DE19917890A1 - Low-profile image acquisition system - Google Patents

Abstract

A flat imaging system has a lens matrix arrangement (3) which contains a multiplicity of microlenses (4) arranged next to one another. The system further comprises a planar photodetector arrangement located in an image plane (6) in the beam path behind the microlenses (4). The distance (A) between the front of the lens matrix arrangement (3) and the sensitive area of the photodetector arrangement is less than 1 cm, in particular less than 0.5 cm.

Description

The invention relates to a flat image capturing system stem that in a variety of different applications can be used.

In recent years, the dimensions of Photoka meras and other optical imaging devices constantly ver shrinks, with the trend towards miniaturization continuing. This is because, on the one hand, that the advancing miniaturization the attractiveness of such cameras for everyday use Use increased, as they are conveniently taken almost anywhere can be. On the other hand, through miniaturization but also new technical areas of application such as optical surveillance or authorization applications closed, for the conventional photo cameras not or only are conditionally suitable.

The invention has for its object an image capture system with a high miniaturization potential, in particular re regarding the dimension in the direction of the optical axis create.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

Consisting of using a lens matrix arrangement from a large number N arranged side by side Microlenses becomes an imaging system with a small Image size B created. This enables the distance A between the front of the lens array and the sensiti ven surface of the photodetector array so that this is a maximum of 1 cm, but also by orders of magnitude can be designed smaller. This will make the use of the optical imaging system according to the invention as inte Grail component of low-profile small devices such as  for example clocks, notebooks, organizers, cell phones light. It can also be installed in glasses, clothing (e.g. hats) and the like or - as particularly interesting Possible application - be provided in chip cards.

In general, an increase in the number N of Mi krolinsen a further reduction in image size B and thus of distance A is made possible. N 10 is therefore preferred, in particular N ≧ 1000, and it can within the scope of the Erfin also imaging systems with N in the range of 1,000,000 and more can be realized.

To achieve a small distance A are preferred Micro lenses are used, the opening width of which is less than 2 mm, is in particular less than 0.5 mm. Also much smaller re opening widths in the range of 150 microns to about 5 microns possible.

Preferably, with respect to the optical axis of the Lin micro matrix arrangement eccentrically located an im essential elliptical lens shape. This can a correction of aberrations, especially astigmatism must be achieved by the imaging system.

The lens matrix arrangement is expediently prepared by Pre gene, casting, in particular injection molding, compression molding or Printing from an optically transparent plastic material manufactured.

To limit the beam path in the individual by N microlenses defined optical channels is according to one advantageous measure in the beam path before and / or behind a pinhole matrix is arranged in the lens matrix arrangement and positioned with respect to the lens array that each microlens has one or more transmitting areas che, in particular one or more holes of the pinhole size are assigned to trix. Through the pinhole matrix a  Increasing the depth of field (and thus increasing the usable object distance range) and a reduction in Crosstalk between adjacent optical channels be enough. A pinhole matrix for every micro lens three fo transmitting for different wavelengths lien included, can (at the same time) as a filter mask serve a color detection.

In the image acquisition system according to the invention, the op table axes of the microlenses both parallel and - similar to an insect eye - towards the object divergent. The following applies to the imaging scale β mostly -1 <β <1 (i.e. the figure is reduced), it are however also optical 1: 1 imaging according to the invention systems (β = ± 1) or magnifying imaging systems (β <-1 or β <1) possible.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the invention appropriate imaging system two or more in the beam path lens matrix arrangements arranged one behind the other. This enables the imaging quality of the system to be increased.

Good imaging properties are especially with a System of three lens matrix arrangements (object-side Lin sensor matrix arrangement, intermediate lens matrix arrangement, image side ge lens matrix arrangement) obtained. Through the intermediate line Sen matrix arrangement can effectively an optical Crosstalk between neighboring optical channels be pressed.

