CN110266920B

CN110266920B - Flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device

Info

Publication number: CN110266920B
Application number: CN201910528093.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 冯雪; 曹宇; 马寅佶
Original assignee: Tsinghua University
Current assignee: Tsinghua University
Priority date: 2019-06-12
Filing date: 2019-06-18
Publication date: 2020-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 2039-06-18
Also published as: CN110266920A

Abstract

The flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device comprises a plurality of imaging units, a support body and a fluid chamber, wherein the support body supports the plurality of imaging units, a part of a chamber wall of the fluid chamber is formed by the support body, the support body can deform under the action of pressure, when the pressure in the fluid chamber is not equal to the pressure outside the fluid chamber, the support body is provided with a curved surface, the plurality of imaging units are arranged on the curved surface, the visual angle directions of at least two imaging units are different, when the pressure in the fluid chamber is equal to the pressure outside the fluid chamber, the support body is provided with a plane, the plurality of imaging units are arranged on the plane, the visual angle directions of the plurality of imaging units are the same, and the visual fields of the at least two imaging. The imaging device switches between a high resolution imaging mode and a wide view angle imaging mode. The imaging device is simple in overall structure, and can continuously and accurately regulate and control the arrangement of the imaging units.

Description

Flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of imaging technologies, and in particular, to a flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device.

Background

In some cameras, the performance of a single imaging unit is limited, so that it is difficult for the camera to perform high-resolution imaging or wide-angle imaging.

As an improvement, in still other cameras, multiple imaging units are integrated together and closely arranged to form an array, and the effect of "staring" can be achieved through the superposition of multiple fields of view and the post-image processing, i.e. high-resolution imaging is realized, and support is provided for long-range ultra-high definition imaging. In addition, in some compound eye cameras designed by imitating insect compound eyes, a plurality of imaging units are integrated on a hemispherical surface, so that wide-view-angle imaging is realized, and the detection range is enlarged.

High-resolution imaging and wide-angle imaging are two key performances concerned in practical application, and the same camera is difficult to have two performances. An imaging apparatus that can be easily switched between two imaging modes is currently lacking.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made in view of the state of the art described above. The invention aims to provide a flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device which has a high-resolution imaging mode and a wide-angle imaging mode and can be switched between the two imaging modes.

There is provided a flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device comprising a plurality of imaging units, a support body supporting the plurality of imaging units, and a fluid chamber having a portion of a chamber wall formed by the support body, the support body being deformable under pressure,

when the pressure in the fluid chamber is not equal to the pressure outside the fluid chamber, the support body is provided with a curved surface on which the plurality of imaging units are arranged, the visual angle directions of at least two imaging units are different,

when the pressure in the fluid chamber is equal to the pressure outside the fluid chamber, the support body has a plane on which the plurality of imaging units are arranged, the viewing directions of the plurality of imaging units are the same and the fields of view of at least two of the imaging units are partially overlapped.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of imaging units are connected to the controller by electrical wires passing through the interior of the support body, the electrical wires passing through the interior of the support body being configured in a serpentine or undulating or spiral shape.

In at least one embodiment, the image forming unit, the wire, and the support body are fixed as a single body through a casting process.

In at least one embodiment, the flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device further comprises a controller for inputting control data to the plurality of imaging units to control the imaging operations of the plurality of imaging units and/or to receive and process raw image information output by the plurality of imaging units.

In at least one embodiment, the flexible multi-mode deformable imaging apparatus further comprises a terminal device for inputting control data to the controller and/or receiving image information processed from the raw image information output by the controller.

In at least one embodiment, the plurality of imaging units are arranged in a circular array.

In at least one embodiment, the curved surface is a portion of a spherical surface,

when the pressure in the fluid chamber is higher than the pressure outside the fluid chamber, the spherical center of the spherical surface is positioned in the fluid chamber,

when the pressure in the fluid chamber is smaller than the pressure outside the fluid chamber, the spherical center of the spherical surface is positioned outside the fluid chamber.

In at least one embodiment, the support body is formed separately from the fluid chamber, and the junction of the support body and the fluid chamber is sealed by an adhesive.

In at least one embodiment, the support is softer than other portions of the chamber wall of the fluid chamber.

In at least one embodiment, the flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device further comprises a fluid driver in communication with the fluid chamber for filling and drawing fluid from the fluid chamber to change the pressure inside the fluid chamber.

In at least one embodiment, the fluid drive device is an air pump.

