KR20150077287A - Mobile Communicator with Curved Sensor Camera, Curved Sensor Camera with Moving Optical Train, and Curved Sensors Formed from Silicon Fibers - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for connecting a camera (150) that includes a curved sensor (160) with a mobile communication device are disclosed. In the present invention, a picture with picture quality higher than an existing camera of a phone with a planar sensor is provided. The high quality picture can be obtained without a large and expensive lens. A light obtaining capacity becomes greater, so that flash which is necessary to lighten is not needed, and thus, battery life is expanded. As a camera using a curved sensor is combined with a mobile communication device, a portable camera dedicated to photographing is not needed. In the present invention, for the first time, a high performance camera and a mobile communication device are coupled, so that necessity of carrying an additional independent camera is reduced or removed. Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a sensor and/or an optical element is moved on purpose during multiple exposures for obtaining improved images. Moreover, a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a curved sensor by using a silicon fiber are provided. According to another embodiment, the curved sensor is manufactured into mini sensors with various sizes. According to another embodiment, the mini sensors are configured for each mini sensor on a mini sensor row to be located relatively little higher than two adjacent mini sensors on the same row.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a mobile communication device having a curved surface sensor camera, a curved surface sensor camera having a movable optical part, and a curved surface sensor made of a silicon fiber (Curved Sensor Camera with Moving Optical Train, and Curved Sensors Formed from Silicon Fibers)

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a communication device incorporating a camera including a curved surface sensor. With this apparatus, it is possible to obtain a picture of higher image quality than that obtainable by a conventional cellular phone (cell phone) camera, and it is not necessary to carry a separate pocket camera. Another embodiment of the invention relates to a combination of cameras comprising planar or curved sensors and elements that intentionally move the optical train to produce an image. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a concave curved sensor fabricated from silicon fibers.

I. Brief camera history

Evolution of three primary camera types

The cameras that evolved from the first "boxed" and "corrugated" have evolved into three basic forms in the latter half of the 20th century. A rangefinder camera came first, followed by a single lens reflex (SLR) camera, and finally a compact point and shoot (P & S) camera. Most of today's handheld cameras use these rangefinder interlocking, SLR, P & S.

The conventional camera

1 shows a simplified view of a conventional camera comprising an enclosure, an objective lens, a photographic film or a planar sensor.

However, flat films or sensors and simple lenses face several problems. The path of the light reaching the edge of the image area of the film or the sensor becomes long, and the light amount of the part becomes blurred. Since the rays reach the edge of the sensor through a long path, the amount of light at this part is weakened, and the "rainbow effect", that is, the chromatic aberration becomes worse.

Fig. 2 shows a simplified human eye in which the image forming surface is a curved surface. The human eye, for example, needs only a cornea and a lens to form an image. On average, however, a human retina contains 25 million stem cells and 6 million cones. Today's high-end cameras use lenses consisting of 6 to 20 parts. Only very rare and super high-priced cameras have the same number of pixels as the human eye's trunk cells and cone cells, and there is no camera that can shoot images after sunset without artificial lighting.

The eagle's retina contains eight times the number of sensory cells in the human eye. The sensory cells of the eagle are arranged on the sphere of bead size. In the eyes of an eagle, the optical system is simplified by round sensory cells. None of the existing commercial cameras have a pixel count equal to one-quarter of the number of sensory cells in the eyes of an eagle. The eagle eye consists of a simple lens and a curved retina. Conventional high-end cameras use sophisticated coatings, special materials, and multiple lenses of complex construction, all of which are intended to compensate for planar sensors. Eagles are simpler, lighter, and smaller than any camera, so they can clearly see things even when they are sunny, daytime, or sunny.

Rangefinder camera

The rangefinder camera is widely distributed from the early professional 35mm LEICA (TM) camera to the later INSTAMATIC (TM) film camera. (Most of the KODAK (R) INSTAMATIC (TM) In fact, a few of the "INSTAMATIC" models have a focus function and have a separate "viewing" lens and a separate "taking" lens for distance interlocking The camera has a "photographing" lens that forms an image on the film (or sensor today) when the shutter is mechanically or digitally opened and closed. And a second lens (viewing lens) for allowing the user to view the subject is used. The focus of the camera can be adjusted through the viewing lens which is in phase with the photographing lens.

Since the photographing lens and the viewing lens are different and the perspective of the subject is different, the image photographed with the photographing lens is always slightly different from the image viewed with the viewing lens. This problem, called parallax, is mild in most situations, but becomes an important issue at close distances.

A long telephoto lens for zooming in on the subject is not practical in the form of an interlocking type of distance meter. This is because two lenses are required, the lens is expensive and the installation space must be wider than it is in the camera body. Because of this, a long telephoto lens does not exist in the distance meter interlocking camera.

Some cameras incorporate a frame in the viewfinder, so that when adjusting focus, the border of this frame is aligned with the boundary of the photographing lens. This is to match the user's view to the actual shot (but only for the part that is in focus). Since the unfocused background and foreground move, the corresponding part of the photographed image and the viewfinder part still have a slight difference.

Some distance meter interlocking cameras use interchangeable or removable lenses, but the visual difference problem remains an unresolvable problem, and successful camera manufacturers have launched a rangefinder camera that goes well beyond the slightly wider or slightly longer range of telephoto accessories not yet. When adding a distance meter interlocking lens, a similar viewfinder lens should always be used. Otherwise, the scene viewed by the user and the photographed image will not match at all. This will double the lens cost. A twin lens reflex camera, derived from a rangefinder camera with the same limitations on accessory lenses, is a camera made by ROLLEI-WERKE ™.

Compact, or P & S ("point and shoot") camera

Currently, the most popular format for general users is the "P & S" camera (aka, "tick"). This camera first appeared as a film camera, but now it is almost all digital cameras. Most of these cameras are permanently attached to the optical zoom lens and the optical system can not be replaced. The zoom lens generally has a magnification of 4x, which can range from a small wide angle to a low magnification telescopic function. To ensure the quality and speed of the zoom function, magnifications larger than this magnification are not applied. Some companies use the zoom function of more than 4 × magnification, but the quality and speed of the resulting image deteriorate.

Other cameras add digital zoom to increase the optical magnification, but most editors and photographers hate photos taken with digital zoom. The reason is explained in the next paragraph. No P & S camera uses a wide-angle lens as wide as the foreground, equivalent to an 18mm SLR lens (for comparative comparison, a lens used in conventional standard 35mm film SLR cameras). There is no P & S camera that uses a telephoto lens that is as long as a 200mm SLR lens (which is also the same as a standard 35mm film camera). Today, more and more pictures are taken everyday using a mobile phone or PDA than a normal camera. These mobile phones and PDAs are also included in the P & S camera in this specification.

Single lens reflex (SLR) camera

In single-lens reflex cameras, the choice of accessory lenses is so wide that it is most commonly used today by high-end amateurs and professionals. There are 35 mm film SLR cameras, accessory lenses ranging from 18 mm fisheye lenses to 1,000 mm ultra high magnification telephoto lenses, plus optical zoom lenses that can use various magnifications in between.

In SLR, a mirror that reflects the image entering the viewfinder is behind the photographing lens. When the shutter is pressed, this mirror moves up and out of the optical path, and the image is directly formed on the film or sensor. In this way, the scene viewed in the viewfinder is almost accurate, from extreme wide-angle shooting to telephoto shooting. The only exception to this "precise" imaging is the rapid shooting operation, which is caused by the time delay caused by the movement of the mirror, resulting in a slight difference between the scene that the author has seen before and the image actually captured.

Despite some inherent disadvantages, in terms of the versatility of the lens, the SLR became a popular camera in the late 20th century. The disadvantage of the SLR is that it becomes more complicated as more moving parts are used than other types of cameras, as well as noise, vibration, and time delay due to mirror movement. Also, since the lens far from the optical path of the moving mirror has to be farther away from the film or the sensor, the design of the lens is restricted, and the lens becomes heavy and large. In addition, dust, moisture, and other foreign matter will enter the camera body and back of the lens when replacing the lens.

Unlike film, the sensors are fixed, so digital SLR is coming out and dust inflow is a big problem. The film affects only one photo frame because it winds and winds up the dust particles, but in the case of a digital camera, all the pictures are dusty unless the sensor is wiped off. In recent designs, the sensor is vibrated intermittently to clean the sensor. However, this also does not remove dust from the camera or remove oil particles. A more recent design recognizes the seriousness of this problem and installs an adhesive band inside the camera so that the dust falling by the vibration from the sensor sticks to it. However, since the adhesive strip needs to be replaced regularly, the camera user needs a service technician to do this work.

Since the inherent function of the SLR is to use interchangeable lenses, the above problem persists. The mirror-related mechanism and viewfinder optics increase the weight and size. SLR requires a mechanical and electrical connection between the SLR lens and the SLR body, as it requires a mechanism to attach the correct lens and lens to the body. This increases weight, complexity and cost. In some of the "vibratory" designs, when there is no adhesive band to catch dust while the sensor is vibrating while in the vertical position, i.e., .

Optical zoom lens

The optical zoom lens reduces the need to replace the SLR lens. For most shots, the photographer simply uses the zoom-in zoom-out function. In some situations, however, you will still need a larger, longer SLR accessory lens, and you will have to replace the lens anyway.

Many P & S cameras today have a permanently fitted zoom lens, and almost all SLRs offer a zoom lens as an accessory. Although optical technology continues to evolve, there is a technical limitation that any lens must be able to function properly with respect to the zoom range. Another dilemma for the zoom lens is that the zoom lens is heavier, "slower" than the standard lens (meaning the usability is limited due to less light passing through it), no clear image can be obtained, The color fidelity drops.

Also, optical zoom expands the moving parts because the movement of the lens components has to be more, which causes mechanical problems in terms of time and usage, and adds cost. Since the optical zoom is mechanically stretched, it acts like an air pump, sucking outside air when zooming in at a long distance, and compressing air when contracted by zooming out. As a result, moisture (sometimes dust) easily flows into the interior.

II. Limitations of Existing Mobile Phone Cameras

The Gartner group reported that more than a billion mobile phones were sold globally in 2009. Many cell phones now available are equipped with cameras. Such a camera is generally a low-quality photographic device which is flatly mounted with a simple structure behind an ordinary lens. The picture quality of pictures taken with such a mobile phone camera is generally lower than the picture quality of pictures taken with a P & S or higher picture-only camera. In general, cell phone cameras lack advanced controls for shutter speed, telephoto functions, or other functions.

Four drawbacks of traditional cell phone and PDA cameras

1. Because of the use of a flat-type digital sensor, there are optical defects, resulting in low-quality pictures. Larger lenses are needed to get a normal resolution, which can make these compact devices cumbersome.

