Multi-aperture Imaging Device with Channel-specific Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-aperture imaging devices face challenges in manufacturing tolerances and temperature fluctuations, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced imaging quality due to the need for precise alignment and stability of multiple optical channels.
Innovation Solution
A multi-aperture imaging device with a single-line array of optical channels featuring an adjustment device that allows for channel-specific adjustments of the image sensor, optics, and beam deflection, controlled by a memory and controller with default values, to reduce manufacturing tolerances and temperature-related issues, incorporating actuators for optical image stabilization and autofocus functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional multi-aperture imaging devices use multiple optical channels to capture different portions of the field of view, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for precise alignment of multiple optical channels
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is divided into multiple independent optical channels, each with its own image sensor and optical path. This segmentation allows each channel to be manufactured and aligned independently, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining comprehensive field of view coverage through the combined output of all channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane optical arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where optical channels are stacked in multiple layers. This dimensional change allows optical channels to be arranged in different spatial planes, reducing the stringent lateral alignment requirements and enabling more flexible manufacturing while still achieving complete field of view coverage.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional multi-aperture imaging devices maintain precise alignment of optical channels, then imaging quality is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable optical elements within each channel that can dynamically modify the optical path and focal properties. This dynamic adjustability compensates for manufacturing tolerances and alignment variations without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining imaging quality while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs optical elements with variable parameters (such as adjustable focal length or refractive index) that can be tuned to compensate for alignment errors. By changing optical parameters rather than mechanically adjusting component positions, the system maintains precise imaging performance with simpler adjustment mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If conventional multi-aperture imaging devices use fixed optical components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to temperature fluctuations decreases leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates optical components with adjustable parameters that can be dynamically tuned in response to temperature changes. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain reliable performance across varying temperature conditions without significantly increasing device complexity, as the adjustment mechanisms are integrated into the existing optical architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms that monitor environmental conditions (such as temperature) and automatically adjust optical parameters to compensate for fluctuations. This feedback-based approach enhances reliability under varying conditions while keeping the device complexity manageable through automated control rather than complex mechanical designs.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional multi-aperture imaging devices require precise manufacturing tolerances, then the imaging quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the imaging system into multiple independent channels that can be manufactured separately with relaxed tolerances and then integrated, the patent reduces the overall manufacturing cost. Each segment can be produced using standard manufacturing processes without requiring expensive high-precision machining, while the modular integration maintains acceptable imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical components with adjustable parameters that can be tuned after manufacturing to compensate for tolerance variations. This approach allows components to be manufactured with standard tolerances rather than expensive tight tolerances, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining imaging quality through post-manufacturing parameter adjustment.
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 solution enhances the imaging quality by compensating for manufacturing inaccuracies and temperature fluctuations, reducing the effort required in manufacturing while maintaining image stability and quality across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuator for generating a rotational movement of the beam deflection device around the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
a second actuator for translationally moving optics of the single-row array of optical channels along the line extension direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to the provision of a multi-aperture imaging device having a single-row array of optical channels arranged adjacent to each other with an adjusting apparatus for changing, in a channel-specific manner, a relative position between an image sensor region of a particular optical channel, the optical unit of the particular channel, and a beam-deflecting device of the particular channel or for changing, in a channel-specific manner, an optical property of the optical unit of the particular optical channel or an optical property of the beam-deflecting device that concerns the deflection of the beam path of the particular optical channel, and with a memory having stored specifications values and/or a control system for converting sensor data into specification values for the channel-specific control of the adjusting device in order to reduce requirements for, for example, production tolerances of the multi-aperture imaging device and/or requirements for the multi-aperture imaging device in respect of position invariance and form invariance with respect to temperature fluctuations such that the additional complexity associated with the provision is compensated.