Another advantageous measure is characterized in that that a liquid crystal layer is arranged in the beam path is. By suitable electrical control of the same variable image enlargement ("zooming") can be achieved the. Alternatively or additionally, a variability of the Image enlargement also electronically through a ge  suitable evaluation of the gelie by the photodetector arrangement far image signals are caused.

A first preferred embodiment of the invention ß image acquisition system is characterized in that each Microlens an image of the entire object to be captured in of the image plane so that N overlaps in the image plane object images arranged next to each other without any problems that that each object image generated a detector unit of Associated photodetector arrangement, and that the Relativla gene of the object images to the assigned detector units vary in such a way that the detector units each under capture different image sections of the N object images.

In this first embodiment, each optical Channel transmit the entire object image, but this only recorded photometrically in sections. As a result the image information by a "static" scan of the Ob received jektbilds. The image is built up on electroni paths based on the individual scans received sub-picture information.

An overlap-free but gapless (and thus completely ge) Image acquisition and evaluation is achieved when related Lich neighboring object images the offset of the relative positions just the dimension of the light-sensitive surface of a De tector unit corresponds.

A second embodiment of the picture according to the invention recording system is characterized in that each microline se an image of a portion of the total to be captured Object generated in the image plane, the N Sections (already) in the image plane in the correct position to the Compose image of the entire object to be captured, and that the composite image through a variety of over the image plane distributed detector units of the Photodetector arrangement is detected.  

This variant creates on the photodetector arrangement just a single image of the object to be captured, the from the microlenses by superimposing the image sections is put together. Different from the first execution variant is a special one in the second variant lateral positioning of the photodetector arrangement or of the detector units relative to the lens matrix arrangement not mandatory.

A detector unit can reali by a single detector be siert (in this case includes the photodetector arrangement N individual detectors) or the best from a group of detectors be made up of several individual detectors.

A thin CCD is preferably used as the photodetector arrangement or a CMOS photosensor array. Such a photode tector arrangements usually consist of Si and can thinned down to thicknesses below 100 µm relatively easily become. A small thickness of the photodetector arrangement is not only with a view to reducing Ge velvet thickness of the imaging system of interest, but is also a requirement for applications in which a certain se flexibility of the imaging system according to the invention is needed - for example, when integrating it into a chip card or if it is attached on a non-level surface Surfaces. The Si, which is brittle per se, is around 150 µm a certain flexibility, which is characterized by further forth can be appropriately increased under thin.

Especially for applications that require high flexibility of the image acquisition system according to the invention required ma Chen, it is preferred to be a photosensitive, electrical conductive polymer material for the photodetector arrangement use.  

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are in specified in the subclaims.

The invention is described below by way of example of two variants with reference to the drawing explained; in this shows:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation for explaining the principle of operation of the first embodiment from the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the detail X from FIG. 1;

Fig. 3 is a photodetector array with projected thereon object images in plan view;

FIG. 4a is a a single detector cell containing the Pho todetektoranordnung of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4b shows a detector group-containing cell of the photodetector array in FIG. 3;

Fig. 5 different implementations of a detector unit in the form of a single detector or a detector array in plan view;

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation for explaining the principle of operation of the second embodiment variant of the invention;

Fig. 7, the image capture system shown in Figure 6 with a subscribed beam path.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a lens consisting of four lens matrix arrangements;

FIG. 9 is a diagram to illustrate the beam path of the image detection system shown in FIGS . 6 to 8; and

Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of two Mittenberei Chen a lens matrix arrangement in plan view.

According to FIG. 1, an object 1 (house with tree) lies in the spatial detection area of an image acquisition system 2 . The image acquisition system 2 has at least one lens matrix arrangement 3 as optics, in or on which a multiplicity (N) of microlenses 4 arranged side by side are formed. The lens matrix arrangement 3 can be implemented, for example, in the form of a thin transparent plastic film in which the microlenses 4 are formed by embossing, printing or the like. Another possibility is to manufacture the lens matrix arrangement 3 as a plastic molded or injection molded part.