2. Another drawback is that the lens is "slow" so it can not concentrate much light. Most of the pictures taken with this device are taken after sunset or indoors. This necessitates flash illumination.

In a small device, the lens is installed close to the flash light, and a "red-eye" phenomenon occurs frequently. In the dark, the pupil of the eye opens wide for better viewing. At this time, the flash light is reflected from the retina of the eye and the pupil is reddish. To get rid of red eye, some camera makers use a flash to instantly burst another flash before taking a picture to create a camera that closes the pupil. However, this feature works intermittently and interferes with the natural pose.

There is also a pencil feature that allows the user to remove red-eye. There are red-eye reduction pencils for people, and even red-eye reduction pencils for pets. Some camera software developers have created algorithms that detect red eye and artificially remove red eye. This can match the actual eye color of the subject, but this is not always the case.

3. By taking pictures with flash light, battery usage time is shortened.

4. Photographing with flash light is artificial. In other words, the background becomes dark and the face in the foreground becomes whiter. The jaw line becomes prominent, and sometimes the person's nostrils are seen to be seen. Currently, the sales of high-definition (HD) televisions are increasingly demanding for the public.

In the past, many photographs were taken using INSTAMATIC ^® cameras, but the public soon became tired of these low-quality photographs. Experts and serious enthusiasts began using the 35mm camera, which soon became a popular market product. At present, many unprecedented photographs are taken on a mobile phone, but since the quality of the picture is adulterated, such a cycle is likely to be repeated. Major technological advances will be made by the development of devices to reduce these problems and will meet long-standing needs in the field of image acquisition.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a mobile communication device including a camera using a curved sensor. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the mobile communication device may include a portable or cordless phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop or notebook computer, or other portable information device.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a method and apparatus for a camera comprising a curved surface sensor. In another embodiment, the camera includes a mechanical image stabilization function. In another embodiment, electronic image stabilization is used. In another embodiment, optical image stabilization is used.

In yet another embodiment, a camera with a conventional sensor includes a lens shade mounted externally of the camera enclosure and automatically controlled. This auto-controlled lens canopy unfolds during telephoto shooting and is worn out during wide-angle shooting. In yet another embodiment, the camera uses an arcuate array of mini sensors together with a calibration optical element.

A better understanding of the other objects and objects of the present invention and a more complete and comprehensive understanding of the present invention can be obtained by studying the following description of the preferred embodiments and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

The following effects can be obtained by combining the mobile communication device and the curved surface sensor.

1. I get a picture of higher quality than a conventional mobile phone with a flat sensor. These high-quality pictures can be obtained without large and expensive lenses.

2. Large condensing performance can be achieved, which reduces or eliminates the need for flash to brighten ambient lighting.

3. Battery usage time becomes longer. The need for flash is reduced or eliminated.

Further, by combining a camera using a curved surface sensor and a mobile communication device, a portable camera for photographs is not required. It's like a lot of people do not take their wrist watches because they have a built-in clock on their phones recently. According to the present invention, which combines a high-performance camera and a mobile communication device for the first time, the necessity of carrying a separate camera is reduced or eliminated.

Figure 1 shows a conventional conventional camera using a flat film or planar sensor.
Figure 2 simply depicts the human eye.
3 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of a digital camera having a curved surface sensor manufactured according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show various views of a sensor having a substantially curved surface.
Figure 5 shows a sensor made to have nine planar segments or facets.
6 shows a cross section of an object which is formed of a plurality of facets and forms a roughly curved surface.
7 is a perspective view of the curved surface shown in Fig.
Figure 8 provides one method of electrically connecting the sensors shown in Figures 6 and 7.
Figs. 9A and 9B show another detailed view of the sensor shown in Fig. 7, before and after expanding the gap on the substrate so as to bend the flat surface.
10A and 10B show the sensor connection method.
11A and 11B show a series of petal shape segments of ultra-thin silicon for forming a generally domed surface, such as an umbrella shape, by bending or the like.
12 shows the arrangement of sensor segments in detail.
13 is a perspective view of a curved surface formed by joining the segments shown in Fig.
Figures 14a, 14b and 14c illustrate another method of forming a generally dome-shaped surface using a thin layer of semiconductor material using a mandrel.
Figures 14d, 14e and 14f illustrate a method of forming a generally dome-shaped surface using cores.
FIG. 14G shows the arrangement of sensors on a dome-shaped surface.
15A shows a camera that photographs a wide-angle photograph.
15B shows a camera that photographs an actual magnification photograph.
15C shows a camera that photographs a telephoto picture.
FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining a characteristic of changing pixel density by comparing an image of an existing sensor with one of embodiments in which pixels are relatively more concentrated in the center. FIG.
Figs. 18, 19, 20 and 21 show a schematic view of a camera having a lens canopy that unfolds and unfolds. When the camera is in wide-angle shooting, the lens shade is broken, and in the case of telephoto shooting, the lens shade is spread. In actual magnification shooting, the lens shade partly unfolds.
Figures 22 and 23 illustrate two aspects of the composite sensor. In the first drawing, the sensor is aligned in its original position and captures the first image. In the second figure, the sensor rotates and captures the second image. These two consecutive images are combined to generate a complete final image.
24A and 24B illustrate another embodiment of Figs. 22 and 23, which shows that the sensor moves to a diagonal position upon exposure.
25A, 25B, 25C and 25D show four sensors including variously arranged sensor eyes and a gap therebetween.
FIGS. 26, 27 and 28 show various connection methods used for outputting electric signals, and show the back side of a moving sensor.
29 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless connection between a sensor and a processor.
30 is a side cross-sectional view of a camera apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
31 is a front view of the sensor of the camera device of Fig.
32 is a block diagram of a camera apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figs. 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37 show various aspects of the electronic device incorporating the curved surface sensor.
Figures 38-50 illustrate how a sensor captures a sharper image than can be captured.
51 is a schematic diagram showing that the optical element moves along a complete circular path on a fixed planar sensor;
52 is a top view of the optical element and sensor shown in Fig.
53 is a schematic view of a movable optical element on a fixed curved surface sensor.
FIG. 54 is a top view of the optical element and sensor shown in FIG. 53; FIG.
55 is a schematic diagram of a method of rotationally moving a planar sensor under a fixed optical element.
FIG. 56 is a top view of the optical element and sensor shown in FIG. 55; FIG.
57 is a schematic diagram showing a method of causing rotational movement of the sensor, as shown in Figs. 55 and 56; Fig.
Figure 58 is a perspective view of the components shown in Figure 57;
59 is a schematic diagram of a method for causing rotational motion of a curved surface sensor moving under a fixed optical element;
FIG. 60 is a top view of the optical element and sensor shown in FIG. 59; FIG.
61 is a schematic view of a method of circularly moving an optical element.
Figure 62 shows nine aspects of a planar sensor moving along a single circular path.
63 is a simplified depiction of a planar sensor in which pixels are arranged. In Fig. 63, the sensor is in its original position, and in Figs. 64 and 65, the sensor continues to rotate along the circular path.
66 shows a combination of a planar sensor and a lens.
67 shows a combination of a curved surface sensor and a lens having a gap.
68 and 69 show two successive scenes of the first exposure performed by the camera without the image stabilization function.
70 and 70 show two consecutive scenes of the first exposure performed with the camera having the image stabilization function.
72 shows the appearance of a cat seen with the naked eye.
Figures 73 and 74 show two consecutive scenes of the first and second exposures of the cat and the mini-sensor in the camera and superposed on the gap.
75 shows a final composite image of a cat.
76 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention showing an optical image stabilizer.
77 is a schematic view of still another embodiment of the present invention showing an electronic image stabilization device.
78 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention showing a lens awning motor controller;
79 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention showing a manual zoom and lens canopy controller.
80 to 83 are schematic diagrams for explaining the lens canopy control mechanism.
84 is a schematic diagram showing a manual zoom and lens canopy controller;
Figures 85, 86 and 87 are views for explaining the binning and compression method.
Figure 88 shows an arcuate arrangement of mini sensors with calibration optics.

I. Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a camera having a non-planar, curved, or curved sensor. The present invention can be combined with a mobile communication device. In the present specification and claims, the terms mobile communication device and mobile communication means are intended to encompass all types of devices or devices that are capable of communicating (including transmitting and / or receiving) information, data, ≪ / RTI > is intended to include a combination of hardware and / or software.

Specific examples of mobile communication devices include, but are not limited to, cellular or cordless phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop or notebook computers, iPads ™ or other reader / Other common portable devices that can be used include: Unlike conventional cellular phones equipped with cameras comprising conventional planar sensors, the present invention includes curved, otherwise non-planar, sensors. According to one embodiment, the non-planar surface of the sensor used in the present invention is composed of a plurality of small flat segments, which gather to form a roughly curved surface. Unlike a conventional sensor, which is almost a two-dimensional plane, the sensor used in the present invention occupies a three-dimensional space as a whole.

The present invention can use sensors comprising various three-dimensional shapes (including, but not limited to, spherical, parabolic, and elliptical). As used herein, the terms "curve" and "curved surface" are concepts that encompass all lines, edges, boundaries, segments, surfaces, or features that are not completely collinear with straight lines. The term "sensor" is intended to encompass detectors, imagers, imagers, transducers, focal plane arrays, charge coupled devices (CCD), complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) to be.

Some embodiments of the present invention are configured to record images on an optical spectrum and other embodiments of the present invention may be used for various tasks of collecting, sensing, and recording other types of optical radiation. Embodiments of the present invention include apparatus for collecting / collecting or recording color, monochrome, infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, or other types of radiation, emission, Embodiments of the present invention also include devices for recording still images or moving images.

II. Specific embodiments of the present invention

3 is an overall schematic view of a digital camera including a curved surface sensor 12, which may be coupled to a mobile communication device. On one side of the enclosure 14 is an optical element 16. And the objective lens 16 receives the incident light 18. According to this embodiment, the optical element is an objective lens. Generally, the sensor 12 converts the energy of an incident photon 18 into an electrical signal 20 and then outputs it to a signal processor or photon processor 22. The signal processor 22 is connected to a user manipulator 24, a battery or power supply 26 and a semiconductor memory 28. The image generated in the signal processor 22 is stored in the memory 28. The image can be output or downloaded from the camera through an output terminal 30 such as a USB port.

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, a mobile communication device equipped with a camera incorporating the following sensors.

