Multi-aperture imaging device with beam deflection and stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-aperture imaging systems face challenges in achieving a compact design while maintaining high image quality, as they often require significant installation space and struggle to efficiently capture and combine partial fields of view into a cohesive image.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-aperture imaging device with an array of optical channels, each capturing a partial field of view, which are then combined using a beam deflection device to cover a larger field of view, allowing for both single-channel and multi-channel detection configurations, and incorporating optical and electronic image stabilization to compensate for image shifts caused by relative movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging channels are arranged to capture partial fields of view, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the device size and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where multiple imaging channels are stacked in layers, with each channel capturing a different portion of the object field. The channels are positioned at different depths and angles, allowing them to nest within the three-dimensional space of the device housing, thereby covering an extended field of view without proportionally increasing the device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration by positioning imaging channels at different depths (z-axis), angles (rotation), and lateral positions. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows multiple channels to occupy overlapping projected areas while capturing distinct spatial regions, effectively increasing field of view coverage without linearly increasing installation space.
2Reliability
If adaptive components are added to enable image stabilization, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs adaptive components with multi-functionality, where a single mechanism serves both image stabilization and field-of-view adjustment purposes. The adaptive components can dynamically reconfigure the imaging channels' positions and orientations to compensate for image shifts while also enabling the system to switch between different field of view configurations, thereby improving image quality without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single imaging channel captures the entire object field, then device simplicity is maintained, but image quality and field of view coverage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple segmented channels, each responsible for capturing a specific portion of the object field. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific capture task while collectively providing comprehensive field of view coverage and enhanced image quality through the combined data from all channels, without requiring excessive complexity in any single 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 approach enables a compact, high-quality imaging system that efficiently captures and combines partial fields of view, reducing installation space requirements and improving image stability by synergistically using components for optical and electronic image stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
a beam deflection device (18) for deflecting a beam path (26) of the optical channels (16a-e)
Implementation Method 2
an optical image stabilizer (22) designed to compensate for image shifts in the images in the image sensor regions (24a-d) by creating a relative movement between the image sensor (12), the array (14) and the beam deflection device (18)
Implementation Method 3
an electronic image stabilizer (41) designed to compensate for image shifts in the images in the image sensor regions (24a-d) caused by relative movements between the image sensor (12), the array (14) and the beam deflection device (18)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A multi-aperture imaging device comprises an image sensor; an array of optical channels, each optical channel comprising optics for imaging at least a partial field of view of a total field of view onto an image sensor area of the image sensor; and a beam deflection device for deflecting a beam path of the optical channels. A first optical channel of the array is configured to image a first partial field of view of a first total field of view, a second optical channel of the array is configured to image a second partial field of view of the first total field of view, and a third optical channel is configured to image a second total field of view in its entirety. The second total field of view is an incomplete section of the first total field of view, or vice versa.The multi-aperture imaging device further comprises an image evaluation unit that reads out the image sensor areas and is configured to combine and provide an image of the first partial field of view and an image of the second partial field of view to form a first composite image of the first composite field of view, and to provide a second composite image of the second composite field of view.