The present disclosure provides a flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device having at least the following benefits:

the plurality of image forming units are fixed by an elastic support body, and then the whole formed by the support body and the plurality of image forming units is combined with the fluid chamber. When the fluid volume in the fluid chamber is changed, the pressure in the fluid chamber is different from the pressure outside, the support body can deform under the action of pressure difference, and the plurality of imaging units are arranged in different shapes, namely, the imaging units are arranged in a plane or a curved surface, so that the field distribution of the plurality of imaging units is changed, and the imaging device is switched between a high-resolution imaging mode and a wide-angle imaging mode. The imaging device is simple in overall structure, and can continuously and accurately regulate and control the arrangement of the imaging units.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible, multi-mode deformable imaging device provided by the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an imaging schematic of the flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device of FIG. 1 in a high resolution imaging mode.

FIG. 3 is an imaging schematic diagram of the flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device of FIG. 1 in a first wide view imaging mode.

FIG. 4 is an imaging schematic diagram of the flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device of FIG. 1 in a second wide view imaging mode.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of electrical connections and signal transmission of electronic components in the flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device of fig. 1.

Description of reference numerals:

1 imaging unit, 2 supporting body, 3 fluid chamber, 4 adhesive layer, 5 electric wire, 6 controller, 7 fluid source connecting device, 8 fluid driving device, 9 terminal device;

a. b and c field angles.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the detailed description is intended only to teach one skilled in the art how to practice the invention, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure provides a flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device having both a high resolution imaging mode and a wide view angle imaging mode, which can be conveniently switched between the two imaging modes. An embodiment of the image forming apparatus is described below.

As shown in fig. 1 to 4, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming units 1, a support body 2, and a fluid chamber 3, and the plurality of image forming units 1 may form a flexible image forming array. The plurality of image forming units 1 are fixed to the support body 2, so that the support body 2 supports the plurality of image forming units 1. The imaging unit 1 may be, for example, a camera module with an imaging function in the related art, such as a camera module of a mobile phone, a camera module of a camera, etc., and may have a size of, for example, 3mm × 3mm to, for example, 10mm × 10 mm.

The support 2 is an elastic deformable body (e.g., an elastic film), and may be made of a polymer (e.g., a shape memory polymer) material having elasticity after curing, such as silicone (e.g., Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), copolyester (Ecoflex), etc.), rubber, etc.

A part of the chamber wall of the fluid chamber 3 is formed by a support body 2, which support body 2 is able to be in contact with the fluid inside the fluid chamber 3. The fluid chamber 3 may be made of a material, such as metal or resin, which has a hardness greater than that of the support body 2 and does not react with the fluid.

When the amount of fluid in the fluid chamber 3 is changed, the pressure inside the fluid chamber 3 is different from the pressure outside, the support body 2 can deform under the action of the pressure difference and deform the surface where the flexible imaging array is located, so that the field of view distribution of the plurality of imaging units 1 is changed, the angle of view is turned, and the imaging device is in different imaging modes.

The imaging device utilizes the fluid to drive the flexible imaging array, and can continuously and accurately adjust the flexible imaging array, so that a high-resolution imaging mode and a wide-view imaging mode can be rapidly switched, and the camera has more flexibility and functionality.

The fluid chamber 3 and the support body 2 may be formed separately, and an adhesive layer 4 may be provided at a joint of the support body 2 and the fluid chamber 3, and the adhesive layer 4 may be formed by applying an adhesive (may be an adhesive exclusively used for bonding a polymer such as rubber or silicone). Therefore, the bonding position of the fluid chamber 3 and the support body 2 is sealed, and the fluid does not leak.

As shown in fig. 2, the support body 2 forms a plane when the pressure inside the fluid chamber 3 is equal to the pressure outside the fluid chamber 3. The plurality of imaging units 1 are arranged on the plane, and the viewing angle directions of the plurality of imaging units 1 are the same, that is, the viewing angle directions of the plurality of imaging units 1 are perpendicular to the plane. The fields of view of adjacent imaging units 1 overlap and the imaging apparatus is in a high resolution imaging mode.

In this imaging mode, the angle of view of the imaging device is defined by the outermost imaging unit 1, specifically, in fig. 2, the angle of view is a.

The viewing angle direction perpendicular to the plane is defined as the high resolution imaging mode viewing angle direction.

As shown in fig. 3, when the pressure inside the fluid chamber 3 is greater than the pressure outside the fluid chamber 3 (e.g., when the fluid chamber 3 is filled with fluid), the support body 2 forms a part of a spherical surface (including a substantially spherical surface). The spherical center of the spherical surface is located inside the fluid chamber 3 and outside the field of view of the plurality of imaging units 1, and the center line of the angle of view of each of the plurality of imaging units 1 passes through the spherical center.

In this imaging mode, the angle of view of the imaging device is defined by the outermost imaging unit 1, specifically, in fig. 3, the angle of view is b.

As shown in fig. 4, when the pressure inside the fluid chamber 3 is smaller than the pressure outside the fluid chamber 3 (for example, when fluid is sucked from the fluid chamber 3), the support body 2 forms a part of a spherical surface (including a substantially spherical surface). The spherical center of the spherical surface is located outside the fluid chamber 3 and within the field of view of the plurality of imaging units 1, and the center line of the angle of view of each of the plurality of imaging units 1 passes through the spherical center.