The (image-side) main planes of the individual microlenses 4 are preferably in a common (image-side) lens matrix main plane 5 , and the microlenses 4 usually have an identical focal length. An image plane 6 then extends parallel to the main lens matrix plane 5 and is spaced apart from the latter by the image width B, which is due to the focal length of the microlens 4 and the (desired) object distance (ie the distance of the object 1 from the lens matrix main plane 5 ) is determined.

In general, however, the individual microlenses 4 can have different lens shapes and / or different focal lengths. In these cases, there is generally no common (image-side) lens matrix main plane 5 . Furthermore, the lens matrix arrangement 3 does not necessarily have to be flat, but can, for example, also have a slightly curved shape.

Central lines 7 extend from the object 1 through the centers of the lenses 4 and represent the optical channels defined by the lens matrix arrangement 3 .

In the beam path behind the lens array 3 , a photodetector arrangement is introduced in a manner not shown. A sensitive surface of the photodetector arrangement is arranged with respect to the lens matrix arrangement 3 such that it coincides with the image plane 6 as precisely as possible. A cell on the photodetector arrangement is assigned to each optical channel. Each cell contains a photodetector unit arranged in the sensitive surface, which, as explained in more detail below, can have one or more light-sensitive areas.

The distance A between the front of the lens and the sensiti The surface of the photodetector arrangement can essentially Chen correspond to the image width B, is less than 1 cm and can reach values in the range of 150 µm or even less be reduced.

The images of the object 1 projected by the lens matrix arrangement 3 onto the sensitive surface of the photodetector arrangement are identified by the reference numeral 8 . Each microlens 4 generally generates a complete image 8 of the object 1 in the image plane 6 . Overall, N images 8 of the object 1 are generated in the image plane 6 in this way.

The individual microlenses 4 can be refractive, diffractive or refractive-diffractive (hybrid). The size of a micro lens 4 is typically in the range between about 2 mm to 5 microns. The microlenses 4 can have a round, elliptical, triangular, square, hexagonal or generally polygonal peripheral shape.

FIG. 2 shows the detail X bordered by a dotted line in FIG. 1.

In the case of the lens 4.1 , the central line 7.1 coincides with the optical axis 9.1 of the lens 4.1 . In contrast, the central line 7.2 in the lens 4.2 is inclined by a small angle α with respect to the optical axis 9.2 . Thus, while the object image 8.1 generated by the lens 4.1 is centered on the optical axis 9.1 , the object image 8.2 generated by the lens 4.2 is shifted by a small distance Δx with respect to the optical axis 9.2 (on the sensitive surface of the photodetector arrangement).

The detector unit (not shown) is arranged in the center of the cells Z1 and Z2. The mentioned offset Δx between the relative positions of the object images 8.1 and 8.2 with respect to the cell division has the effect that the detector unit arranged in the cell Z2 detects a different section (or section) of the object image 8.2 than the detector unit arranged in the adjacent cell Z1.

This principle continues over all N cells of the photo detector arrangement and causes each detector unit to detect a different section of the object images 8 , 8.1 , 8.2 . The object image as a whole is thus scanned simultaneously by the detector units of the cells. It lends itself to match the lens matrix arrangement 3 and the photodetector arrangement in terms of construction and with respect to their adjustment so that the offset Δx of the object images 8 , 8.1 , 8.2 from cell to cell corresponds to the size of the photosensitive area of the detector unit. The overall image is then obtained in a simple manner by “electronically joining” the image information output by the detector units of all cells Z1, Z2. However, overlapping or incomplete image scanning is also possible, ie one and the same image section can be detected either by several or by no detector unit.

Furthermore, one that is not constant over the object image can also be used Resolution can be set up. For example, ver equally fewer cells Z1, Z2 for scanning the image pe periphery may be provided as the center of the image, d. H. that for Edge of the picture an increasingly smaller number of pictures cuts per image area (and subsequently electro nically evaluated).

