Multi-aperture Edge-sensing Optical Channels for Compact Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to create a device with a small thickness that maintains or improves imaging quality, as existing camera modules in smartphones are limited by physical optics laws, making it difficult to reduce the overall height while maintaining image resolution and noise levels.
Innovation Solution
A multi-aperture device with laterally arranged optical channels, where each channel captures a partial area of the object area through an optical axis deflected between a lateral and non-lateral course, allowing the device to detect the object area through an edge side, enabling independent thickness from the camera module's extension, and potentially capturing depth information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the focal length of camera lenses is reduced to decrease overall height, then the thickness is reduced, but image quality deteriorates with increased noise and reduced resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The object area is divided into multiple partial areas, each captured by a separate optical channel with its own image sensor area. This segmentation allows each channel to use a shorter focal length while collectively maintaining high resolution through the combination of multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical channels are arranged laterally side by side, extending in the lateral direction rather than stacking vertically. This dimensional change allows the camera module height to be reduced while maintaining imaging quality through the lateral arrangement of multiple channels.
2Measurement precision
If multiple camera modules are integrated to capture depth information, then depth resolution is improved, but the device thickness increases due to additional space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical channels are merged into a single integrated device housing, with all channels capturing images simultaneously from different perspectives. This combining approach enables depth information acquisition without requiring separate camera modules that would increase device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical channels are arranged laterally side by side in the lateral direction, allowing depth information to be captured through lateral separation rather than vertical stacking. This dimensional arrangement reduces device thickness while maintaining the capability to capture depth information.
3Volume of moving object
If the number of pixels or pixel size is reduced to decrease camera size, then the device becomes more compact, but image quality deteriorates with increased noise
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging function is segmented across multiple optical channels, each with its own image sensor area. This segmentation allows each channel to use smaller sensors without compromising overall image quality, as the combined data from multiple channels compensates for the reduced pixel count in each individual channel.
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 configuration allows for improved imaging quality and reduced thickness by enabling the detection of object areas through edge sides, potentially increasing resolution and reducing noise, while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
An optical channel of the multi-aperture device is configured to image a portion of the object area onto a respective image sensor area and, for this purpose, comprises an optical element or imaging optic
Implementation Method 2
comprises an optical element or imaging optic, such as a lens, a section of a decentered lens, or a freeform surface, with an optical center
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for sensing an object region (12; 12'), comprising a flat housing. Said housing has a first main side (14), a second main side (16), a border side (18a), and a multi-aperture device (22) having a plurality of optical channels (24a; 24b), which are arranged laterally adjacent to each other and which face the border side (18a), wherein each optical channel (24a; 24b) is designed to sense a partial region (26a; 26b; 26'a; 26'b) of the object region (12; 12') through the border side (18a) or along an optical axis (32a; 32b) of the optical channel (24a; 24b) in question, which optical axis is deflected between a lateral course within the housing and a non-lateral course outside of the housing, wherein the partial regions (26a; 26b; 26'a; 26'b) of the optical channels (24a; 24b) cover the object region (12; 12').