In this imaging mode, the angle of view of the imaging device is defined by the outermost imaging unit 1, specifically, in fig. 4, the angle of view is c.

When the pressure inside the fluid chamber 3 is not equal to the pressure outside the fluid chamber 3, the support body 2 forms a part of a spherical surface (including a substantially spherical surface) on which the plurality of imaging units 1 are arranged, for example, may form a hemispherical surface. The viewing angle direction of the imaging unit 1 changes so as to be inclined with respect to the high-resolution imaging mode viewing angle direction, compared to the case where the pressure inside the fluid chamber 3 is equal to the pressure outside the fluid chamber 3. The imaging device has a wider viewing angle, so that the imaging device is in a wide viewing angle imaging mode.

When the amount of fluid in the fluid chamber 3 is changed, the magnitude of the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the fluid chamber 3 is different, the curvature of the spherical surface (curved surface) is different, the degree of change in the direction of the angle of view of the imaging unit 1 is different, and the size of the angle of view of the imaging device is also different.

In this embodiment, in the case where the pressure inside the fluid chamber 3 is not equal to the pressure outside the fluid chamber 3, the viewing directions of the plurality of imaging units 1 are different from each other. The viewing angle direction of some imaging units 1 is the same as the viewing angle direction of the high resolution imaging mode, and the viewing angle direction of other imaging units 1 is different from the viewing angle direction of the high resolution imaging mode.

The present disclosure does not limit the viewing angle direction of each imaging unit 1, and the wide viewing angle imaging mode can be realized as long as it is ensured that there are at least two imaging units 1 different in viewing angle direction.

In other embodiments, the viewing angle directions of the respective imaging units 1 may also each be different from the high resolution imaging mode viewing angle direction.

In the case where the pressure inside the fluid chamber 3 is lower than the pressure outside the fluid chamber 3 and the spherical center of the spherical surface is located outside the fluid chamber 3 (shown in fig. 4), the imaging apparatus also has a three-dimensional imaging function, can realize wide-angle imaging at a close range, and is particularly suitable for the fields such as endoscopes and the like.

As shown in fig. 1, the image forming apparatus may further include a power source (e.g., a lithium ion battery, etc.), a controller 6, a fluid driving device 8, and a fluid source connecting device 7. The fluid chamber 3 may be filled with a gas and correspondingly the fluid driving means 8 may be a gas pump, more specifically a micro gas pump. Thus, the imaging device has a small volume and mass.

The fluid chamber 3 may also be filled with a liquid, and correspondingly the fluid driving device 8 may be a liquid pump or the like.

The air pump may inflate the fluid chamber 3 so that the amount of air in the fluid chamber 3 increases, the air pressure increases and the support body 2 bulges outwards. The air pump may also draw air from the fluid chamber 3 so that the amount of air in the fluid chamber 3 decreases, the air pressure decreases and the support body 2 is recessed inwards.

The fluid source connection 7 connects the fluid chamber 3 and the fluid drive 8 to transfer fluid between the fluid chamber 3 and the fluid drive 8. The fluid source connection 7 may be a hose so that the imaging device has better spatial adaptability.

The fluid chamber 3 may be substantially cylindrical, and a chamber wall thereof at one axial end may be formed by the support body 2 and a chamber wall thereof at the other axial end may have an opening connected to the fluid source connection means 7. Of course, the present disclosure does not limit the shape of the fluid chamber 3 as long as it is provided with a space to store a certain amount of fluid.

In other embodiments, the chamber walls at both axial ends of the fluid chamber 3 may be formed by the support body 2, and correspondingly, the fluid source connection means 7 may be located at the side of the fluid chamber 3.

The plurality of imaging units 1 may be arranged in a ring-shaped array, for example, the axis of the ring-shaped array may be collinear with the axis of the fluid chamber 3. Thus, when the support body 2 is deformed, the respective image forming units 1 can be fitted so that the image forming apparatus has a larger angle of view. The plurality of imaging units 1 may form one or more turns, and the imaging unit may or may not be disposed at the center of the ring shape.

Of course, the plurality of imaging units 1 may be arranged in a column, or may be arranged in a plurality of columns, and may also form a rectangular array.

The power supply supplies power to the controller 6, and the power supply and the controller 6 may be mounted to other chamber walls of the fluid chamber 3 than the support body 2, such as to the side of the fluid chamber 3. Of course, the present disclosure does not limit the installation positions of the power supply, the controller 6, and the opening.

