Spatio-Temporal Light Field Camera Using Micro Lens Array and Gimbal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light field cameras are bulky and unsuitable for mobile devices due to their large size and complexity, which limits their ability to capture 3D visual information and computational focusing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of spatio-temporal light field cameras that utilize a high pixel density photo-detector array combined with passive wafer level optics and articulated movement, eliminating the need for a bulky objective lens by using a micro lens array and a 2-axis gimbal for temporal articulation, allowing for compact and efficient directional light detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional light field cameras use a large objective lens to capture directional light information, then the angular extent and field of view are improved, but the device size and volume become excessively large for mobile applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light field capture function into multiple micro-lenses arranged in an array, where each micro-lens captures a portion of the angular information. This segmentation allows the system to achieve wide angular coverage without requiring a single large objective lens, thereby reducing overall camera volume while maintaining field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from capturing light in two spatial dimensions to capturing four-dimensional light field information (two spatial dimensions plus two angular dimensions) by positioning the micro-lens array at the focal plane of a telecentric lens. This dimensional expansion enables compact design while preserving directional information.
2Measurement precision
If light field cameras incorporate advanced auto focusing capabilities, then the imaging quality and depth control are improved, but the device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical auto-focusing mechanisms with computational focusing methods. By capturing complete light field data through the micro-lens array, the system enables post-capture focusing adjustments through digital processing, eliminating the need for complex mechanical lens adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the micro lens array is positioned at the focal plane of the telecentric lens, then the directional light detection precision is improved, but the manufacturing alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-aligning features in the telecentric lens design that automatically position the micro-lens array at the correct focal plane during assembly. This self-service alignment mechanism reduces the stringency of manual alignment requirements while maintaining the precision needed for accurate directional light detection.
4Length of moving object
If the camera uses a compact design with reduced optical track length, then the device portability is improved, but the angular extent coverage may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable micro-lens array that can be dynamically repositioned along the optical axis using a piezoelectric actuator. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain compact optical track length while dynamically optimizing angular extent coverage based on capture requirements, resolving the contradiction between compactness and angular coverage.
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
Enables the capture of a wide angular extent of 3D images and computational focusing, achieving a compact form factor suitable for mobile devices while maintaining high spatial and directional resolution, and allowing for networked light field photography applications.
Implementation Method 1
passive wafer level optics
Implementation Method 2
micro lens array
Implementation Method 3
high pixel density photo-detector array
Data Source
AI summary
Spatio-temporal light field cameras that can be used to capture the light field within its spatio temporally extended angular extent. Such cameras can be used to record 3D images, 2D images that can be computationally focused, or wide angle panoramic 2D images with relatively high spatial and directional resolutions. The light field cameras can be also be used as 2D/3D switchable cameras with extended angular extent. The spatio-temporal aspects of the novel light field cameras allow them to capture and digitally record the intensity and color from multiple directional views within a wide angle. The inherent volumetric compactness of the light field cameras make it possible to embed in small mobile devices to capture either 3D images or computationally focusable 2D images. The inherent versatility of these light field cameras makes them suitable for multiple perspective light field capture for 3D movies and video recording applications.