical/optical solution. By physically moving the lens array to different positions, the system optically magnifies objects while maintaining their detail, substituting the need for interpolation-based digital zoom with actual optical focusing
4Adaptability or versatility
If lens systems are switched out to change field of view, then the desired magnification is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single lens system is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a moveable lens array that can be positioned in different configurations. The lens array can be moved to different positions along the optical axis and transverse to the optical axis, allowing one lens system to provide both wide field of view and narrow field of view with high detail, eliminating the need for separate lens systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple lens functions into a single integrated lens system. The moveable lens array is incorporated within the same housing as the main lens, merging what would traditionally require separate lens systems into one unified structure that can dynamically switch between different field of view configurations
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
Enables efficient switching between wide and narrow fields of view with improved detail, reducing the size, weight, and power requirements of the imaging system while maintaining high image quality.
Implementation Method 1
Each lens in the number of lenses is configured to focus light
Implementation Method 2
The moveable lens array is further configured to move the number of lenses in a direction transverse to the optical axis of the sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus comprising a sensor array, a primary lens, and a moveable lens array. The sensor array comprises sensors arranged in an array in which the sensors are configured to generate image data. The primary lens is configured to direct light towards the sensor array. The moveable lens array comprises a number of lenses. The moveable lens array is moveable to a plurality of positions between the primary lens and the sensor array. Each lens in the number of lenses is configured to focus the light.