Stereoscopic Image Capturing Module Using Single Lens and Spectral Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereoscopic image capturing modules require two sets of lenses with different filter elements to capture images, which is not suitable for miniaturized electronic devices due to size and cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic image capturing module using a single lens with a light-filtering element having distinct light-permeable sections for different spectra, allowing a single lens to capture images with different spectrums and processing them to form stereoscopic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two sets of lenses with different filter elements are used to capture stereoscopic images, then the image quality and stereoscopic effect are improved, but the device volume and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate lens sets with different filter elements into a single integrated lens module. The light-filtering element is positioned within the optical path of a single lens set, allowing both filtered light beams (different spectrums) to be captured by the same imaging unit. This merging approach maintains stereoscopic image quality while significantly reducing the overall module volume and structural complexity compared to using two separate lens sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens set is designed to perform multiple functions: it captures both the first light beam (with first spectrum) and the second light beam (with second spectrum) that have been filtered by different sections of the light-filtering element. The imaging unit processes both light beams to generate stereoscopic images. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated lens sets for each spectrum, reducing device volume while maintaining imaging capability.
2Reliability
If two sets of lenses with different filter elements are used to capture stereoscopic images, then the stereoscopic effect is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate lens assemblies into a single integrated structure. Instead of manufacturing and assembling two complete lens sets with their respective filter elements, the invention uses one lens set combined with a light-filtering element that provides the spectral separation. This reduces material costs, assembly complexity, and manufacturing steps, thereby lowering overall production costs while maintaining the stereoscopic effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens set serves multiple purposes by capturing both spectral components through the light-filtering element. This eliminates the need to manufacture two separate optical paths, reducing lens manufacturing costs, filter assembly costs, and alignment requirements. The unified design simplifies the supply chain and production process, making the stereoscopic imaging system more cost-effective.
3Volume of stationary object
If a single lens is used to capture different images with different spectrums, then the device volume and cost are reduced, but the light filtering capability must be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The light-filtering element is designed with spatially varying properties: it contains a first light-permeable section that allows passage of the first light beam (first spectrum) and a second light-permeable section that allows passage of the second light beam (second spectrum). Each section has optimized optical characteristics for its specific spectral range. This local differentiation enables effective spectral separation within a compact structure, maintaining light filtering capability while reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-filtering element employs composite material structures to achieve spectral selectivity in a thin profile. By using materials with different optical transmission characteristics arranged in specific configurations (such as layered structures or patterned coatings), the element can filter different spectrums through different sections while maintaining a compact form factor. This composite approach provides enhanced filtering capability without proportionally increasing device volume or structural 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 design reduces the structural complexity, volume, and manufacturing costs of the stereoscopic image capturing module while enabling stereoscopic image capture in a compact form.
Implementation Method 1
The covering layer has a first light-permeable section and a second light-permeable section. The first light-permeable section allows a first light beam having a first spectrum to pass through it. The second light-permeable section allows a second light beam having a second spectrum different from the first spectrum to pass through it.
Implementation Method 2
performing optical processing on at least one of the first light beam and the second light beam by a lens set
Implementation Method 3
The image sensing unit receives the first light beam and the second light beam, and obtains a first image signal according to the first light beam and a second image signal according to the second light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic image capturing module includes a lens set, a light-filtering element, an image sensing unit and an image processing unit electrically connected with the image sensing unit. The lens set and the light-filtering element are disposed on the same side of the image sensing unit. The light-filtering element includes a substrate and a covering layer disposed thereon. The covering layer includes a first light-permeable section and a second light-permeable section. A first light beam having a first spectrum and a second light beam having a second spectrum pass through the first and second light-permeable sections, respectively, and are received by the image sensing unit, so the image sensing unit obtains a first image signal and a second image signal. The first and second spectrums are different from each other. The first and second image signals are processed by the image processing unit to form stereoscopic image information.