Multiple Optical Chain Camera Modules for Compact Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cameras with large lenses are bulky, heavy, and costly, making them inconvenient for everyday use, while small sensors and lenses lack the dynamic range and depth of field required for high-quality images.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a camera design that uses multiple optical chain modules with short focal length lenses and light redirection devices to achieve a compact form factor, allowing for improved light capture and image quality without the need for large lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large aperture lenses are used to capture more light, then image quality and dynamic range are improved, but the camera becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple optical chains, each with its own lens and image sensor. This segmentation allows the total light capture area to be distributed across multiple smaller lenses rather than requiring one large lens, thereby reducing the weight and bulk of the camera while maintaining the overall light gathering capability.
2Illumination intensity
If large aperture lenses are used to improve dynamic range, then image quality is enhanced, but the camera size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple optical chains with smaller lenses instead of a single large lens. Each optical chain captures light independently, and the combined effect of multiple smaller apertures achieves the same total light capture area and dynamic range as a single large aperture, thereby reducing camera size while maintaining image quality.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple optical chains are implemented to increase light capture area, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical chains into a unified imaging system where the light paths converge to a common image sensor or complementary sensors. This merging approach allows the system to achieve increased light capture area through multiple lenses while managing complexity by integrating the optical paths and processing the combined data in a coordinated manner.
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 a camera to capture high-quality images with a larger light capture area and dynamic range, reducing the bulkiness and cost associated with large lenses, while maintaining a compact size.
Implementation Method 1
a light redirection device positioned between the lens and the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Camera methods and apparatus are described where the camera device includes multiple optical chains. In various embodiments two or more of the optical chains include light redirection devices such as mirrors or prisms. Sensors corresponding to multiple different optical chains, but not necessarily all optical chains, are parallel to each other. In some embodiments sensors corresponding to different optical chains are located in the same plane at the front or rear of the camera. However other sensor mounting positions are also possible.