Multiple Optical Chain Modules for Compact Zoom Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for photographic methods and apparatus that combine the benefits of large lenses, such as high light capture and compact size, while minimizing the disadvantages of small focal length lenses, including limited dynamic range and depth of field, without requiring large, heavy lenses that extend beyond the camera body.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple optical chain modules with different focal lengths, allowing for switching between groups of optical chains to support zoom operations, and combining images from these modules to generate composite images that enhance light capture and image quality, using digital zoom and adjustable or fixed focal lengths to achieve desired zoom levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large aperture lenses are used to capture more light, then image quality and light capture ability are improved, but the lens size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera system into multiple optical chains, each with its own image sensor and lens assembly. Instead of using a single large aperture lens, the system segments the light capture function across multiple smaller optical chains working in parallel, thereby achieving equivalent or superior light capture without the weight penalty of a single large lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the output images from multiple optical chains through image processing to create a composite image. By merging the captured data from multiple smaller lenses, the system achieves the light capture performance of a large lens while maintaining the weight advantages of smaller individual optical components.
2Length of moving object
If long focal length lenses are used to take pictures from far away, then telephoto capability is improved, but the lens size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the telephoto function across multiple optical chains with different focal lengths. Instead of relying on a single long focal length lens, the system uses multiple shorter focal length lenses that can be selectively activated or combined to achieve equivalent telephoto effect, reducing the weight of individual lens assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of solving telephoto capability by using spatial arrangement and computational processing of multiple optical chains rather than simply extending the focal length of a single lens. This allows achieving telephoto effect through the coordination of multiple shorter focal length elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical chains with different focal lengths are used to support zoom operations, then zoom capability and image quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each optical chain to be a self-contained module with its own image sensor and processing capability, making them universal building blocks that can be selectively activated based on zoom requirements. This modular approach allows the same basic optical chain design to serve multiple functions across different focal length requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection and switching between different optical chains based on the desired zoom level and imaging conditions. The system can dynamically activate specific optical chains or combinations thereof, allowing flexible adaptation to different shooting scenarios without requiring all optical chains to be actively controlled at once.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for supporting zoom operations using a plurality of optical chain modules, e.g., camera modules, are described. Switching between use of groups of optical chains with different focal lengths is used to support zoom operations. Digital zoom is used in some cases to support zoom levels corresponding to levels between the zoom levels of different optical chain groups or discrete focal lengths to which optical chains may be switched. In some embodiments optical chains have adjustable focal lengths and are switched between different focal lengths. In other embodiments optical chains have fixed focal lengths with different optical chain groups corresponding to different fixed focal lengths. Composite images are generated from images captured by multiple optical chains of the same group and/or different groups. Composite image is in accordance with a user zoom control setting. Individual composite images may be generated and/or a video sequence.