Three-Chip Camera Compactness via Asymmetric Prism Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of CMOS imaging devices in three-chip camera apparatuses, where the package center and imaging region center are eccentric, leads to an increase in the external dimensions due to protruding device substrates or packages, which is a challenge in compact camera designs for applications like video cameras and endoscopes.
Innovation Solution
A three-chip camera apparatus design that incorporates a color separation prism with specific inclination angles for its emission surfaces and positions CMOS imaging devices in a way that their eccentric centers do not protrude, using an image processing unit and inversion processing unit to manage signal inversion and maintain compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If CMOS imaging devices with eccentric package center and imaging region center are used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but external dimension increases due to protruding packages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally positioning the imaging devices at different locations relative to the optical axis. The first imaging device is positioned at a first location, the second imaging device at a second location, and the third imaging device at a third location, where these locations are asymmetrically arranged to accommodate the eccentric package centers of CMOS devices. This asymmetric positioning allows the use of cost-effective CMOS devices while preventing package protrusion that would increase external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions. By positioning imaging devices at different locations (first, second, and third locations) and using a color separation prism with specific surface orientations, the patent distributes the eccentric packages in three-dimensional space rather than allowing them to protrude uniformly in one direction, thereby maintaining compact external dimensions while using economical CMOS devices.
2Length of stationary object
If imaging devices are positioned to accommodate eccentric centers, then compact form factor is maintained, but device complexity increases due to positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The color separation prism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates colors, defines the positions of imaging devices, and controls the orientation of emission surfaces. By making the prism a multi-functional component that integrates these roles, the patent reduces the need for separate positioning mechanisms, thereby maintaining compact dimensions without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different emission surfaces of the color separation prism different inclinations relative to the optical axis. The first emission surface has a first inclination, the second emission surface has a second inclination, and the third emission surface has a third inclination. This localized variation in surface properties allows precise positioning of imaging devices at different locations while using a single integrated prism structure.
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 effectively suppresses the increase in external dimensions of the camera apparatus, ensuring it remains compact even with eccentric imaging device centers, enhancing usability in applications like surgical endoscopes and video cameras by maintaining a smaller form factor.
Implementation Method 1
A dichroic film in the dichroic prism separates incident light having subject information into three primary colors of light of RGB by reflection
Implementation Method 2
allows each primary color of light to be photoelectrically converted by each CCD
Data Source
AI summary
A three-chip camera apparatus includes: a color separation prism which includes an incident surface perpendicular to an optical axis, a first emission surface parallel to the incident surface, a second emission surface inclined at a first inclination angle with respect to the optical axis, and a third emission surface inclined at a second inclination angle greater than the first inclination angle; a first imaging device which is disposed in parallel to the first emission surface; a second imaging device which is disposed in parallel to the second emission surface; and a third imaging device which is disposed in parallel to the third emission surface.