Multi-aperture Imaging Device with Translational Beam Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras face challenges in miniaturization, particularly in achieving a low overall height, which limits their design flexibility and degree of freedom in multi-aperture imaging devices.
Innovation Solution
A multi-aperture imaging device with a single-line array of optical channels and a beam deflection device that can move translationally to deflect beam paths in different directions, allowing for image stabilization and focus adjustment without increasing the device's thickness, thereby enabling miniaturization and flexibility in design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional cameras transmit the entire field of view in a single channel, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot be miniaturized and has limited design freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging device into multiple optical channels (first, second, third, and fourth optical channels) arranged in a single-row array. Each channel captures a specific portion of the field of view, allowing the device to achieve multi-aperture imaging functionality while maintaining a compact single-row structure that enables miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a beam deflection device with translational movement capability to deflect beam paths in different directions. This adds a dimensional aspect to the optical path management, allowing multiple optical channels to be arranged in a single row while capturing different portions of the field of view, thus achieving miniaturization without sacrificing design freedom.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smartphones use two cameras oriented in and against the direction of the display's surface normal, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the overall height increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using two separate cameras oriented in opposite directions, the patent segments the field of view into four portions captured by four optical channels arranged in a single row. This segmentation approach achieves comprehensive field of view coverage while maintaining a compact single-row array structure that minimizes overall height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a beam deflection device that can translate along the line extension direction of the single-row array to deflect beam paths in different directions. This translational movement capability allows the system to achieve multi-directional field of view coverage equivalent to having cameras oriented in multiple directions, while the single-row arrangement keeps the overall height minimal.
3Length of stationary object
If a single-row array of optical channels is used, then the device can be miniaturized along the perpendicular direction, but the beam paths need to be deflected in different directions to maintain imaging capability
Solution Approach 1:
The beam deflection device is designed with translational movement capability along the line extension direction of the single-row array, allowing it to serve multiple functions: deflecting beam paths for different optical channels, enabling image stabilization, and providing focus adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby minimizing the overall height while managing the complexity of beam path control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the beam deflection device is made translationally movable along the line extension direction, then image stabilization and focus adjustment are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translational movement of the beam deflection device along the line extension direction serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it enables image stabilization by adjusting beam paths, provides focus adjustment capability, and maintains the compact single-row array structure. By making the beam deflection device multi-functional through its translational capability, the patent achieves enhanced imaging capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 significant miniaturization of the imaging device, reducing its overall height and providing greater design freedom while maintaining image quality and focus capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a beam deflection device for deflecting a beam path of the optical channels
Implementation Method 2
an optical image stabilizer for image stabilization along a first image axis by generating a rotational movement of the beam deflection device
Implementation Method 3
for translationally moving the single-line array along a line extension direction based on a translational movement for image stabilization along a second image axis
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a multi-aperture imaging device comprising a single-row array of optical channels arranged adjacent to each other and a beam-deflecting apparatus for deflecting a beam path of the optical channels. The beam-deflecting apparatus has a first position and a second position, between which the beam-deflecting apparatus can be translated in a row extension direction of the single-row array. The beam-deflecting apparatus is designed in such a way that the beam-deflecting apparatus deflects each optical channel in a different direction in the first position and in the second position.