The relative position between the lens matrix arrangement 3 and the photodetector arrangement can be adjusted by capturing suitable calibration images during the manufacturing process. As an alternative or in addition to this, the assignment between the individual detector units and the image sections can be determined and the electronics connected downstream of the photodetector arrangement can be individually learned in the finished image acquisition system (ie when the relative position between the lens matrix arrangement 3 and the photodetector arrangement) has already been determined .

Fig. 3 shows a top view of the cell pattern of the photodetector arrangement and the layers in the cells Z1, Z2,. . ., Z8 generated object images. It is clear that the object images of FIG. 8 show an offset Δx in both dimensions of the image plane 6 from cell to cell.

FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b show different embodiments ei ner cell Z1-Z8 the photodetector array. The cell Z shown in FIG. 4a has a detector unit with a single photodetector 10 arranged in the cell center. Alternatively, according to FIG. 4b, a cell Z 'can have a detector unit which is composed of a detector group 10 ' (ie, several individual detectors 10 ).

In both versions, the space of the cell Z or Z 'not used by the detector unit (individual photodetector 10 or detector group 10 ') can be used for image preprocessing electronics 11 .

Fig. 5 shows further possibilities for realizing a detector unit. In a black / white detection (S / W), a single picture element (pixel) by a single detector 10, and a plurality of pixels is a plurality of individual detectors (a detector array 10 'that is) generated. In the case of a color detection, at least 3 individual detectors with corresponding upstream filters are required to generate a (color) pixel, with further individual detectors arranged to increase the resolution, for example, on a circular line around the color detectors.

In the case of detection with a detector group 10 '( FIG. 4b), individual detectors of group 10 ' can be electronically coupled with individual detectors of adjacent detector groups 10 ', in order thereby to enable rapid evaluation of the position or the movement of the individual image sections. Similar image processing is observed in insects (e.g. step flies). In this way, for example, an electronic control or correction against Ver wiggle the image can be realized.

Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment of the invention. Here, too, the optics of the image acquisition system can comprise several (typically 3 or 4 ) lens matrix arrangements. The optics of the image acquisition system 102 shown has an object-side lens matrix arrangement 103.1 , an image-side lens matrix arrangement 103.3 and an intermediate lens matrix arrangement 103.2 .

An object 101 is illustrated by the sequence of letters ABCDEFGHIJK. An image plane 106 is drawn in the beam path behind the image-side lens matrix arrangement 103.3 . The distance A is defined by the distance between the front side of the object-side lens matrix arrangement 103.1 facing the object 101 and the sensitive surface of the photodetector arrangement (not shown) to be coincident with the image plane 106 .

The image acquisition system 102 according to the second embodiment of the invention also comprises N optical channels which are represented by the optical axes 109 of mutually associated micro lenses 104 , 104 '. Furthermore, further optical elements, already described with respect to the first embodiment variant, such as one or more pinhole matrixes, a liquid crystal layer, etc., can be arranged in the beam path in a manner not shown.

In contrast to the first embodiment variant, in the second embodiment variant each optical channel transmits only a partial image section of the object 101 . This is illustrated in FIG. 6 in that the optical channel shown on the left essentially transmits the field section ABC, the neighboring channel essentially the field section DEF, etc., transmits. The assembly of the individual partial image sections into the object image 108 takes place here optically by superimposing the partial image sections transmitted in the individual channels in the image plane 106 . So that the individual partial image sections are joined to one another there correctly, an upright image must be generated in the image plane 106 , ie a non-inverting image (β <0) must be provided.

This can be implemented as follows: The object-side lens 104 of each optical channel generates an intermediate image (β <0). The image-side lens 104 'of the optical channel under consideration forms the inverted intermediate image in the image plane 106 as an upright image (β <0). Between the object-side lens 104 and the image-side lens 104 'there is one or more additional lens (s) of one or more intermediate lens matrix arrangement (s) which, in the manner of a field lens, reduce (reduce) the crosstalk between adjacent optical channels.