1. Curved sensor: a sensor having a generally continuous part of a sphere, a rotational shape of a conical part such as a parabola or an ellipsoid, or other non-planar shape. Examples of sensors 12, which are generally curved, are shown in Figures 4A, 4B and 4C. Various embodiments of the curved surface sensor are designated herein as 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, and the like.

2. A sensor consisting of a facet: a collection of polygonal eyepieces (or segments). Any suitable polygon may be used, such as square, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, and the like. Fig. 5 shows a sensor 12a composed of nine planar polygonal segments, that is, a single eye 32a. For some applications, simply assembling a few flat sensors can lose the benefit of a smooth surface sensor, though the price will be much lower. 6 and 7 are a side view and a perspective view of a sensor surface 12b in which a plurality of single eyes 32b are gathered to form a generally spherical sensor surface 12b. In FIG. 7, the gap 34 between the single eyes is exaggerated. Each eye may have hundreds, thousands or millions of pixels, respectively. In this specification, the eye of the sensor 12 is designated by reference numeral 32, 32a, 32b, 32c, and the like.

Fig. 8 shows an electrical connection 36 connected to the curved surface sensor 12b shown in Fig. A semiconductor surface is arranged on the inner surface. The exterior surface may be MYLAR (TM), KAPTON (TM), or similar curved wiring boards. The semiconductor surface and the wiring board are electrically connected through a via hole. According to one embodiment, an electrical path of 2 to 2,000 points or more may be required to connect the eye piece arrangement to the wiring board.

In one embodiment of the present invention, various methods are currently available for making "bendable" silicon.

"The Japanese chemical company Teijin, in cooperation with NanoGram, Calif., Has developed a technology capable of producing bendable silicon semiconductor chips, with a diameter of tens of nanometers (nanometers (nm) 1 / 1 billion meters (m)). "There is a post on August 19, 2009.

Sun et al. Published a paper published on August 15, 2005, entitled " Bentable GaAs Metal-Semiconductor FETs " formed from GaAs wire arrays printed on plastic substrates. "Micro / nanowires of GaAs with integrated ohmic contacts were fabricated from bulk wafers by metal deposition and patterning, high temperature annealing, and anisotropic chemical etching. In particular, when these wire arrays constituted by printing are transferred from a low temperature onto a plastic substrate, a high-quality bendable metal semiconductor FET Quot; is manufactured. "

"The IMEC researchers have developed a bendable microprocessor by stacking plastic substrates, gold circuits, organic dielectrics, and pentacene organic semiconductors to create 8-bit logic circuits with 4000 transistors ".

In another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor may be formed of stressed silicon or strained silicon.

9 is a detailed view of a single eye of the curved surface sensor 12b. In general, the more polygons you use to form a spherical surface, the more smooth the sensor will be.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wafer is manufactured so that each camera sensor has a checkerboard single eye at the time of wafer production. Attach a flexible membrane (eg MYLAR ™ or KAPTON ™) to one side of the front or back of the sensor chip wafer, which may be slightly bent, but strong enough to support the eye at that location. A thin line is formed by etching the silicon chip between each eye. However, the flexible membrane should not be passed through. Next, the wafer is processed into a substantially spherical shape. For each eye, a through hole is formed through the wafer and connected to the wiring harness on the back side. The wiring harness also serves to mechanically support each eye.

Figs. 9A and 9B illustrate an electric connection connecting the ocular eye 32b inside the curved surface sensor and the ocular sight of the sensor to the wiring board.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show a wiring board 38 receiving an output signal from a sensor eye.

Figs. 11A and 11B show a rough hemisphere 40 formed by bending and bonding a plurality of ultra-thin silicon petal shape segments 42. Fig. Curved sensors are made by slightly bending these segments together.

12 shows an embodiment of a petal-shaped segment 42. Fig. These segments can be made using conventional manufacturing methods. According to one embodiment, making this segment with ultra-thin silicon can bend to some extent without breaking the segment.

In the present specification and claims, the term "ultra-thin" means in the range of 50 to 250 microns. According to another embodiment, the pixel density increases toward the vertices of each segment and gradually decreases toward the bottom of each segment. This embodiment can be realized by programming a change to the software or the mask that creates the pixel.

13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a curved surface formed by joining or slightly overlapping the segments shown in Fig. The sensor is placed on the concave side and the electrical connection is made on the convex side. The number of petal shape segments used to create such a non-planar surface can be any suitable number. Silicon can be processed in any desired form using heat or radiation. The curvature of the "petals" can be changed according to the specific sensor design. According to another embodiment, a planar sensor may be placed in the center and a "petal" may be provided to surround the sensor.

Figures 14a, 14b and 14c illustrate another method for making a curved surface sensor. 14A shows a first core 43a in the form of a dome on the base material 43b. In Fig. 14B, a thin sheet made of the heat-deforming material 43c is pressed against the first core 43a. The central region of the heat-deforming material 43c is deformed into the shape of the first core 43a as shown in Fig. 14C and is formed as a substantially hemispherical curved sensor base 43e.

14D, 14E and 14F show another method for forming the base of the curved surface sensor. In Fig. 14D, the second thermoforming sheet 43f is placed on the second core 43G. Vacuum pressure is applied to the port 43h and the second heat exchange sheet 43f is pulled into the space 43i surrounded by the second core 43g. 14E shows the next step of this process. In the state in which the second heat exchange sheet 43f is pulled into the second core 43g by the vacuum pressure applied to the port 43h, the heater 43j ) To increase the temperature of the second core 43g. 14F shows that an approximately hemispherical dome 43k to be used as the base of the curved surface sensor is made. Fig. 14G shows the curved surface sensor base 43e or 43k after the sensor pixel 431 is formed on the base 43e or 43k.

Improved digital zoom

15A shows a camera that photographs a wide angle photograph, FIG. 15B shows that an actual magnification photograph is taken with the same camera, and FIG. 15C shows that a telephoto photograph is taken. In each drawing, the subject remains in the same state. In the view screen (monitor) of the camera, a wide foreground is shown in Fig. 15A, a foreground in full scale in Fig. 15B, and an enlarged image in the long distance in Fig. 15C. Like the optical zoom, digital zoom allows the user to see exactly what image the camera sensor is processing.

Digital zoom is software operated. The camera captures only a small portion of the center of the image, captures the entire scene, or captures the subject at any magnification between them. The recorded portion of the entire image can be viewed through the monitor. In one embodiment using pixels with a relatively high density at the center, digitally zooming out allows the software to use all of the data. In the case of a telephoto shot image, even if this telephoto shot image is cut into a small sensor portion, a clear image is obtained because the number of pixels per area is larger. This is because the pixel density at the center portion is higher.

When you zoom back in at a wide angle, the software compresses the data in the center to the pixel density at the edge of the image. This does not affect the quality of the wide-angle image because there are so many pixels in the center of the wide-angle image.

However, if compression is not performed, it is necessary to display a minute capturing portion which is unnecessary and invisible in the central pixel, which requires more storage capacity and processing time. According to the current photo-related terminology, when photographing a telephoto, it may be referred to as "RAW" in the center or not in compression, while in the case of a wide-angle image it may be referred to as "JPEG" or other compression algorithm in the center.

The digital zoom is currently underestimated by industry experts. Digitally enlarged images captured by traditional sensors are split into jagged lines, resulting in pixels with poor resolution. With optical zoom, we could never create and still make clear images that a focal length fixed lens can produce. The optical zoom is also slow, so the amount of light passing through the optics is reduced.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a camera that is lightweight, fast, inexpensive, and more reliable. According to one embodiment, the present invention provides digital zoom. Since there is no need for an optical zoom, the number of components is fundamentally reduced and the design of a light lens becomes possible.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, many pixels are concentrated at the center of the sensor, and are located less at the edge of the sensor. Various density distributions can be formed between the center and the edge. With this feature, the user can zoom in on the telephoto image using only the central portion while maintaining a high resolution.

According to one embodiment, when viewing a wide field of view, the central pixel is "stored" or summed to normalize the resolution to the outer pixel density value.

When viewing an image in telephoto mode, the highest resolution of the central pixel can be used to obtain the maximum clear image without changing the lens or camera settings at all. With the digital zoom function, in addition to the extreme telephoto zoom, a wide viewing angle can be obtained. This feature is made possible by the excellent resolution, contrast, speed, and color resolution that the lens can exert, since the digital sensor is a non-planar surface like the retina of the human eye.

The average human eye, made up of cornea and lens, captures an image, using an average of 25 million stem cells and 6 million cones. This amount of image data is larger than the rare and costly camera model or the image data captured by the two types of cameras that are in common use today. In addition, since these cameras use only planar sensors, they usually have to use 7 to 20 lens elements. These cameras can not capture images at dusk (dusk) without artificial illumination or ISO amplification (which results in the loss of a minute portion of the image). The human eye has an average diameter of 25 mm, but these advanced cameras now use sensors with diagonal lengths up to 48 mm. Eagle eyes with much smaller eyes are eight times more than the number of sensory organs of the human eye, showing again the optical potential of the curved sensor or retina.

Embodiments of the present invention are more reliable, less expensive, and provide higher performance. The interchangeable lens is no longer needed and mirroring and connection mechanisms are no longer necessary. The lens design is simplified and the number of parts is reduced, which can double the saving effect. Because, unlike curved surfaces, flat films and sensors are located where the distance and angle from the light coming from the lens change, so chromatic aberration occurs and the amount of light across the sensor changes. To compensate, current lenses have almost completely mitigated this problem over the last two centuries, but have had to compromise a great deal.

The compromise includes restrictions on speed, resolution, contrast, and color resolution. Further, in the conventional lens design, a plurality of parts, aspherical lenses, special materials, and special coatings on each surface are required. In addition, the air-glass interface and the glass-air interface become more and more, resulting in problems of light loss and light reflection.

Variable pixel density

According to some embodiments of the present invention, a central portion of a sensor for capturing a digital enlarged image places pixels at high density in order to enable digital enlargement with higher image quality.

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate this feature, which concentrates the pixel 48 at the center of the sensor at a high density. By concentrating the pixels at the center of the sensor, there is no loss of image clarity in the digital zoom function. This unique approach benefits both planar and surface sensors. On the surface of the conventional sensor 46 shown in Fig. 16, pixels 48 are arranged substantially uniformly. 17 shows a sensor 50 manufactured according to the present invention, in which pixels 48 are arranged at a high density in the center of the sensor.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the camera is photographing a wide angle photograph, the high-density data at the center of the image to be captured is compressed through appropriate software. This greatly reduces the processing and recording requirements of the system.

Lens canopy

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a lens shade that can detect whether a captured image is a wide angle or a telephoto. When the camera detects a wide-angle image, the awning shuts off so that the awning does not enter the image area. When the camera senses that the telephoto image is being captured, the awning is unfolded to block external light (which causes light blurring or blurred image) from outside the image area.

