Pi Filter Groups in Array Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cameras face challenges in efficiently distributing color filters and minimizing occlusion zones in array camera modules, leading to suboptimal image capture and potential defects from faulty focal planes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of π filter groups in camera modules, where a central camera is surrounded by color cameras to reduce occlusion zones and allow for efficient distribution, with the option to use multiple reference cameras and flexible color filter assignments to mitigate defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional color filter patterns (e.g., Bayer pattern) are used in single focal plane cameras, then manufacturing is simplified, but occlusion zones increase and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera system into multiple focal planes (at least two), with each focal plane capturing images through lenses with different focal lengths. This segmentation allows the system to overcome the limitations of conventional single-plane color filter patterns by synthesizing high-quality images through computational processing of multiple lower-resolution inputs, thereby improving image quality without requiring complex color filter arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional color filter pattern problem to a three-dimensional solution by adding multiple focal planes along the optical axis. This dimensional change allows the system to capture images at different depths and focal lengths, enabling high-quality image synthesis that overcomes the occlusion zone limitations of conventional single-plane approaches.
2Manufacturing precision
If more color filters are distributed to reduce occlusion zones, then image quality improves, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the imaging function across multiple focal planes, each plane can use simpler color filter patterns (such as conventional Bayer patterns) without compromising overall image quality. The computational synthesis process combines data from multiple planes to produce high-quality images, avoiding the need for complex filter distributions on any single plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of the focal plane structure, each capturing images through different lenses. These copies provide redundant information that can be computationally synthesized to produce high-quality images, eliminating the need for complex color filter arrangements while maintaining or improving image quality.
3Device complexity
If conventional single focal plane design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to handle defective focal planes and minimize occlusion zones is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function across multiple focal planes, creating a redundant system where if one focal plane or lens fails, other planes can compensate. This segmentation provides inherent fault tolerance while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, as each individual plane remains structurally simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of focal plane quantity from one to multiple, fundamentally altering the system's reliability characteristics. This parameter change enables fault tolerance through redundancy while keeping individual plane complexity low, achieving improved reliability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 high-quality image capture, robust fault tolerance, and improved manufacturing yield by minimizing the impact of defective focal planes and reducing computational complexity in image synthesis.
Implementation Method 1
The lens stack creates an optical channel that forms an image of a scene upon the array of light sensitive pixels in the focal plane
Implementation Method 2
An array of color filters is typically applied to the pixels in the focal plane of the camera's sensor. Typical color filters can include red, green and blue color filters
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention pattern array camera modules with π filter groups. In one embodiment, an array camera module includes: an M×N imager array including a plurality of focal planes, where each focal plane includes an array of pixels; an M×N optic array of lens stacks, where each lens stack corresponds to a focal plane, and where each lens stack forms an image of a scene on its corresponding focal plane; where each pairing of a lens stack and focal plane thereby defines a camera; where at least one row in the M×N array of cameras includes at least one red camera, one green camera, and one blue camera; and where at least one column in the M×N array of cameras includes at least one red camera, one green camera, and one blue camera.