Multi-aperture Imaging Device with Optical and Electronic Stabilization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-aperture imaging systems face challenges in achieving compact size with high image quality due to limitations in optical and electronic image stabilization, particularly in compensating for deviations between optical channels.

Innovation Solution

A multi-aperture imaging device with an image sensor, array of optical channels, and beam deflecting device, where optical image stabilization is achieved through relative movement between the image sensor, array, and beam deflector, and electronic image stabilization corrects channel-specific errors, enhancing global optical image stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical image stabilization is implemented through relative movement between image sensor, array, and beam deflection device, then image stabilization quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage stabilization qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines optical image stabilization (through relative movement of image sensor, array, and beam deflection device) with electronic image stabilization (through electronic image stabilizer that compensates for channel deviations) into a unified stabilization system. This merging of optical and electronic stabilization mechanisms allows the system to achieve high image stabilization quality while managing the complexity through integrated control and processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If electronic image stabilization compensates for channel deviations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel deviation compensationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic image stabilizer operates as a feedback mechanism that detects and compensates for deviations between optical channels. By continuously monitoring channel performance and applying corrective processing, the system improves manufacturing precision without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, thus managing device complexity through intelligent control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Volume of moving object

If compact design is achieved through shared components, then volume is reduced, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional design where the image sensor, array, and beam deflection device serve multiple purposes: they are used for both capturing images and for optical image stabilization through relative movement. This universality allows the system to achieve compact design by reducing redundant components while maintaining manufacturing precision through integrated design and shared calibration processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 compact, high-quality imaging by compensating for channel deviations, improving image stabilization and reducing mechanical stress on the image sensor, suitable for mobile devices with minimal installation space.

Implementation Method 1

The beam deflection device (18) is designed to deflect a beam path (26) of the optical channels (16a-h)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeam deflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The optical image stabilizer (22) is configured to provide image stabilization along a first image axis (28) by generating a first relative movement (34) between the image sensor (12), the array (14), and the beam deflection device (18), and image stabilization along a second image axis (32) by generating a second relative movement between the image sensor (12), the array (14), and the beam deflection device (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRelative movement for image stabilization:

Data Source

PatentEP4163702B1Multi-aperture imaging device, imaging system, and method for providing a multi-aperture imaging device
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP4163702B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4163702B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4163702B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

A multi-aperture imaging device comprises an image sensor and an array of optical channels, each optical channel comprising optics for imaging a partial field of view of the total field of view onto an image sensor area. The multi-aperture imaging device includes a beam deflection device for deflecting a beam path of the optical channels and an optical image stabilizer for image stabilization along a first image axis by generating a first translational relative movement between the image sensor, the array, and the beam deflection device, and for image stabilization along a second image axis by generating a second relative movement between the image sensor, the array, and the beam deflection device. The device includes an electronic image stabilizer for image stabilization of a first optical channel of the array along the first and second image axes.