Figures 18 and 19 show a camera with an optionally expandable lens canopy. At wide angle shooting, the lens shade is refracted as shown by reference numeral 52. In the case of telephoto shooting, the lens shade is unfolded as shown at reference numeral 54. 20 and 21 are similar to FIGS. 18 and 19, but show a camera using a planar sensor and show that the lens awning function can be independently applied separately.

Reduction of dust

Embodiments of the present invention reduce dust that has been a problem in conventional cameras because there is no optical zoom and no lens replacement is required. Therefore, the camera built in the mobile communication device can be sealed, and dusts that interfere with image quality can not enter. Oxidation and condensation can be reduced by sealing the inert dry gas (argon, xenon, krypton, etc.) in the lens chamber in the camera housing 14 and in the sensor chamber. When using these gases, the camera is also able to gain the benefits of better thermal insulation and less temperature variation, and the camera can be used over a wider temperature range.

Improved optical performance

The present invention can be implemented with an ultra-fast lens that is useful for monitoring without flash illumination (or without floodlight for movement) or for shooting fast action. This is possible because non-planar sensors are used. And because the constraints of the flat sensor or film are lost, from a practical standpoint, a faster range is possible, such as f / 0.7 or f / 0.35 lenses.

All these improvements are put to practical use as new lens configurations become possible. Currently, when designing flat films and sensor lenses, it is necessary to compensate for the "rainbow effect" or chromatic aberration that occurs at the edge of the sensor where light travels farther and more refraction occurs. Current lens and sensor designs and their associated processing algorithms must compensate for weak light intensity at the edge of the sensor. This compensation limits the possibility of performance enhancement.

Since the camera lens and the body are sealed, an inert gas such as argon, xenon, krypton, etc. can be injected during final assembly to reduce corrosion and rust. The camera of the present invention can operate over a wider temperature range. This is beneficial to both the camera installed on the satellite and the ground.

Rotation and movement of the sensor

Figures 22 and 23 illustrate sensor arrangements of other configurations having sensor segments 32c separated by gaps 34 to facilitate sensor assembly. According to the present embodiment, such a sensor arrangement can be applied to a still camera to take two pictures consecutively for a short time.

It is shown in the drawing that the sensor arrangement is in the original position 74 and the rotational position 76, respectively. The position of the sensor arrangement changes between the first photo shoot and the second photo shoot. The missing image is recognized as software at the first exposure, and the missing image data is acquired at the second exposure and then stitches the first image again. The movement or direction of the sensor may vary depending on the pattern of the sensor eye.

The video camera can operate in the same manner. Alternatively, as another embodiment, the gap can be filled in subsequent subsequent processing by simply moving the sensor and capturing only the new image using the data at the previous location. This method captures images using a moving sensor with gaps between the arrayed sensors. With this method, the space between the segments becomes less important, making fabrication much easier. For example, the center square sensor is surrounded by eight square sensors, and this is again surrounded by 16 square sensors. The sensor is dimensioned to fit the circular optical image, and each row is given a slightly more curvature to create a non-planar sensor as a whole.

In use, first take a picture with the camera. Immediately after that, immediately rotate the sensor slightly or move its position to capture the second image directly. The software identifies the location of the gap, and inserts the new data from the second photo into the first photo (stitch). Alternatively, depending on the arrangement pattern of the sensor, the sensor may move linearly in the two-dimensional space or move along the arc in three dimensions corresponding to the curved surface.

This concept makes it easier to build complex sensors. In this case, the complex sensor is a large sensor composed of several small sensors. When such a complicated sensor is used to capture a focused image, data necessary for a complete image is missing from the gap between the sensors. Reducing the gap can further reduce this problem, but makes it more difficult to assemble the sensor with a small gap. The larger the gap, the easier and more economical to assemble the sensor, but the incomplete image is created.

However, according to the present method, the problem is solved by moving the sensor after the first image capturing and rapidly capturing the second image. In this way, a complete image can be obtained, and the data collected by the second image coming from the gap is separated using software, and the data is spliced to the first data.

The same result can be obtained by moving or tilting the lens element or reflector to slightly move the image during rapid exposures. According to the present embodiment, in the camera of the present invention, the known "image stabilization" technique is used, but the stabilization function is fundamentally changed and applied. This camera can utilize image stabilization in both the first and second images. This method neutralizes the effects of camera movement during exposure. These movements can come from hand tremor or engine vibration. However, according to the present embodiment, image stabilization is reversed after the first exposure to effect "image destabilization" or "intentional jitter" to slightly move the image on the sensor during the second exposure. When this method is applied with the sensor fixed at the position, the image is moved at the second exposure, so that the gaps between the eyes at the first exposure can be detected, and the missing image can be detected in the final image As shown in FIG.

In the example shown in Fig. 23, the sensor rotates back and forth. According to another embodiment, the sensor can be moved laterally or diagonally. This sensor can also rotate by some of the circles of the whole circle. According to another embodiment, the software may continuously rotate the sensor while combining the data to produce a complete image.

24A and 24B also show a second group of sensors. The sensor is initially shown as being in its original position 78, and is shown as being in the next moved position 80.

Sensor grid pattern

25a, 25b, 25c and 25d illustrate four different embodiments of the four different grid patterns of the sensors 82, 84, 86 and 88. FIG. It is possible to manufacture a curved surface sensor by using the gap 34 between the eyelashes 32e 32f, 32g and 32h.

Electrical connection of sensor

Figures 26, 27 and 28 show other embodiments of the electrical connection lines connecting to the sensors.

Fig. 26 shows that the sensor 90 is applied with a substantially helical electrical connecting conductor 92. Fig. The electrical conductor is connected to the sensor at a location designated by reference numeral 94 and to the signal processor at a location designated by reference numeral 96. This embodiment is an electrical connection scheme that can be used when the sensor rotates between the first and second exposures, as shown in Fig. In this wiring method, the bending of the conductor 92 is reduced, thereby extending the service life. The signal processor is embedded in the sensor assembly.

27 shows the back side of the sensor 102 to which the conductor 100 of the "accordion" type is connected, which is connected to the sensor at point A and to the signal processor at point B. This embodiment is usable when the sensor moves without rotation during the first and second exposures as in Fig. With this type of connection, it can withstand 20 sensor connections back and forth like coil wiring.

28 shows the rear surface of the sensor 114 with a conductor radially wired. Each conductor is connected to a brush B which is in contact with the ring. As the brush moves in contact with the ring, the output of the rotation sensor is collected and transmitted from the center point C to the processor. This embodiment can be used when the sensor rotates during exposure. This connection scheme is also applicable to other embodiments, such as sensors that continue to rotate. According to this embodiment, the sensor continues to rotate in one direction, and the software detects the gap to fill the missing data in the first exposure.

Wireless connection

29 is a block diagram of the wireless connection device 118. As shown in FIG. A sensor (12) is connected to a transmitter (120) that sends a signal to a wireless receiver (122). The receiver is connected to the signal processor 124.

The gains obtained in the present invention are summarized as follows. However, it is not limited to these.

High resolution digital zoom function

fast

Light

It is cheaper

Long focus range

High reliability

Low chromatic aberration

More precise pixel resolution

No flash or floodlight required

Zoom from wide angle to telephoto

III. Additional Embodiment

A mobile communication device including a camera 150, having many desirable features in accordance with the present invention, will now be described with reference to Figs. 30 and 31. Fig.

Existing functions such as battery, shutter release, iris monitor, monitor screen, etc. are obvious and will not be described here.

The camera includes an enclosed enclosure 154 that receives approximately a curved sensor 160 and a lens 156. The enclosure 154 is filled with argon, xenon, and krypton. The front side of the sensor 160 is schematically shown in Fig. 31, in which a plurality of planar square pixel elements (i.e., a single eye) 162 are inclined relative to one another to form a generally curved surface. In order to reduce the generally triangular gap 164 area between pixel elements 162, the central quadrilateral 170 is maximized and the eight adjacent quadrangles surrounding it are made slightly smaller so that their outer corners can touch or nearly touch each other. do. Similarly, the sixteen adjacent rectangles 176 surrounding them are made slightly smaller than their inner rectangles 172.

The center rectangle 170 has the highest pixel density, which captures the telephoto image using the square eye alone. The enclosing rectangle 172 is pixel-laid at a medium density to provide the image quality of the actual magnification photograph.

The rectangle 176 surrounding the outside has a minimum density of pixels. The gap 164 between the pixel elements 162 in this embodiment is used as the passage through which the electrical connection line passes. The camera 150 further includes a lens canopy stretchable and contractible portion 180 that includes a fixed inner awning member 182, a first movable awning member 184, a radially outermost member 182, 2 movable shingling member 186 are included. As shown in Fig. 30, when the user takes a wide angle photograph, the awning member is wrinkled. In this case, only stray light coming in at an extremely wide angle is blocked. In this mode, in order to reduce the data processing time and the recording requirements, the high density pixel data of the central portions 170 and 172 of the curved surface sensor is applied to the entire image area so as to be equal to the low pixel density at the sensor eyepiece 176 Can be normalized over.

In the case of an actual magnification photograph, the awning member 184 is unfolded to block stray light coming from the outside of the subject area. In this mode, a part of the data eye 172 of the curved surface sensor is compressed. Data of the pixel-dense center-of-gravity area 170 may be normalized over the entire image area to reduce processing time and recording requirements. When the user takes a telephoto image using the digital zoom, the shingling member 186 is unfolded. In this mode, only the central portion 170 of the curved surface sensor 160 is used. Since the center of this sensor is covered with pixels at a high density, the image will be sharp.

In general, the photographer zooms in to fill the frame and cut out the distracting parts of the surroundings. The lens shade operates on a wide range of setpoints and can be positioned at an infinite number of positions between the widest viewing angle and the narrowest telephoto position. In another embodiment, one shade member is used. In yet another embodiment, two or more awning members may be used. In embodiments using multiple shade elements, the telephoto imaging element is installed in the other element.

In operation, the camera 150 performs two exposures to fill all gaps in the sensor range, i.e., to obtain pixel data missing in the gap 164 at one exposure. To do this, the camera does one of two things: First, as described previously, it is a method to quickly perform a second exposure after moving the sensor. The missing data due to the gap of the image sensor by the processing software is detected at the first exposure, and this missing data is embedded in the first image. This produces a complete image. In the case of a moving image, such processing is executed in succession, and at the third exposure, one of the previous or subsequent exposures is selected to generate a complete image.

