Multi-Lens Autofocus Using Depth Plane Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to accurately determine a scene depth plane corresponding to a captured subject, particularly in systems with multiple lenses, which affects autofocusing performance.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device employs a multi-lens array and image sensor system that calculates scene depth planes by comparing pixel values across multiple views, using lens calibration information to adjust focus based on intensity differences and disparity, enabling precise autofocusing without separate phase difference pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple lenses are used to reduce device volume, then the volume of the image capturing device decreases, but the accuracy of scene depth plane determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor is divided into multiple sensing regions, each corresponding to a specific lens in the lens array. This segmentation allows the system to process depth information from multiple lenses simultaneously, maintaining depth determination accuracy while using multiple lenses for compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by arranging multiple lenses and sensing regions in specific geometric configurations. By comparing pixel values across different spatial positions and lens perspectives, the system determines scene depth planes, effectively using dimensional information to resolve the accuracy issue.
2Volume of moving object
If lens size is reduced to decrease device volume, then the volume of the image capturing device decreases, but the focal length decreases requiring multiple lenses
Solution Approach 1:
Each lens in the lens array serves multiple functions: capturing images for general imaging purposes and providing depth information for scene depth plane determination. The multiple lenses work together as a unified system rather than separate components, reducing overall device complexity despite the increased number of elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the imaging function and depth measurement function into a single integrated system using the lens array and corresponding sensing regions. This merging eliminates the need for separate depth sensing components, maintaining device simplicity while using multiple lenses.
3Measurement precision
If scene depth plane determination accuracy is improved, then autofocusing performance improves, but the complexity of the imaging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own imaging data from multiple lenses to determine scene depth planes, without requiring external or separate depth sensing components. The imaging system serves its own depth measurement needs by comparing pixel values across different lens perspectives, maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces scene depth planes as an intermediary concept that connects multiple lens perspectives to autofocusing control. By calculating depth planes from pixel value comparisons and using these as intermediaries to determine focus distance, the system achieves accurate autofocusing without complex direct measurement mechanisms.
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 allows for high-resolution, high-sensitivity image capture with improved autofocusing capabilities, even in low illuminance conditions, and can be applied in various devices with compact form factors.
Implementation Method 1
receive light passing through a plurality of imaging lenses with the same focal length to capture a scene
Implementation Method 2
imaging lens array, and a sensing array, the sensing elements of which are classified by sensing regions corresponding to the imaging lenses
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging device includes an imaging lens array including a plurality of imaging lenses each with a same focal length, the plurality of imaging lenses being configured to capture a scene; a sensing array comprising a plurality of sensors configured to receive light passing through the plurality of imaging lenses; a processor configured to determine a scene depth plane corresponding to the scene based on a comparison, for each of a plurality of candidate depths, between reference pixel values based on first sensors of the plurality of sensors corresponding to a reference imaging lens of the plurality of imaging lenses and target pixel values that are based on second sensors of the plurality of sensors corresponding to a target imaging lens of the plurality of image lenses; and a lens driver configured to position the imaging lens array to be disposed at a point corresponding to the scene depth plane.