Novel multi-aperture approach for miniaturized imaging systems

Abstract

The vast majority of cameras and imaging sensors relies on the identical single aperture optics principle with the human eye as natural antetype. Multi-aperture approaches – in natural systems so called compound eyes and in technology often referred to as array-cameras have advantages in terms of miniaturization, simplicity of the optics and additional features such as depth information and refocusing enabled by the computational manipulation of the system´s raw image data. The proposed imaging principle is based on a multitude of imaging channels transmitting different parts of the entire field of view. Adapted image processing algorithms are employed for the generation of the overall image by the stitching of the images of the different channels. The restriction of the individual channel´s field of view leads to a less complex optical system targeting reduced fabrication cost. Due to a novel, linear morphology of the array camera setup, depth mapping with improved resolution can be achieved. We introduce a novel concept for miniaturized array-cameras with several mega pixel resolution targeting high volume applications in mobile and automotive imaging with improved depth mapping and explain design and fabrication aspects

Array camera architecture for high-resolution smartphone camera modules with low z-height using tunable lenses for channel-individual focus control

“…It employs folding of the optical path via a mirror bank and segmenting the field of view into different imaging channels using mirror facets with different inclinations (Fig. 1) as well as stitching of the final image by depthbased image rendering [3,4]. As an option, the mirror bank can be rotated so that the same camera module can be used to capture world-side images as well as selfies sequentially.…”

A review of the techniques for the mold manufacturing of micro/nanostructures for precision glass molding

“…Microlens array structured glass is used in integrated cameras to improve imaging quality and achieve refocusing and three-dimensional imaging functions. Benefiting from its high diffraction efficiency, micro/nanostructured glass is applied in optical information processing, structural coloration, anticounterfeiting, etc [7][8][9]. The scale reduction and performance improvement of these microsystems are largely determined by the quality of the micro/nanostructured glass components, which requires overcoming the challenge of manufacturing micro/nanostructures with the features of both extremely small size and high quality.…”

Miniaturized 3D Depth Sensing-Based Smartphone Light Field Camera

“…Furthermore, research on 3D cameras has been conducted actively over recent years in accordance with the increasing demand for information measurement in the real world beyond simply capturing 2D images. The recent trend of minimizing the size and cost of 3D cameras in many applications, such as smartphones, entertainment, remote sensing for facial recognition, motion detectors, and 3D surface imaging, has motivated research into the miniaturization of 3D cameras [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Moreover, small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) that include 3D cameras have the potential to offer an anti-collision function and environmental remote sensing; for example, civil and military sUAS with 3D cameras are used in unexpected scenarios during emergencies [7][8][9][10].…”