Second, it is a method to fundamentally change the standard process using "image stabilization" which is now known in the industry. Stabilizes the image at the first exposure. Once recorded, this "image stabilization" is stopped, the image is moved in the stabilizer, and the second image is taken again in a stable state. In this way, the complete image can be reconstructed without moving the sensor at all. The dotted line shown in Fig. 30 represents the two-dimensional movement of the lens in one embodiment of the focus process. According to another embodiment of the present invention for intentional jittering, the lens does not move back and forth, but instead tilts to change the position of the image that is projected onto the sensor.

The camera 150 described above has many advantages. By sealing the gas-filled enclosure 154 such as argon, oxidation of the components is prevented and thermal insulation effects over the wide temperature range can be obtained.

Although the price of the central square 170 of high pixel density is relatively expensive, this is relatively small and requires only one, thus reducing the overall cost. It is cost-effective to implement good digital zoom without a separate accessory lens (the price of the lens is much more expensive than the price of the sensor, large, heavy and slow). The sensor 176 surrounding the outside is relatively inexpensive because it is the smallest in size and has a small number of pixels. Thus, when looking at the entire assembly of square elements, the total cost of the sensor is low considering that good performance can be achieved over a wide perspective range.

The camera 150 can be modified in various ways. For example, the lens 156 can be composed of a number of parts other than monolithic. The enclosure 154 may be sealed with another inert or non-reactive gas (nitrogen, krypton, xenon, argon, etc.), or may not be sealed at all. The pixel or eyelashes 170, 172, 176 may be rectangular, hexagonal, or other suitable shape. The production of squares and rectangles will be easiest. Although the center pixel and the rectangular pixel surrounding the two-layer pixel are described above, the number of the surrounding layers can be arbitrarily set to a desired number of layers.

32 is a block diagram of a camera 250 having many features of the camera 150 shown in Figs. The non-planar sensor 260 consists of a central region 270 with a high pixel density and a peripheral region 272 with a single pixel having a low pixel density. The shutter controller 274 is also shown. The focus / stabilization actuation mechanism 290 of the lens 256 and the shutter controller 274 and the lens canopy actuator 280 are controlled by the image sequence processor 200.

Signals from the pixels in the eyes 270 and 272 are input to the raw sensor capture device 202. The output of this device 202 is coupled to a device 204 for autofocus, automatic exposure / gain, and automatic white balance. Another output of the device 202 is input to the pixel density normalization device 206, and the output is input to the image processing engine 208. The first output of the engine 208 is input to the display / LCD controller 210 and the second output of the engine 208 is input to the compression and storage controller 212. Features and variations of various embodiments of the invention may be combined or substituted as desired.

IV. Mobile communication device having a curved surface sensor camera

Figures 33, 34, 35 and 36 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in which a mobile communication device incorporates a curved surface sensor camera. The mobile communication device may be a mobile phone, laptop, notebook or netbook computer, or other suitable device or means for communication, recording, or computation.

33 is a side view illustrating a specific embodiment of such an apparatus, including an advanced form of camera 150 that captures still and video images on both the front face 305a and the back face 305b. A microcontroller 304, a display screen 306, a touch screen interface 308a, and a user interface 308b are built in the enclosure 302. [ The power and / or data terminal 310 and the microphone are located at the lower end of the enclosure 302. A volume and / or mute operation switch 318 is provided on one of the thin sides of the enclosure 302. A speaker 314 and an antenna 315 are provided inside the upper portion of the enclosure 302. [

Figures 34 and 35 show perspective views 330 and 334 of another embodiment 300a. Figures 36 and 37 show perspective views 338 and 340 of yet another embodiment 300b.

V. A method for capturing detailed images that the sensor can not record

This alternate method exposes several times quickly, but moves slightly with each exposure. As an example, the same scene is photographed four times, and each image is shifted by four pixels in each of four directions (actually, exposure of 3, 4, or 5 times or more may be applied by changing the amount of movement of the image to be used .)

For example, the tree in FIG. 38 is far from the camera, occupies four pixels horizontally (there is a gap between pixels and pixels), and vertically covers five pixels, including white space. The camera has a resolution of 250,000 pixels, which is less than one millionth of the image area and will not be visible to the naked eye unless it is extremely enlarged.

Figure 39 shows a portion of a particular camera sensor, whether planar or curved. In the following description, the vertical columns are numbered by letters and the horizontal columns by numbers. The black portion represents the space between pixels.

Figure 40 shows how a tree image is located on a pixel at the time of first exposure. Note that the tree image is "covered more than anywhere else" in pixels C2, C3, D3, C4, D4, B5, C5, and D5 only. These pixels are recorded as corresponding images.

41 shows a result image of the tree when exposure is performed once. The blackened pixels will be the first image.

Figure 42 shows the second exposure data. Note that at this exposure, the image was shifted by ½ pixels to the right. In order to move the image, the sensor may be physically moved or the image stabilization technique known in the art may be reversed. Image stabilization is a method of eliminating blur caused by camera movement during exposure. For the second exposure, this technique is reversed to move the image that is imaged to the sensor. Reverse application of image stabilization techniques between exposure and exposure is a unique technique and will be sought by the Patent Office in the present invention.

In Figure 42, the pixels of the image "covered more than others" are D2, C3, D3, C4, D4, (E4 is either good), C5, D5, E5. The resulting image data is shown in FIG.

Figure 44 shows the third exposure data. This time, the image is shifted up by ½ pixel from the second exposure data. As a result, the tree occupies pixels D2, C3, D3, C4, D4, E4 and D5. The resultant data of this third exposure is shown in FIG.

Subsequently, in the example of Fig. 46, the image is shifted to the left by ½ pixel from the third exposure data. As a result, the image is on pixels C2, C3, D3, B4, C4, D4, and C5.

47 shows an image in which the fourth exposure data is recorded. Now the camera has four scenes for the same wooden footage.

The current image stabilization eliminates blur caused by minute hand shake and even motor vibration during one exposure. This function implies that image movement to the second, third, fourth, or higher position can be done quickly.

As most digital cameras are becoming video cameras with improvements in subsequent models (previously only static cameras), pixel response times are also improving. This also implies that you can expose multiple exposures quickly, especially since it is an essential aspect of video capture techniques.

It has not previously been suggested or implied to change the mode of the image stabilization mechanism to move the image a slight amount by a certain amount for each exposure while stabilizing the image during each exposure at multiple exposures.

It is also a new way of moving the sensor a little as an alternative for the same effect.

The software interprets the four captured images, which are part of the claims of the present invention. The software "sees" the data in Figures 45 and 47, and sees that there is a short segment in the middle of the bottom of whatever the image is. In Figures 41 and 43, since this film is missing, the software determines that the width of the film is one pixel and the length is half (1/2) pixels.

The software sees the entire four scenes, and then identifies whatever the image is, there is a proximal portion above the segment, occupying three pixels horizontally and wider than the other segment. This is determined based on the fourth row in FIGS. 45 and 47 and the fifth row in FIGS. 41 and 43.

In addition, the software sees lines 3 and 4 of FIGS. 41 and 43 and once recognizes that the second layer occupies 2 pixels wide and 2 pixels high on the wide base end, although this image is not known. However, the software again sees the third row of FIGS. 45 and 47 and confirms that the width of the second layer is 2 pixels, but the height is only 1 pixel. The software thus averages the other results and concludes that the second layer has a height of 1½ pixels.

The software sees two rows of all four images and recognizes that there is another narrower image on the second layer. This image consistently occupies a width of 1 pixel and a width of 1 pixel, is placed on the second floor and is located at the center of the widest proximal section (if there is a bottom section, it is above the center of the section) ).

FIG. 48 shows the resultant data obtained by photographing and moving each ½ pixel for each exposure at the time of multiple exposure. Since the data has four times as much information, the synthesized image will be fine-grained by 1/4, whether viewed on the screen or printed. With this one exposure, you will be able to see detailed images that the sensor screen could not capture previously.

Figure 49 shows the original image of a tree, in which the sensor was exposed four times, digitally recorded, moving by ½ pixel for each exposure. Figure 49 shows the tree itself and four representative digital images that had been recorded by four exposures of this tree. It does not look like a tree at all.

Capture the tree image four times. 50 shows a method of decomposing an original tree into a plurality of images, and how the synthetic image generated by the software from these four images resembles the original tree. It is not completely resembling, but it is getting closer. Given that the area of this image is approximately 0.000001%, if the image resembles to this extent, it will be sufficient for surveillance purposes.

VI. Other methods for curved sensor formation

According to one of these new methods, it is proposed to make a concave mold for heating the wafer in a molten state to form silicon. Then the silicon is seated on the mold by gravity. In all of these methods, it is possible to keep the original thickness evenly by lowering the temperature rapidly to cool the mold.

The use of centrifugal force is also the second possible method. The third method is to lower the air pressure by the porosity of the mold, and the fourth method is to raise the temperature of the vapor using a liquid at a pressure and / or a very high boiling point. The fourth method is to simply press the convex mold on the wafer and into the concave mold. However, this is also done after the temperature of the silicon is raised.

The heating can be carried out in various ways. Conventional "baking" is one method, and a second method is to select a radiation wavelength that has a much greater effect on the silicon material than other materials. To proceed with this second method, a substance such as soot, which absorbs most of the radiation, may be applied to the convex side of the silicon and removed later. This material absorbs the radiation wave to accelerate heating to the portion, but the thickness of the wafer is thereby unevenly heated. That is, the convex surface is heated most, and this portion is increased most. A third method is to apply a radiation absorbing material to both sides. Since the compressive strain is absorbed on the concave side and the convex side is pulled by the tensile stress, it can be heated to adjust these stresses without rupture of the wafer.

The final method is simply to remove unnecessary parts by machining, polishing, and laser etching to create a curved surface sensor.

As a first implementation process, a ingot material such as silicon is processed to form a curved surface. This ingot should be thicker than an ordinary wafer. Machining can be by laser, ion, or other mechanical machining. As a second implementation, the wafer material is placed on a pattern of concave discs arranged. By heating with flash light, the wafer material falls into the concave grooves. This can be done simply by gravity or by using a centrifuge.

As another method, a specific substance absorbing a specific wavelength of a radiation wave to be heated on the back side of a material such as silicon may be "applied "

As a result, the middle portion of the material such as silicon is less heated, and the flexibility on the extended surface is increased to fit the mold, so that the sensors are supported together, not shrunk or stretched, but are only bent. According to another embodiment, the wavelength absorbing material may be "coated" on the front surface and irradiated with a radiation wave to cause the portion to shrink without tearing. According to another embodiment, both surfaces are simultaneously heated immediately before reformation. If a dopant is already implanted, it should be selected to minimize or eliminate the effect of radiation wavelength and "application" of the absorbing material on the doping material.

