Multi-aperture Camera Disjoint Sub-regions Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras face challenges in miniaturization while maintaining high image quality, as they are limited in capturing an entire field of view with multiple channels and require contiguous sub-object areas for imaging.
Innovation Solution
A multi-aperture imaging device that uses optical channels with disjoint partial object areas, sharing common optics to image different sub-object areas onto distinct image sensor areas, reducing the number of optical channels and enabling miniaturization by eliminating the need for contiguous imaging optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional cameras use multiple optical channels to capture the entire field of view, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single optical channel is designed to perform multiple imaging functions by capturing different sub-object areas (first sub-region and second sub-region) through the same optical path and imaging them onto different image sensor regions. This multi-functional approach allows one optical channel to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate channels, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive field of view coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension of the image sensor by directing light from different sub-object areas to different regions on the same image sensor plane. This dimensional utilization allows a single optical channel to capture multiple disjoint sub-areas simultaneously by exploiting the two-dimensional sensor surface, effectively increasing field of view coverage without adding more optical channels.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate optics are used to image different sub-areas, then imaging quality for each sub-area is improved, but manufacturing costs and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate optics that would traditionally be used to image different sub-areas are merged into a single shared optic. This common optical element serves multiple imaging functions simultaneously, reducing the total number of optical components required. The merging approach lowers manufacturing costs and material usage while the patent maintains imaging quality through proper optical design that ensures each sub-area is adequately imaged onto its designated sensor region.
3Device complexity
If contiguous sub-object areas are imaged by each optical channel, then the imaging system is simpler to design, but the device cannot be miniaturized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the object area into multiple disjoint sub-object areas (first sub-region, second sub-region, third sub-region) that are imaged by optical channels in a structured arrangement. By segmenting the field of view into non-contiguous regions and assigning them to optical channels systematically, the design achieves compactness. This segmentation approach allows efficient packing of optical channels and reduces the overall device volume compared to contiguous imaging arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the image sensor are assigned to capture different sub-object areas with specific imaging requirements. The patent applies local quality by optimizing the imaging path for each sub-region according to its specific needs while using a shared optical infrastructure. This localized optimization allows the system to maintain high imaging quality for each sub-area while achieving miniaturization through the efficient use of a single optical channel for multiple regions.
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 allows for a compact camera design with reduced material and integration costs, while maintaining high image quality and enabling 3D recordings and superresolution imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a first optic of a first optical channel is configured to image, through a common lens, a first sub-region of the object region onto a first image sensor region and a second sub-region of the object region onto a second image sensor region
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-aperture imaging device comprises at least one image sensor and an array of optical channels arranged adjacently to each other. Each optical channel comprises an optical system for imaging at least one subregion of an object region onto an image sensor region of the image sensor. A first optical system of a first optical channel is configured to image a first subregion of the object region onto a first image sensor region and a second subregion of the object region onto a second image sensor region. A second optical system of a second optical channel is configured to image at least one third subregion of the object region onto a third image sensor region. The first subregion and the second subregion are disjoint in the object region. The third subregion incompletely overlaps with the first subregion.