As a rule, the second variant requires more Lens matrix arrangements as the first embodiment, which is why the first variant is at least conceptually a greater miniaturization potential than the second off leadership variant.

Fig. 7 shows the image acquisition system 102 shown schematically in Fig. 6 with the beam path shown. As in the first embodiment variant , the image width B is defined by the distance between the main plane 105 of the lens matrix arrangements 103.1 , 103.2 and 103.3 and the image plane 106 .

FIG. 8 shows a possible practical structure of the optics of the image acquisition system 102 of the second embodiment variant shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The optics of the imaging system 2 of the first embodiment can be constructed accordingly. An object-side plastic film 12 realizes the lenses 104 of the object-side lens matrix arrangement 103.1 on its surface facing the object, and an image-side plastic film 13 realizes the lenses 104 'of the image-side lens matrix arrangement 103.3 on its surface facing the image plane 106 . The intermediate lens matrix arrangement 103.2 is formed here by lens pairs which are formed on the mutually facing surfaces of the foils 12 , 13 .

Lien for the positionally accurate lateral and axial positioning of the Fo 12, 13 are connected to these in the peripheral region beyond an imaginary circular line distributed more complementarily image te structures 14 a, arranged 14 b, which upon engagement of a self-adjustment of the films 12, bring about. 13 The structure 14 a, 14 b can, for example, in the form of a on one of the foils 12 ; 13 molded adjustment ring 14 a and one on the other Ren film 13 ; 12 integrally formed ball cap portion 14 b realized.

FIG. 9 shows a representation of the beam path through the image acquisition system 102 shown in FIGS . 6 to 8. The lengths of both the z-axis (direction of the optical axis) and the x-axis (vertical direction) are given in the unit mm.

The image is non-inverting and reducing (0 <β <1), the object width is 1 cm, the distance A between the lens front (at x = 0) and the image plane 106 is approximately 4.7 mm and the image width B is approximately 3 mm .

Fig. 10 shows central regions of two different lens arrays 3, 103.1, 103.2, 103.3 in plan view. Whereas in the lens matrix arrangement shown in the left part of the image all the lenses 4 have a spherical circumferential shape, in the lens matrix arrangement shown in the right part of the image only one central lens 4 a with respect to the optical axis of the image acquisition system 2 or 102 shows a spherical peripheral shape, while the surrounding Lin sen 4 b each have an elliptical peripheral shape.

Because of the small axial dimension A of the image acquisition system 2 , 102 according to the invention, it can be used in a very versatile manner. In the field of surveillance applications, the image acquisition system can be integrated into the steering wheel or dashboard of a motor vehicle, for example, in order to control the driver's fatigue state by detecting the movement of the eyelid or the head. Another option is to use biometric methods such as face or iris recognition to check the authorization of the driver at the wheel, ie to enable theft protection.

Further areas of application of the image capture system according to the invention in or on a motor vehicle relate to safety-related applications. One or more of the image acquisition systems 2 , 102 described can be arranged at a suitable point in the interior of the motor vehicle (for example steering wheel, sun visor, interior trim, etc.) and control the triggering of occupant protection devices such as airbags or other passenger restraint systems there. In particular, a protection of small children from the front passenger airbag can be realized in this way. Another safety-related application in the motor vehicle sector relates to monitoring the vehicle environment. For this purpose, one or more image acquisition systems according to the invention can be attached or integrated in the exterior of the vehicle (for example on the body, the exterior lighting, in particular the indicator, the bumper, the antenna, etc.).

