Mobile Optical Zoom Using Multiple Prime Cameras Without Moving Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of zoom functionality in mobile devices is hindered by the need for mechanical parts that increase complexity, cost, and space, conflicting with the desire for smaller camera units.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing multiple cameras with different focal lengths to capture overlapping visual fields, allowing for optical zoom without mechanical parts, and processing the images to create synthetic intermediate images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical moving parts are used to achieve zoom functionality, then zoom capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical zoom system (moving lens elements) with a computational approach using multiple fixed cameras. Each camera captures an image at a different focal length, and image processing algorithms combine these images to create the zoom effect, eliminating mechanical moving parts entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The zoom function is segmented into multiple independent camera units, each responsible for capturing a specific visual field at a particular focal length. This segmentation allows each camera to be simple and fixed, while the combination of multiple segments creates the overall zoom capability through computational synthesis.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical moving parts are used for zoom, then zoom function is achieved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By substituting mechanical components with fixed camera units and computational processing, the system eliminates wear and tear associated with moving parts, thereby improving reliability while maintaining zoom functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical parts are used for zoom, then zoom capability is provided, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for large mechanical zoom structures by using multiple compact fixed cameras. The space previously required for moving lens elements and zoom mechanisms is replaced by a fixed array of smaller camera units, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining zoom capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The zoom function is distributed across multiple segmented camera units that can be arranged in a compact configuration. This segmentation allows the system to achieve zoom functionality without requiring the large continuous space needed by traditional mechanical zoom systems.
4Reliability
If multiple cameras with different focal lengths are used, then mechanical parts are eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple camera units are designed to serve multiple functions: each camera captures images at different focal lengths, and the system can dynamically select and combine appropriate images to achieve various zoom levels. This multi-functionality allows a fixed array of cameras to replace complex mechanical zoom mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include methods and/or systems for using multiple cameras to provide optical zoom to a user. Some embodiments include a first camera unit of a multifunction device capturing a first image of a first visual field. A second camera unit of the multifunction device simultaneously captures a second image of a second visual field. In some embodiments, the first camera unit includes a first optical package with a first focal length. In some embodiments, the second camera unit includes a second optical package with a second focal length. In some embodiments, the first focal length is different from the second focal length, and the first visual field is a subset of the second visual field. In some embodiments, the first image and the second image are preserved to a storage medium as separate data structures.