Multi-Optical Chain Camera Readout Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of large focal length lenses in cameras results in bulky and heavy devices, making them difficult to transport and costly to manufacture, while also limiting portability and convenience due to their size and weight.
Innovation Solution
The development of a camera device with multiple optical chains, each with different focal lengths, allows for synchronized readout of pixel values based on user input or motion detection, enabling joint or individual readouts to minimize temporal distortions and facilitate image capture with improved portability and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If large focal length lenses are used to capture images from far away, then the ability to take pictures from far away is improved, but the lens size and weight increase making the camera bulky and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large focal length lens into multiple smaller focal length lenses arranged in an array. Each lens element captures a portion of the distant scene, and through computational processing, these multiple images are combined to achieve the equivalent of a single large focal length lens, thereby obtaining long focal length capability without the weight and size of a single large lens.
2Illumination intensity
If large aperture lenses are used to capture large amounts of light, then the ability to capture light is improved, but the lens size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single large aperture lens into multiple smaller aperture lenses. Each small lens in the array captures light independently, and collectively they achieve the same total light capture capability as a single large lens. This approach reduces manufacturing costs since smaller lenses are easier and cheaper to produce with high optical quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical chains with different focal lengths are used, then image capture flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical chains with different focal lengths into a single integrated camera module. The lenses are arranged in a fixed array configuration, and the system uses a single image sensor that can be electronically configured to capture images from different focal length lenses. This merging approach provides multi-focal length capability while maintaining a compact and relatively simple device structure.
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 efficient image capture with reduced bulk and weight, enabling better image quality and convenience by synchronizing the readout of pixel values from multiple optical chains, thereby minimizing distortions and enhancing the camera's portability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the photosensitive electronics used as the sensor, e.g., light sensing device, is often either a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, comprising a large number of single sensor elements, each of which records a measured intensity level
Data Source
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Figure 4A
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for controlling the read out of rows of pixel values from sensors corresponding to different optical chains used to capture portions of the same image area are described. In some embodiments the readout is controlled based on user input and/or determinations with regard to the rate of motion in captured images or portions of captured images. For a low rate of motion the readout rate of a sensor corresponding to a small focal length maybe slowed down while the pixel row readout rate of one or more sensors corresponding to one or more optical chains have larger focal lengths are allowed to proceed at a normal rate. In some embodiments, for a high rate of motion, the read out rate of the sensor corresponding to the optical chain having the smaller focal length is allowed to proceed at the normal rate.