Thin Plenoptic Cameras Using Microspheres for High-Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small cameras in mobile devices face limitations in achieving high-resolution, high-quality images due to diffraction-limited optics, which restrict pixel size and camera thickness, making it challenging to integrate high-quality cameras in thin mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
Integration of microsphere technology with plenoptic camera technology allows for a reduction in pixel size below the wavelength of light, enabling thin plenoptic cameras to capture high-resolution images, with pixel sizes as small as 50 nm, and achieve a thickness suitable for thin mobile devices by using microspheres or solid immersion lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional camera technology is used to make cameras thinner, then camera thickness is reduced, but image quality and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental optical parameters by replacing conventional lens systems with a light-field camera architecture that captures 4D radiance information. This allows the camera to achieve thin form factor (5mm or less) while maintaining high resolution through computational rendering of the captured light-field data, rather than relying on traditional optical focusing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical focusing system with a computational approach. Instead of using complex lens systems and large apertures to achieve focus and resolution, the light-field camera captures directional light information and uses computational algorithms to render images at different focus depths, substituting mechanical optical complexity with computational processing.
2Quantity of substance
If pixel size is reduced to achieve higher pixel count in small cameras, then pixel count increases, but diffraction limit prevents further reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from capturing only 2D spatial information to capturing 4D light-field information (adding two angular dimensions). This dimensional expansion allows the camera to achieve high effective resolution through computational rendering without requiring physically smaller pixels, as the additional angular information provides redundant data for high-resolution reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the information captured per pixel from simple intensity (2D) to directional distribution (4D). By capturing radiance as a function of position and angle, each pixel element records information about light coming from different directions, enabling high-resolution imaging through computational processing rather than requiring physically smaller pixel elements.
3Length of moving object
If F/number is reduced below 1 to achieve smaller camera size, then camera dimensions are reduced, but optical difficulty increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex optical system required for F/number < 1 with a computational imaging system. The light-field camera captures light directional information and uses rendering algorithms to achieve the desired imaging performance, eliminating the need for complex optical designs with multiple lens elements and precise mechanical tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-field camera provides multiple imaging functions (focus at different depths, perspective changes, depth of field effects) through computational processing of the captured 4D light-field data, rather than requiring separate optical systems for each function. This multi-functionality is achieved through software algorithms applied to the captured radiance information.
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 plenoptic cameras to be made up to 10 times thinner than previously possible while maintaining high-resolution, sharp output images, supporting capabilities like 3D imaging and High Dynamic Range imaging.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of microspheres at or near the photosensor affect the light to decrease the pixel size at the photosensor
Implementation Method 2
The received light is refracted by the main lens, for example a single main lens of aperture around F/2, towards a photosensor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for capturing and rendering high-quality photographs using relatively small, thin plenoptic cameras. Plenoptic camera technology, in particular focused plenoptic camera technology including but not limited to super-resolution techniques, and other technologies such as microsphere technology may be leveraged to provide thin form factor, megapixel resolution cameras suitable for use in mobile devices and other applications. In addition, at least some embodiments of these cameras may also capture radiance, allowing the imaging capabilities provided by plenoptic camera technology to be realized through appropriate rendering techniques.