VII. Improved image sharpness

According to another embodiment of the invention, during multiple exposure exposures, the sensor and / or the optical element are intentionally moved approximately constantly. According to another embodiment, this movement can be done intermittently. The software then processes multiple exposures to produce enhanced images with excellent image quality and sharp edges. The software takes as much exposure as the user can determine.

In this embodiment, the sensors are arranged to have different pixel densities, which are the most dense at the center of the sensor. In the case where the pixel density is constant over the sensor, since the movement at the outer edge (periphery) of the sensor is much larger than the movement at the center, when the sensor rotates, at any given speed, The change in the periphery will be very large. This is solved by changing the pixel density. By taking a picture smaller than the pixel diameter of the movement, improved sharpness of the composite image is obtained.

When fixing the sensor and moving the image

According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to fix a plane or curved surface sensor and move the image in a circular shape to acquire data or generate an image. One example of implementing this embodiment is that the diameter of the circular motion path of the image is less than the pixel width of the sensor as a whole. In one embodiment, the diameter of the circular movement path is half of the pixel width. According to this embodiment, the pixel density is constant throughout the sensor. If the picture is a clock picture, the clock will move constantly in a small circle, the number 12 will always be above, and the number 6 always be below. The present invention includes two embodiments, one in which the sensor moves under the objective and the other in which the image moves on the sensor.

When the image is fixed and the sensor is moved

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a planar or curved sensor can acquire data or generate an image while moving in a substantially constant circle. One example of implementing this embodiment is that the diameter of the circular motion path of the mobile sensor is less than the pixel width of the sensor as a whole.

In one embodiment, the diameter of the circular path of travel is half the pixel width.

The advantages of these embodiments are as follows.

No round trip

Non-vibration

No energy loss during stop and move operations

51 is a schematic view 342 of an optical element 344 moving over a planar sensor 346. FIG. The optical element 344 is moved to draw a complete circle on the plane sensor so that the incident light travels along the complete circular path 348 over the plane sensor. In this embodiment, the optical element is shown as an objective lens.

Other suitable lenses or optical components may be used according to other embodiments. According to another embodiment, the optical element 344 may be tilted or nipped back or forth approximately continuously or intermittently to move the image over the fixed planar sensor 346 to draw a complete circle.

Figure 52 is an illustration 350 of an optical element 344 viewed from above, moving over a stationary planar sensor 346 as shown in Figure 51. The optical element 344 moves over the sensor 346 to the full original path to move the incident light on the plane sensor 346.

53 is a schematic view 352 of an optical element 344 moving over a fixed curved sensor 354 and FIG. 54 is an illustration 356 of an optical element 344 and sensor 354 as viewed from above .

Figure 55 is a schematic 358 of a method of moving a planar sensor 360 under a fixed optical element 362 and Figure 56 is a top view of the fixed optical element 362 and sensor 360, (372).

57 is a detailed view 364 of the components that cause the rotational motion of the sensor 360 shown in Figs. 55 and 56. Fig. A plane sensor 360 is attached to a connecting rod or connection portion 367 provided on the rotary disk 366. That is, the rotating disk 366 is located under the sensor 360. [ Attachment of the sensor takes place at a position 368 off the center of the disc 366. The disk is rotated by the electric motor 370 under the disk. The axis 372 of the motor is not aligned with the attachment point 368 of the connecting rod 367. [

Fig. 58 is a perspective view of the configuration shown in Fig.

59 is a schematic view 374 of a fixed optical element 362 located on a curved surface sensor 376. FIG. The curved surface sensor 376 moves under the fixed optical element 362.

FIG. 60 is a top view of the optical element 362 and sensor 376 shown in FIG.

61 is a schematic view 378 of a method of circularly moving the optical element 344 as shown in Figs. 51 and 52. Fig. A band 380 surrounds the optical element 344, which provides a rotational contact point 382 to the plurality of springs 384. Two of the springs contact the cams 386 and 388, and each cam is mounted to the electric motors 390 and 392. When the cam rotates, a spring connected to the band surrounding the optical element moves the optical element. The two cams are out of phase by 90 ° to produce a circular motion.

62 is a schematic view 394 showing nine aspects of a planar sensor moving along a single orbit on a circular path. According to one embodiment, the circular path is smaller than one pixel diameter. In each figure, a rotational axis C near the lower left corner of the square sensor is shown. Every drawing has a radial line segment, which is the line connecting the rotation axis and the point at the top of each rectangle. Each figure shows that the square sensor moves 45 degrees in the clockwise direction about the rotation axis C. In each figure, the rectangle drawn by the dotted line represents the original position of the rectangular sensor. As for the radial line segments, r1 to r9 are numbered according to the 8-step movement in the circle.

According to another embodiment, the sensor depicted in Figure 62 may be configured in a rectangular or other suitable planar form. According to another embodiment, the sensor may be curved or hemispherical. The movement can be clockwise, counterclockwise or in a suitable position for achieving the object of the present invention.

63 is a schematic diagram of a planar sensor 396 with pixels arranged. The sensor shown in Fig. 63 is in the original position, and the sensors shown in Figs. 64 and 65 are continuously rotating along the circular path.

During the rotation of the sensor, multiple exposures are made, which is determined by the software. According to the present embodiment, the inner pixel column and the outer pixel column each move by the same number of pixel intervals. This embodiment enhances the sharpness of the image beyond the number of pixels of the sensor, and can be used in conjunction with the method described in the previous V chapter " Method for capturing detailed images that sensor can not record in the past. &Quot;

Although the pixel density on the sensor is rapidly increasing, the pixel density is limited because each pixel can detect only one photon by reducing the pixel size. That is, as the pixel size decreases, the sensitivity of the sensor decreases.

This embodiment can be carried out in conjunction with the sensor connection method and apparatus described in U.S. Patent No. 8 248 499.

As another example, a small wireless device may be used to connect the sensor to the microprocessor.

VIII. Method for generating a complete image from digital sensors including gaps

In another embodiment of the present invention, the complete image is made from digital sensors including gaps. In yet another embodiment, the complete image is made from physically spaced or discrete sensor arrays. In either of these two embodiments, the sensor operates behind a single optical path.

In a first embodiment, the camera includes a generally concave sensor configured to include a gap 34 between eyelashes 32, as shown in FIG. The first exposure is performed while the image stabilization function is activated. Image stabilization is described in chapters II, III, and v. Then, the image stabilization function is deactivated and reactivated again. Then, a second exposure occurs while the image stabilization function is activated. Next, the signal processor 22 executes a software program to pick up the missing image data at the first exposure and stitch it into the first exposure to create a complete image. In general, this process can be used continuously to generate moving images, i.e., videos.

66 and 67 illustrate the difference between sensors with gaps and sensors without gaps. 66 shows a combination 400 of a lens and a sensor. The lens 402 is positioned adjacent to the planar sensor 404. The lens 402 has a central axis 406. Light ray 408 enters lens 402 and is refracted. The light rays from the other side 20 of the lens 402 are directed to the plane sensor 404. 67, there is shown the same lens 402 as above and a combination 410 of other elements including sensors 412 with gaps. Incident light 408 enters lens 402 and exits from the other side of lens 402 and strikes a portion of sensor 412.

66, the incident light 408 passes through the lens 402 and is irradiated to the outside of the plane sensor by refraction. With the use of several "curved" sensors as shown in Fig. 67, the incident light is irradiated to some sensors at an angle close to its normal and closer to the center of the sensor. The image quality is improved by this action.

68 and 69 show scenes shot with a portable camera not including an image stabilization system. In Fig. 68, the child 418 and the baseball ball 420 are shown as two consecutive shots separated by a short time interval in the image frame 416. In Fig. During this time interval the user's hand shakes slightly. The exposure is terminated in FIG. 68 after a short time has elapsed from the start of exposure in FIG. As a result photograph, an image blurred by a slight jitter of the portable camera is obtained.

Figs. 70 and 71 show a scene shot by the portable camera including the image stabilization function, the same scene as shown in Figs. 68 and 69. In Fig. 70, a child 418 and a baseball ball 420 are displayed in two consecutive scenes separated by a short time interval in an image frame 416. Fig. The user's hand shakes a little during this time interval. The exposure is started in FIG. 70, and after a short time, the exposure is terminated in FIG. Since the small jitter of the portable camera is corrected by the image stabilization system, the image of the result photograph is clear.

Figures 72 to 75 further illustrate an embodiment of the present invention involving optical image stabilization. 72 shows a scene when the cat 432 is seen with the naked eye. 73, the image of the cat is superimposed on the sensor 434 portion of the camera. The sensor 434 includes four substantially rectangular mini sensors 436 separated by a gap 438.

73, the camera performs the first exposure while the optical image stabilization is activated. At the first exposure, only the irradiated portion 440 of the mini-sensor 436 is recorded in the cat image. Other portions of the entire image of the cat that were not recorded in this first exposure are those overlying the gap 438 and are marked as shaded as "missing portions" 442 of the image.

74, the camera performs a second exposure while the optical image stabilization is activated. The cat moved or moved its position between the first and second exposure starts. This movement may simply be the jitter caused by the user's hand. At the second exposure, only the portion 444 of the cat image illuminated to the mini-sensor 436 is recorded. Other portions of the full image of the cat that were not recorded in this second exposure are those overlying the gap 438 and shaded as "missing portion" 446.

After the camera records the first and second exposures, the electronic stabilization software stored in the camera's memory is executed on the camera's processor. The software compares the two exposures pixel by pixel and detects the missing portions of each exposure. The software creates a composite image 450 as shown in Figure 75 by "interleaving " the original recorded and missing portions to create a complete image.

Electronic image stabilization techniques are well known in the art. According to Wilikpedia, electronic image stabilization "reduces image blur due to camera movement during exposure". Some cameras use a gyroscope to detect camera rotation that causes camera angle errors. The gyroscope measures the camera rotation and sends information to an actuator that moves the sensor in the camera to correct for this rotation. In other embodiments, an angular rate sensor may be used to measure and compensate for unwanted camera motion during exposure. The 'Image Stabilizer Primer' is posted on the Videomaker website. This is also described on the websites operated by Nicon and Canon. Yu et al. Published 'Summarization of Electronic Image Stabilization' (2006 7th International Conference on Computer-Aided Industrial Design and Conceptual Design).

Embodiments of the present invention provide the following advantages.

Simple and small optical system,

An optical system that captures more light,

Capture missing data from the gap.