A (further) application in the field of personal au The validation check includes the integration of the inventor image acquisition system according to the invention in an object, the use of a particular person or a particular People should be reserved, for example in egg ne chip card (i.e. credit, money, telephone, access card and the like). The person- or person-group-related Be You can be entitled to use such a chip card for example based on photometric detection and detection fingerprint. Another Possibility exists in the facial and / or iris detection / detection using the chip card wanting person through the chip card itself the chip card integrated image acquisition according to the invention system can see the correct object (face or iris) the chip card, a structure must be built in, with perpendicular characteristic or almost vertical observation gives the appearance. For example a dop on the front and back of the card pelt target cross that the viewer by tilting the chip card must be placed on top of one another. Another Possibility is to flip the chip card with a to equip the area in which the viewer is lying  correctly recognized chip card itself. The imagery Solution / recognition function of the chip card can then e.g. B. triggered by a film pressure switch.

Another application of the image capture according to the invention systems consists in the implementation of a photo camera in the Smart card format - d. H. a camera in the card compartment of the Purse can be transported.

With such a "photo camera card" can be used as a viewfinder flexible liquid crystal applied to the back of the card stall display (LCD) may be provided. In the second execution tion variant of the invention and a transparent Ausfüh tion of the photodetector arrangement (e.g. by using a suitable photoelectric polymer material) can also by looking directly at the back of the card shining object image a (parallax free) detection of the desired image section can be achieved.

As a rule, however, the viewfinder becomes such a flat one Photo camera as an additional, independent system reali be based. Again, this can be done in accordance with the invention be piert. The viewfinder can, for example, in the form of second embodiment of the invention can be realized and - provided the actual image acquisition system of the photo camera is constructed according to the first embodiment - additional Lich and adjacent to this on the "photo camera card" be ordered.  

Reference list

1

object

2nd

Imaging system

3rd

Lens matrix arrangement

4th

,

4.1

,

4.2

Micro lens

4th

a circular microlens

4th

b elliptical microlens

5

Lentil matrix main plane

6

Image plane

7

,

7.1

,

7.2

Center line

8th

,

8.1

,

8.2

Object picture

9

,

9.1

,

9.2

optical axis

10th

Single detector

10th

'Detector group

11

Image preprocessing electronics

12th

object-side plastic film

13

plastic film on the image side

14

a adjustment ring

14

b Ball cap section

101

object

102

Imaging system

103.1

,

2nd

,

3rd

Lens matrix arrangement

104

,

104

'Micro lens

105

Lentil matrix main plane

106

Image plane

108

Object picture

109

optical axis
A distance
B image width
α angle of inclination
Δx offset
X detail
Z, Z ', Z1-Z8 cell

Claims (24)

1. Flat imaging system, with

• - A lens matrix arrangement ( 3 ; 103.1 , 103.2 , 103.3 ), which contains a plurality N of Mi Krolinsen ( 4 ; 104 ) arranged side by side, and
• - Arrange a flat photodetector in an image plane ( 6 ; 106 ) in the beam path behind the microlenses ( 4 ; 104 )
• - The distance (A) between the front of the lens matrix arrangement ( 3 ; 103.1 , 103.2 , 103.3 ) and the sensitive area of the photodetector arrangement is less than 1 cm, in particular less than 0.5 cm.

