Multi-Aperture Camera Layout for Gapless Wide-Field Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-aperture optics systems face challenges in generating large field of view images without gaps or overlaps, particularly for fields of view greater than 150°, due to beam deflection causing geometric issues that result in unused regions on the image sensor.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a rectangular image sensor and multi-aperture objective, combined with a beam deflection element arrangement, where beam deflection elements are tilted around specific axes relative to the image sensor to form optical channels, ensuring each beam deflection element is either parallel or at a 45° angle to the image sensor sides, preventing gaps or overlaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If beam deflection is used to achieve very large fields of view (>150°), then the field of view is expanded, but gaps and overlaps occur in the field of view due to rotation of partial fields
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is divided into multiple partial fields of view, each captured by a separate optical channel with its own objective and beam deflection element. These segmented channels are then combined to form a complete large-field-of-view image, allowing precise control over each segment's orientation and position
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating partial fields in three-dimensional space which causes gaps and overlaps, the invention uses multiple rectangular image sensors arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each sensor captures a partial field of view, and the combination of multiple sensors in the second dimension achieves the large field of view without rotational misalignment issues
2Area of moving object
If multi-aperture optics are used to generate large field of view images, then the field of view is expanded, but unused regions appear on the image sensor resulting in economic loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single image sensor to multiple rectangular image sensors arranged in a two-dimensional configuration. This allows the system to capture a large field of view that fully utilizes the total sensor area, eliminating unused regions while maintaining economic efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The total field of view is segmented into multiple partial fields, each captured by a dedicated optical channel and image sensor region. This segmentation ensures that every region of the sensor array is productively used to capture useful image data, maximizing sensor utilization
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
The system enables a gapless and efficient capture of a total field of view greater than 90° on the image sensor, optimizing sensor area usage without increasing costs or system dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a beam deflection element arrangement including a number of beam deflection elements for deflecting incident light beams
Data Source
AI summary
Camera system, comprising: a rectangular image sensor, a multi-aperture objective for generating an optical image and a beam deflection element arrangement including a number of beam deflection elements for deflecting incident light beams, wherein the multi-aperture objective and the beam deflection arrangement are coupled to the rectangular image sensor to form an arrangement of optical channels, which are incident on the image sensor for capturing the optical image, wherein the number of beam deflection elements are arranged with respect to each other and with respect to the image sensor such that each beam deflection element is tilted around a tilting axis, wherein the tilting axis runs through a beam deflection element area and the tilting axis runs in parallel to one side of the rectangular image sensor or the tilting axis encloses a 45° angle with one side of two sides of the image sensor.