Mobile Vision System With Reconfigurable Metalens Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face challenges in maintaining visual clarity under adverse weather conditions due to insufficient surface coatings and active cleaning measures, and are limited by fixed imaging angles and increasing miniaturization of camera sizes, which affect functionality and feature implementation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of dynamically reconfigurable ultra-thin optical elements, such as metalenses, allows for interchangeable lenses with a single imaging sensor, utilizing microactuators or MEMS devices for motion control, and an electronically controlled shading mechanism to alter the imaging angle independently of the host device interface, while incorporating non-imaging optics for additional functionality and reducing the relative position requirements between lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the camera size is reduced to miniaturize the imaging system, then the device becomes more compact and integrates better into host systems, but the imaging angle becomes fixed and functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the imaging angle reconfigurable through electronic control of the optical element orientation. The optical element can dynamically change its orientation to provide different imaging angles (e.g., forward, rearward, side views) without physical movement of the camera module itself, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and imaging versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the optical element electronically to achieve different imaging angles. By controlling the tilt and yaw angles of the optical element through electronic actuators, the system can switch between multiple imaging directions while maintaining a fixed, compact camera position, thereby improving adaptability without increasing device volume.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If surface coatings are applied to repel ice, dirt, and dust, then adhesion is reduced, but visual clarity is insufficient under adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive surface coatings with an active mechanical cleaning system. Instead of relying solely on hydrophobic or oleophobic coatings to repel contaminants, the system employs an electrowiper mechanism that mechanically removes ice, dirt, and dust from the optical element surface when needed, ensuring reliable visual clarity under adverse weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical cleaning system is integrated with the host vehicle's electrical system, allowing it to automatically activate when contamination affects visibility. The system monitors optical element condition and self-cleans by deploying the electrowiper mechanism, providing autonomous maintenance of visual clarity without external intervention.
3Reliability
If active cleaning measures like wiper blades are used to clean the window, then visual clarity is improved, but energy consumption and practicality are reduced due to large window area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the cleaning action on the specific optical element area that requires cleaning, rather than cleaning the entire large window surface. The electrowiper mechanism targets only the small optical element (e.g., camera lens, sensor window), significantly reducing the area that requires active cleaning and thus lowering energy consumption while maintaining visual clarity for the imaging function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wiper blades designed for large window surfaces with a specialized electrowiper mechanism optimized for small optical elements. This substitution uses electronic actuation instead of conventional mechanical linkages, reducing the complexity and energy requirements of the cleaning system while effectively maintaining optical element clarity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenses are integrated with interchangeable positions, then imaging versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single optical element that can perform multiple imaging functions through electronic orientation control. Instead of integrating multiple separate physical lenses, the system uses one optical element that can be electronically tilted and yawed to provide different imaging angles and perspectives, thereby achieving multi-functionality without the complexity of multiple lens integration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical lens interchangeability mechanisms with electronic orientation control. Instead of using physical switches, actuators, or movable lens mounts to interchange between multiple lenses, the system electronically controls the tilt and yaw angles of a single optical element to achieve the same functional outcomes, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining imaging versatility.
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 solution enhances image clarity and reduces the need for physical movement of the camera, minimizes adhesion of dirt, dust, and ice, and enables high-precision location determination with reduced distance errors, while maintaining a low profile and economical active cleaning measures.
Implementation Method 1
dynamically reconfigurable ultra-thin optical elements, such as metalenses, allows for interchangeable lenses with a single imaging sensor
Implementation Method 2
leverage the metalens with an electronically controlled shading mechanism (e.g., electrochromic) filter to rapidly and interchangeably alter the active metalens portion
Implementation Method 3
surface coatings to repel ice, dirt/dust, and fluid droplets from forming and/or staying on a window
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging system leveraging an ultra-thin flat metalens to increase system functionality with a reduced set of imaging sensors. The optical imaging system is particularly adept at reconfiguring to and camouflaging within its external environmental.