IX. Image stabilization method

76 is a schematic diagram of a camera 452 incorporating both a curved surface sensor and optical image stabilization. And the objective lens 16 is provided in the housing 14. [ Inside the camera, the curved surface sensor 12 is at a position where it receives the light beam from the objective lens 16 thereon. The curved surface sensor 12 includes many mini sensors 436. The outputs of the mini sensors 436 are connected to an optical image stabilization circuit 454, which is connected to the signal processor 22.

77 shows a camera 456 incorporating an electronic image stabilization. The objective lens 16 is located in the housing 14. [ Inside the camera, a conventional planar sensor 458 is positioned to receive the light collected by the objective lens 16. The plane sensor 458 includes a through hole 36 for connection to the wiring board 38. The electronic image stabilization circuit 460 is connected to an electronic image stabilization sensor 462 that senses unwanted rotation of the camera. The electronic image stabilization circuitry 460 is also coupled to an actuator 464 that physically adjusts the position of the sensor 458 to compensate for unwanted rotations.

X. Mechanism to control the motion of the lens shade

78 is a schematic view of a camera 465 having an automatic lens cancellation controller. A zoom lens 466 is mounted on the objective lens 16 provided on the enclosure 14. [ The lens shade 186 is unfolded to cover both the objective lens 16 and the zoom lens 466. The zoom lens control mechanism 467 is connected to the scattered light sensor 468 and activates the zoom lens 466. The scattered light sensor 468 is disposed beyond the outermost periphery of the plane sensor 458. When the scattered light sensor 468 detects excessive scattered light, the scattered light sensor transmits a signal to the lens canopy control motor 469, whereby the lens canopy 186 is unfolded.

79 is a schematic diagram of camera 470 with a manual zoom and lens canopy controller. The objective lens 16 is located in the enclosure 14 as shown in Fig. The zoom lens 466 is mounted on the objective lens 16. A plane sensor 458 receives the light from the objective lens 16. A manual zoom control knob 471 is mounted on the enclosure, which is connected to the manually controlled lens sun shade 472. This manual control lens sun visor is also mounted on the enclosure 14 and unfolded to cover both the objective lens 16 and the zoom lens 466. In another embodiment, the lens awning controller is mechanically coupled to a zoom lens barrel.

80 shows a first embodiment 474 of the lens canopy controller. A zoom control button 476 is connected to the first motor 478, which in turn is coupled to the first gear mechanism 480, and to one or more lenses 482. The zoom control button 476 is also connected to a second motor 484, which in turn is connected to a second gear mechanism 486, and a lens awning 488 controlled with a zoom lens.

81 shows a second embodiment 490 of the lens canopy controller. A zoom control button 476 is connected to the first motor 478 which in turn is connected to a two track gear mechanism 492 and one or more lenses 482 and lens canopy 488.

82 shows a third embodiment 494 of the lens canopy controller. A zoom control button 476 is connected to the first motor 478 which in turn is connected to a two lever arm 496 and one or more lenses 482 and lens canopy 488.

83 shows a fourth embodiment 498 of the lens canopy controller. A zoom control button 476 is connected to the first motor 478 which in turn is connected to a single arm 500 and one or more lenses 482 and lens flanks 488.

84 is a schematic diagram of a manual zoom lens canopy controller 502. Fig. A pantograph 503 is connected to the enclosure 14, the zoom lens 466, and the lens canopy 488.

XI. Binning and compression,

Figures 85, 86 and 87 are diagrams for explaining binning and compression methods. 85 shows the appearance 504 of a small portion occupying 48 pixels of a digital photograph. The black dots 506 on the white background 508 can be thought of as pepper eggs on a white table beam. Pixels can be represented by horizontal axes, A to H, and vertical axes, 1 to 6.

Fig. 86 shows another view 512 of the scene 504 shown in Fig. 85 as a grid line 514 showing the boundary of 48 pixels. In one embodiment of the invention, a compression algorithm is used and the signal processor converts the small image portion from left to right and from top to bottom (A1-C2 white, D2-E2 black, F2-B3 white, C3- Such as G3-B4 white, F5-H6 white, C4-F4 black, G4-C5 white, D5-E5 white, F5-H6 white). Alternatively, each bit is stored separately. That is, (A1 white, B1 white, C1 white, D1 white, E1 white, F1 white, G1 white, H1 white, A2 white, B2 white, C2 white, D2 black, E2 black, F2 white, G2 white, , ...). With this other method, there is a lot of data to be processed and stored, but the quality of the image is not improved.

FIG. 87 shows another view 516 showing how the amount of data necessary for expressing the image change changes when a binning method is adopted instead of the compression method. When performing the binning method, data generated by adjacent pixels are merged together to create a large pixel virtually. The binning method generally produces a lower sharpness, resulting in more detection responses per "virtual" pixel. Thus improving the performance of the camera in poor lighting conditions. In Fig. 87, when the four closest pixels are merged, the signal processor stores and prints the image (A1-A3 white, C3-E3 black, G3-H5 white). In Fig. 87, a pixel code is used to distinguish each virtual pixel. For example, the first virtual pixel at the upper right of Figure 87 is identified by pixel codes A1-A3. The pixel code is constructed by connecting the upper left corner of each virtual pixel and the horizontal and vertical coordinates 518 of the lower left corner. Therefore, the codes of the four virtual pixels in the top row of the virtual pixel shown in FIG. 87 are A1-A3, C1-C3, E1-E3, and G1-G3.

The method shown in FIG. 87 not only improves the performance in low light conditions, but also increases the sharpness of the image because more photons per virtual pixel are captured. Processing time and storage capacity are reduced. In addition, this method can reduce the noise generated in the case of ISO, that is, when the sensitivity of the pixel is high, in an insufficient illumination condition.

XII. Arched array of mini sensors

88 is a view of another embodiment 520 of the present invention including an arcuate array of discrete mini sensors combined with a calibration optic element. The arcuate array 522 includes a plurality of mini sensors 524 each of which has an output 526 that is fed to the signal processor 22. Each mini-sensor 524 is arranged in a curved or arcuate shape and is disposed inside the camera. Each mini-sensor 524 is separated and configured with a gap for ease of configuration. The calibration optical element 528 is disposed above the arcuate array 522. The calibration optical element 528 includes a plurality of segments 530. Each of these segments 530 transfers the light emitted from the objective lens 16 to one mini-sensor 524 in the array 522.

With this embodiment all the advantages of a curved or concave sensor can be obtained without the need to bend the sensor material and without any moving parts. If the camera uses one plane sensor, the ray must travel further and be bent at a smaller angle to reach the periphery of the plane sensor. As a result, the light is weakened at the periphery, causing more chromatic aberration (rainbow phenomenon).

In this embodiment, the light rays entering the camera are irradiated to the sensor with a substantially equal distance between the objective lens and the sensor. The angle at which the light beam is irradiated to the sensor is close to a right angle on average. According to this embodiment, the lens designer can make a fast lens. This fast lens captures more photons, eliminating the need to use the flash under a number of poor lighting conditions.

In another alternative embodiment, the plurality of arrangements may be arranged in parallel.

In yet another alternative embodiment, an electrical connection is possible without a via or backplane. For example, between a mini-sensor and a signal processor, a plurality of segments of an objective lens and a calibration optical element, a plurality of segments and a mini-sensor without a via or a backplane.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and improvements can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. . Various alternatives for providing a curved sensor array camera having a moving optic as described above are disclosed for the purpose of understanding the preferred embodiments of the present invention to those skilled in the art to limit the scope of the present invention or the claims no.

10. Camera with curved sensor
12. Surface sensor
14. Enclosure
16. Objective lens
18. Incident light
20. Electrical output from sensor
22. Signal Processor
24. User Manipulators
26. Battery
28. Memory
30. Camera output
32. One eye
34. Clearance between single eyes
36. Through hole
38. Wiring board
40. Curved sensor made of adjacent petal shaped segment
42. Segment of petal shape
43a. First heart
43b. materials
43c. The first heat-
43d. The dome portion of the deformable material on the core
43e. Hemispherical base of curved sensor
43f. The second heat-
43 g. Second heart
43h. port
43i. Empty area
43j. heater
43k. Hemispherical base of curved sensor
43l. The sensor pixel < RTI ID = 0.0 >
44. Camera Monitors
46. Conventional sensor having a generally uniform pixel density
48. Sensor with high pixel density towards the center
50 pixels
52. Shading ridge
54. Shroud spread
56. Multiple lens camera assembly
58. Objective lens
60. Mirror Built-in Camera / Lens Combination
50. Basic Objective Lens
52. Auxiliary objective lens
66. The first sensor
68. Second sensor
70. Mirrors
72. Side Mount Sensor
74. Sensor in its original position
76. Sensor in the rotated position
78. Sensor in original position
80. Sensor at the moved position
82. Another embodiment of the sensor
84. Another embodiment of the sensor
86. Another embodiment of the sensor
88. Another embodiment of the sensor
90. The backside of one embodiment of the sensor
92. Helical conductors
94. Sensor connection point
96. Processor connection point
98. The back of one embodiment of the sensor
100. Accordion-type conductor
102. Sensor connection point
104. Processor connection point
106. The backside of one embodiment of the sensor
108. Radial conductor
110. Brush
112. Brush contact point
114. Annular ring
116. Center of sensor, processor connection point
118. Schematic of wireless connection
120. Transmitter
122. Receiver
124. Processor
150. Camera
154. Enclosure
156. Lens
160. Sensor
162. One eye
164. Clearance
170. Center square
172. Surrounding rectangle
176. Surrounding rectangle
180. Retractable shafts
182. Inner canopy member
184. Movable shoelace member
186. Outer movable awning member
190. Lens movement mechanism
200. Image processor
202. Sensor Capture Device
204. Automatic devices
206. Pixel density normalizer
208. Image Processing Engine
210. Display / LCD controller
212. Compression and Storage Controller
250. Camera
256. Lens
260. Sensor
270. Center of the unicorn
272. Surrounding icle
274. Shutter control
280. Lens awning device
290. Focus / stabilization actuating device
292. Lens movement
300. First Embodiment of Composite Device
300a. The first embodiment of the composite apparatus
300b. The first embodiment of the composite apparatus
302. Enclosure
304. Microcontroller
305a. face
305b. back side
306. Display Screen
308a. Touch screen interface
308B. User interface
310. Power and / or data terminal
314. Speaker
315. Antennas
330. Other Embodiments
334. Other Embodiments
338. Other Embodiments
340. Other Embodiments
342. Schematic of fixed-type flat-surface sensor and movable lens
344. Movable Lenses
346. Fixed Planar Sensors
348. Optical path
350. Figure 51
352. Schematic of fixed curved surface sensor and movable lens
354. Fixed Surface Sensor
356. Fig. 53
358. Schematic diagram of mobile type planar sensor and fixed type lens
360. Movable Planar Sensor
362. Fixed Lens
Figure 36 Figure 55
365. Schematic diagram of the parts causing the circular movement of the sensor
366. Rotating disc
367. Connecting Rods
368. Attachment point
370. Electric Motors
372. Motor rotation axis
373. FIG. 57 is a perspective view
374. Schematic of a fixed lens on a mobile surface sensor
376. Movable Surface Sensor
377. Figure 59
378. Schematic view of parts moving the lens
380. Band
382. Spring
384. A spring in contact with the cam
386. First cam
388. Second cam
390. First electric motor
392. Second electric motor
394. 9 views when rotating the sensor
396. Sensor
398. Pixel
400. Combination of lens and sensor
402. Lens
404. Planar Sensors
406. Center axis
408. Light rays
410. Combination of elements
412. Clearance
414. First Impressions
416. Picture frame
418. Children's hand at the beginning of exposure
420. Baseball ball at the beginning of exposure
422. End of exposure
424. A child's hand at the end of exposure
426. Baseball ball at the end of exposure
428. Image stabilization application
430. Image stabilization application
432. Cat images seen with the naked eye
434. Camera sensor
436. Mini Sensor
438. Clearance
440. Cat Videos
442. Missing part of image
444. A part of the cat image illuminated by the mini-sensor
446. Missing Shaded Parts
448. Missing part of second exposure image
450. Composite video
452. Camera with Optical Image Stabilizer
454. Optical image stabilization circuit
456. A camera having an electronic image stabilization device
458. Planar Sensors
460. Electronic image stabilization circuit
462. Electronic image stabilization sensor
464. Actuators
466. Camera with manual zoom and lens canopy controller
468. Zoom lens
470. Manual zoom control
472. Manually adjusted lens canopy
474. First Embodiment of Lens Shade Controller
476. Zoom controller
478. Motors
480. 1st Gear Mechanism
482. Lens element
484. Motors
486. Second Gear Mechanism
488. Lens canopy
490. Second Embodiment of Lens Shade Controller
492. Two-track gear mechanism
494. Third Embodiment of Lens Shade Controller
496. Lever arm
498. Fourth Embodiment of Lens Shade Controller
500. Single arm lens canopy controller
502. Manual zoom and lens canopy controller
504. The appearance of a black object on a white background
506. A black object
508. White background
510. Horizontal and vertical axes
512. A black object on a white background with grid lines
514. Grid lines
516. A black object on a white background representing a binned virtual pixel.
518. The axis of the binned virtual pixel
520. Arched array of optical elements for calibration and mini-sensor
522. Array of mini sensors
524. Mini Sensor
526. Mini sensor output
528. Optical elements for calibration
530. Segment of optical element for calibration