The image forming apparatus may have a controller 6, and each image forming unit 1 is electrically connected to the controller 6 through an electric wire 5. The controller 6 is used for controlling the imaging operation of the imaging unit 1, such as controlling the imaging unit 1 to focus, take a picture, record a picture, etc., and for receiving and processing the image data output by the imaging unit 1, such as processing (converting) the original image information into image information that can be directly read for use.

A part of the electric wire 5 may be buried in the support body 2, and the image forming unit 1 may be partially buried in the support body 2 to be fixed with the support body 2. A part of the electric wire 5 between the image forming unit 1 and the controller 6 is led out from the support body 2 and connected to the controller 6. The electric wire 5 and the image forming unit 1 embedded in the support body 2 may be formed as a single body with the support body 2 through a casting process, so that the electric wire 5 and the image forming unit 1 can be securely mounted to the support body 2.

The electric wire 5 is a malleable wire, and the electric wire 5 may be configured in a serpentine shape, a wave shape, a spiral shape, or the like, so that the image forming unit 1 is not restrained by the electric wire 5 when the support body 2 is deformed.

In other embodiments, the image forming apparatus may have a plurality of controllers 6 connected in one-to-one correspondence with the image forming units 1, one controller 6 individually controlling the image forming operation of one image forming unit 1.

In other embodiments, the imaging unit 1 and the electric wire 5 may also be mounted outside the support body 2.

As shown in fig. 5, the imaging apparatus may further include a terminal device 9, the terminal device 9 may perform wireless or wired data transmission with the controller 6, for example, the terminal device 9 inputs control data to the controller 6 to control the imaging operation of the imaging unit 1, and the terminal device 9 receives image information processed from the original image information output by the controller 6. The terminal device 9 is also capable of controlling the fluid driving means 8 to fill the fluid chamber 3 with fluid or to suck fluid or the like from the fluid chamber 3.

The controller 6 transmits the image information to the terminal device 9 in real time by means of wireless connection. The terminal device 9 analyzes the image information to obtain a feedback signal and controls the fluid driving device 8 according to the requirement, so that the flexible imaging array is arranged in a plane or a curved surface, and the conversion between the high-resolution imaging mode and the wide-view imaging mode is realized.

It should be understood that the above embodiments are only exemplary and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and alterations of the above-described embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art in light of the teachings of the present invention without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims

1. A flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device comprising a plurality of imaging units (1), a support body (2) and a fluid chamber (3), the support body (2) supporting the plurality of imaging units (1), a portion of a chamber wall of the fluid chamber (3) being formed by the support body (2), the support body (2) being deformable under pressure,

when the pressure in the fluid chamber (3) is not equal to the pressure outside the fluid chamber (3), the support body (2) has a curved surface on which the plurality of imaging units (1) are arranged, the viewing directions of at least two of the imaging units (1) are different,

when the pressure inside the fluid chamber (3) is equal to the pressure outside the fluid chamber (3), the support body (2) has a plane on which the plurality of imaging units (1) are arranged, the viewing directions of the plurality of imaging units (1) are the same and the fields of view of at least two of the imaging units (1) partially overlap;

the plurality of imaging units (1) are connected to a controller (6) by means of electric wires (5), the electric wires (5) passing inside the support body (2) being configured in a serpentine or wavy or spiral shape.

2. Flexible multimode deformable imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that said imaging unit (1), said electric wire (5) and said support body (2) are fixed in one piece by a casting process.

3. The flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device further comprises a controller (6), the controller (6) being configured to input control data to the plurality of imaging units (1) to control the imaging operation of the plurality of imaging units (1) and/or to receive and process raw image information output by the plurality of imaging units (1).

4. Flexible multi-mode deformable imaging apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises a terminal device (9), said terminal device (9) being adapted to input control data to said controller (6) and/or to receive image information processed from said raw image information output by said controller (6).

5. Flexible multimode deformable imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that said plurality of imaging units (1) are arranged in an annular array.

6. A flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device according to claim 1, wherein said curved surface is a portion of a spherical surface,

when the pressure in the fluid chamber (3) is higher than the pressure outside the fluid chamber (3), the spherical center of the spherical surface is positioned in the fluid chamber (3),

when the pressure inside the fluid chamber (3) is lower than the pressure outside the fluid chamber (3), the spherical center of the spherical surface is located outside the fluid chamber (3).

7. A flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that said supporting body (2) is formed separately from said fluid chamber (3), the junction of said supporting body (2) and said fluid chamber (3) being sealed by an adhesive.

8. A flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device according to claim 1, characterized in that the support body (2) is softer than other parts of the chamber wall of the fluid chamber (3).

9. The flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid driving device (8) in communication with the fluid chamber (3), the fluid driving device (8) for filling the fluid chamber (3) with fluid and sucking fluid from the fluid chamber (3) to change the pressure inside the fluid chamber (3).

10. A flexible multi-mode deformable imaging device according to claim 9, characterized in that said fluid driving device (8) is an air pump.