Multi-Lens Imaging Module Pupil Division for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging devices face a reduction in the number of pixels for images with different characteristics due to limited assignment of light reception cells to microlenses, leading to decreased image quality and resolution, especially when using a Bayer array and concentrically divided imaging optical systems.
Innovation Solution
An imaging module that captures multiple subject images with different characteristics by using a multi-lens system with pupil division, where the pupil images are divided into areas and incident on photoelectric converters arranged in a lattice shape, allowing for overlapping pupil images and improved pixel signal output in various wavelength regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of light reception cells assigned to each microlens is reduced, then the number of pixels of images having different characteristics increases, but the image quality and resolution decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging optical system into multiple independent optical systems (central optical system and annular optical system), each forming images with different characteristics. By segmenting the system, multiple images with different characteristics can be captured simultaneously without requiring a large number of light reception cells per microlens, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by arranging multiple optical systems concentrically on the same optical axis, allowing simultaneous capture of multiple images with different characteristics (wide-angle and telescopic) in the same image plane. This dimensional arrangement enables increased pixel diversity without proportionally increasing the number of light reception cells per microlens.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical systems with different characteristics are arranged on the same optical axis, then simultaneous capture of multiple images is enabled, but the assignment number of light reception cells per microlens is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical systems (central and annular) into a single integrated imaging module that shares common components including the image sensor and microlens array. This merging enables simultaneous capture of multiple images with different characteristics while avoiding the need for separate light reception cell assignments for each system, thus reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array and image sensor serve multiple functions simultaneously - they process light from both the central optical system and annular optical system to generate multiple images with different characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated light reception cells for each optical system, thereby limiting assignment number requirements while maintaining versatility.
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 enhances image quality and resolution by allowing more pixels to be captured simultaneously while reducing the number of photoelectric converters required per microlens, maintaining image integrity even with partial overlap of pupil images.
Implementation Method 1
an array lens 2 including a plurality of microlenses (pupil imaging lenses) arranged on the incidence surface side of the image sensor 3, which forms a pupil image of the imaging optical system on the image sensor 3 using each microlens
Implementation Method 2
Y (an integer equal to or greater than X+1) photoelectric converters arranged corresponding to X light reception areas that respectively receive X pupil images divided by the pupil division device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an imaging module and an imaging device capable of achieving improvement of the image quality and the resolution of a plurality of simultaneously captured images having different characteristics. The present invention relates to an imaging device including a multi-lens including a central optical system (wide-angle lens) and an annular optical system (telescopic lens) which have a common optical axis, an image sensor (18), and an array lens provided on the incidence surface side of the image sensor (18) and including microlenses (pupil imaging lens). In a preferred aspect of the present invention, two images having different characteristics are generated based on a pupil image of each unit block (B) including 3×3 light reception cells assigned to each of the microlenses of the array lens. The unit block (B) has eight surrounding light reception cells that correspond to one of the two images, and the eight surrounding light reception cells in the unit block are configured to output RGB pixel signals in all wavelength regions necessary for generating this one image.