2. Flat image acquisition system according to claim 1, characterized, that N ≧ 10, in particular N ≧ 1000. 3. Flat image acquisition system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the opening width of a microlens ( 4 ; 104 ) is less than 2 mm, in particular less than 0.5 mm. 4. Flat image acquisition system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with respect to the optical axis of the lens matrix arrangement ( 3 ; 103.1 , 103.2 , 103.3 ) eccentric microlenses ( 4 b) have an essentially elliptical lens shape. 5. Low-profile image acquisition system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lens matrix arrangement ( 3 ; 103.1 , 103.2 , 103.3 ) is made from an optically transparent plastic material by embossing, casting, in particular injection molding, compression molding or printing. 6. Flat-building image acquisition system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that arranged in the beam path in front of and / or behind the lens matrix arrangement ( 3 ; 103.1 , 103.2 , 103.3 ) and a pinhole matrix and in relation to the lens matrix arrangement ( 3 ; 103.1 , 103.2 , 103.3 ) is positioned so that each microlens ( 4 ; 104 ) is assigned one or more transmitting areas, in particular one or more holes of the pinhole matrix. 7. Flat-building image acquisition system according to claim 6, characterized in that the pinhole matrix consists of a fixed with respect to the Linsenma trixanordnung ( 3 ; 103.1 , 103.2 , 103.3 ) perforated film or film with transmitting Folienbe rich. 8. Flat image acquisition system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical axes ( 9.1 , 9.2 ) of the microlenses ( 4 ; 104 ) run parallel. 9. Flat image acquisition system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the optical axes ( 109 ) of the microlenses ( 4 ; 104 ) diverge towards the object ( 1 , 101 ). 10. Flat image acquisition system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two or more lens matrix arrangements ( 103.1 , 103.2 , 103.3 ) arranged one behind the other in the beam path are provided. 11. Flat image acquisition system according to claim 10, characterized in that between an object-side lens matrix arrangement ( 103.1 ) and an image-side lens matrix arrangement ( 103.3 ) at least one intermediate lens matrix arrangement ( 103.2 ) is arranged, which defines an optical crosstalk between adjacent optical channels, each defined by a Micro lens pair ( 104 , 104 ') of the object and image-side lens matrix arrangements ( 103.1 , 103.3 ), suppressed. 12. Flat image acquisition system according to one of the previously claims, characterized, that also a liquid crystal layer in the beam path is arranged. 13. Flat image acquisition system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

• - That each microlens ( 4 ; 4.1 , 4.2 ) produces an image ( 8 ; 8.1 , 8.2 ) of the entire object ( 1 ) to be detected in the image plane ( 6 ), so that in the image plane ( 6 ) N overlap freely arranged object images ( 8 ; 8.1 , 8.2 ) are generated,
• - That each object image generated ( 8 ; 8.1 , 8.2 ) has a detector unit ( 10 , 10 ') assigned to the photodetector arrangement, and
• - that the relative positions of the object images (8; 8.1, 8.2) to the associated detector units (10, 10 ') vary such that the detector units (10, 10') different image portions of the object images (8; 8.1, 8.2) capture.

14. Flat image acquisition system according to claim 13, characterized in that with respect to adjacent object images ( 8 ; 8.1 , 8.2 ) the offset (Δx) of the relative positions corresponds precisely to the dimension of the light-sensitive surface of a detector unit ( 10 , 10 '). 15. Flat image acquisition system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that

• - That each microlens ( 104 ) generates an image of a partial section (ABC; DEF;...... IJK) of the entire object ( 101 ) to be detected in the image plane ( 106 ), the N segments being generated in the image plane ( 106 ) in the correct position to form the image of the entire object ( 101 ) to be detected, and
• - That the composite image is detected by a plurality of detector units ( 10 , 10 ') of the photodetector arrangement distributed over the image plane ( 106 ).

16. Flat image acquisition system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each detector unit is realized by a single detector ( 10 ). 17. Flat image acquisition system according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that each detector unit is realized by a detector group consisting of several individual detectors ( 10 '). 18. Flat image acquisition system according to one of the previously claims, characterized, that the photodetector arrangement is a CCD, a CMOS photo sensor array or a polymer photosensor array is.   19. Chip card, containing a flat image acquisition system ( 2 , 102 ) according to one of the preceding claims. 20. A wrist or pocket watch containing a flat image acquisition system ( 2 , 102 ) according to one of claims 1 to 18. 21. Mobile communication terminal, comprising a flat-ended image acquisition system ( 2 , 102 ) according to one of claims 1 to 18. 22. A portable computer containing a low-profile picture Socket system (2, 102) according to one of claims 1 to 18. 23. Spectacles containing a flat image acquisition system ( 2 , 102 ) according to one of claims 1 to 18. 24. A garment containing a flat image acquisition system ( 2 , 102 ) according to one of claims 1 to 18.