Zoomable Image Sensor with Scatterer Lens Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image sensors face challenges in reducing size while maintaining image resolution, especially in low-illumination environments, due to the reduction in light incidence with smaller sensors, which complicates zooming and image capture across varying focal lengths.
Innovation Solution
An image sensor design featuring a plurality of lens elements with different focal lengths and scatterers that concentrate light, combined with a sensing array and processor to restore scene images based on sensing information from multiple regions, allowing for target zoom factors to be achieved by synthesizing images from different viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the sensor is decreased to reduce the volume of the image capturing device, then the volume is reduced, but the amount of light incident on the sensor is reduced and image resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple independent lens elements, each focused on a specific region of the sensor. This segmentation allows each lens to concentrate light onto its designated sensing region, improving light collection efficiency without requiring a larger overall sensor area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical stacking arrangement where multiple lens elements are positioned at different heights above the sensor array. This three-dimensional configuration allows multiple lenses to simultaneously focus light onto the sensor without occupying additional horizontal space, effectively adding a spatial dimension to light concentration.
2Volume of moving object
If the size of the sensor is decreased to reduce the volume of the image capturing device, then the volume is reduced, but image resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each lens element is paired with a dedicated sensing region, creating independent imaging channels. This segmentation allows each region to maintain high resolution for its specific field of view while the overall device remains compact. The processor then combines these segmented images to achieve comprehensive high-resolution capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different focal lengths for different lens elements to optimize their respective fields of view and resolution characteristics. By varying the focal length parameter across different lens-sensing region pairs, the system achieves high resolution across multiple viewing angles without requiring a proportionally larger sensor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lens elements with different focal lengths are used to achieve zooming functionality, then zooming capability is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent lens-element-sensing-region units, each optimized for a specific focal length and field of view. This modular segmentation enables zooming functionality while keeping each individual unit simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple lens elements with different focal lengths into a single integrated array structure that focuses light onto a unified sensor array. This combining approach achieves zooming capability through optical integration rather than mechanical movement, reducing device complexity compared to traditional variable focal length mechanisms.
4Volume of moving object
If lens elements are positioned closer to the sensing element to reduce volume, then volume is reduced, but light concentration efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions lens elements at different vertical heights above the sensor array rather than compressing them horizontally. This vertical arrangement in the third dimension allows sufficient spacing for effective light concentration while maintaining a compact overall footprint. Each lens can focus light onto its designated region without interference from adjacent lenses.
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 enables efficient image capture and zooming with improved resolution across varying illumination conditions by utilizing multiple lens elements and scatterers to concentrate light and process images from distinct regions, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
each lens element of the plurality of lens elements including a plurality of scatterers arranged to concentrate light incident on the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
one lens element of the plurality of lens elements has a first focal length that is different from a second focal length of another lens element of the plurality of lens elements and is separated from the sensing element by the first focal length
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensor includes a plurality of lens elements, each lens element of the plurality of lens elements including a plurality of scatterers arranged to concentrate light incident on the image sensor; and a sensing element configured to sense light passing through the plurality of lens elements, wherein one lens element of the plurality of lens elements has a first focal length that is different from a second focal length of another lens element of the plurality of lens elements and is separated from the sensing element by the first focal length.