Claims (45)

Enclosure; Optical elements; Curved surface sensor; And a signal processor coupled to the curved surface sensor,
The optical element being mounted to the enclosure;
The optical element serving to deliver a stream of radiation (srteam);
Wherein the curved surface sensor comprises a plurality of mini sensors separated by a gap;
The curved surface sensor being mounted in the enclosure;
The curved surface sensor being aligned with the optical element;
The signal processor is connected to an optical image stabilization circuit;
Said signal processor recording a first exposure while said optical image stabilization circuit is active;
Wherein the first exposure includes only a corresponding portion of a first image illuminated to the plurality of mini-sensors;
The signal processor records a second exposure while the optical image stabilization circuit is active;
The second exposure being performed later than the first exposure;
Wherein the second exposure includes only a corresponding portion of a second image illuminated to the plurality of mini-sensors;
Wherein the first and second exposures are compared by the signal processor to detect missing portions in the respective first and second exposures;
Wherein a composite image is generated by the signal processor using the first and second exposures, 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of segments as a whole. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of segments are disposed proximate a curved sensor. The method according to claim 1, wherein the curved surface sensor is not completely on the same line as the straight line A device having a two dimensional profile. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the curved surface sensor is fabricated from ultra-thin silicon. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the ultra-thin silicon is in the range of 10 to 250 microns in one dimension. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the curved surface sensor is fabricated from polycrystalline silicon. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pixels are arranged at varying densities on the curved sensor. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to have a relatively high pixel density near the center of the sensor as a whole. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to have a relatively low pixel density near the periphery of the sensor as a whole. The method according to claim 1,
The plurality of segments defining a gap between each of the plurality of segments;
Wherein said gap is used as a passageway for an electrical connector. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to have a relatively high pixel density near the center of the sensor as a whole. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to have a relatively low pixel density near the periphery of the sensor as a whole. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a relatively high pixel density, generally near the center of the sensor, provides a relatively high pixel density, generally near the center of the sensor, while maintaining a relatively high image resolution. Thereby enabling zooming to telephoto shooting. Enclosure; Optical elements; Sensor,
The optical element being mounted to the enclosure;
The optical element serving to deliver a stream of radiation (srteam);
The sensor being mounted in the enclosure;
The sensor being aligned with the optical element;
The sensor being intentionally moved during collection of the radiation beam to enhance the image;
The sensor comprising a plurality of pixels;
The plurality of pixels being arranged at varying densities on the sensor;
The sensor has a plurality of connection portions connected to the wiring board through a plurality of through holes;
Wherein the wiring board has an output to a signal processor for recording an image. Enclosure; Optical elements; sensor; , ≪ / RTI &
The optical element being mounted to the enclosure;
The optical element serving to deliver a stream of radiation (srteam);
The sensor being mounted in the enclosure;
The sensor being aligned with the optical element;
The sensor comprising a plurality of pixels;
The plurality of pixels being arranged at varying densities on the sensor;
Wherein an electronic stabilization circuit is attached to the signal processor to produce an enhanced image. Enclosure; Optical elements; sensor; A zoom lens; Zoom lens control mechanism; Including automatic adjustment lens shade,
The optical element being mounted to the enclosure;
The optical element serving to deliver a stream of radiation (srteam);
The sensor being mounted in the enclosure;
The sensor being aligned with the optical element;
The zoom lens being mounted to the enclosure;
The zoom lens control mechanism is connected to the zoom lens;
Wherein the automatic adjustment lens shade is connected to the zoom lens control mechanism such that when the telephoto exposure is performed, the automatic adjustment lens shade is unfolded and when the wide angle is exposed, the automatic adjustment lens shade is unfolded;
Wherein the automatic adjustment lens shade is mounted outside the enclosure. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a scattered light sensor mounted outside the sensor frame; Further comprising a motor,
The scattered light sensor senses the size of the telephoto image;
The motor being connected to the scattered light sensor;
The motor being connected to the lens awning;
And when the scattered light sensor detects light scattered outside the sensor, the motor expands the lens awake to block the optical element from stray light. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a gear mechanism,
Wherein the gear mechanism is mounted within the enclosure to move the zoom lens between a telephoto position and a wide angle position. Enclosure; Optical elements; sensor; A zoom lens; Manual zoom lens control mechanism; Including manual adjustment lens shade,
The optical element being mounted to the enclosure;
The optical element serving to deliver a stream of radiation (srteam);
The sensor being mounted in the enclosure;
The sensor being aligned with the optical element;
The zoom lens being mounted to the enclosure;
The manual zoom lens control mechanism is connected to the zoom lens;
The manual adjustment lens canopy being mounted on the outside of the enclosure above the optical element;
Wherein the manual adjustment lens sunshade is connected to the manual zoom lens control mechanism such that the manual adjustment lens sunshade unfolds at the time of telephoto shooting and is deflected at the time of wide angle shooting. Enclosure; Optical elements; A curved surface sensor,
The optical element being mounted to the enclosure;
The optical element serving to deliver a stream of radiation (srteam);
The curved surface sensor being mounted in the enclosure;
The curved surface sensor being aligned with the optical element;
Wherein the curved surface sensor is intentionally moved during collection of the radiation train to enhance the image;
Wherein the curved surface sensor comprises a plurality of pixels;
The curved surface sensor has a plurality of connection portions connected to the wiring board through a plurality of through holes;
Wherein the wiring board has an output to a signal processor for recording an image. Enclosure; Optical elements; Curved surface sensor; Electronic image stabilization sensor; An actuator,
The optical element being mounted to the enclosure;
The optical element serving to deliver a stream of radiation (srteam);
The curved surface sensor being mounted in the enclosure;
The curved surface sensor being aligned with the optical element;
The electronic image stabilization sensor is mounted inside the enclosure;
The electronic image stabilization sensor senses unwanted movement of the enclosure when exposure is performed;
The actuator being electrically connected to the electronic image stabilization sensor;
The actuator being mechanically connected to the curved surface sensor;
The actuator moving the curved surface sensor to correct undesired movement of the enclosure sensed by the electronic image stabilization sensor;
The curved surface sensor has a plurality of connection portions connected to the wiring board through a plurality of through holes;
Wherein the wiring board has an output to a signal processor for recording an image. 23. The method of claim 22,
The sensor comprising a plurality of pixels;
Wherein the plurality of pixels are arranged at varying densities on the curved sensor. The method comprising the steps of: providing a camera, the camera comprising a sensor, the camera comprising an optic, the sensor comprising a plurality of single eyes bounded entirely by a plurality of gaps, An optical part moving means which intentionally causes the optical part to move;
Recording a first exposure;
Activating the optical part moving means during a second exposure to cause an intentional movement of the optical part;
Performing a second exposure;
Comparing the first and second exposures to detect a missing portion in a desired image by the plurality of gaps in the sensor;
And combining the complete image using the first and second exposures. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the optical portion motion means deliberately causes the optical portion to move toward the curved surface sensor. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the sensor is configured to have a relatively high pixel density near the center of the sensor as a whole. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the sensor is configured to have a relatively low pixel density near the periphery of the sensor as a whole. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein a relatively high pixel density, generally near the center of the sensor, provides a relatively high pixel density near the center of the sensor as a whole, while maintaining a relatively high image resolution. Thereby enabling zooming to telephoto shooting. The method comprising the steps of: providing a camera, the camera comprising a sensor, the camera comprising an optic, the sensor comprising a plurality of single eyes bounded entirely by a plurality of gaps, An optical part moving means which intentionally causes the optical part to move;
Comprising the steps of providing an electronic image stabilization sensor, wherein the electronic image stabilization sensor is mounted within the enclosure, the electronic image stabilization sensor sensing undesired movement of the enclosure when exposure is performed;
The method comprising the steps of providing an actuator, the actuator being electrically connected to the electronic image stabilization sensor, the actuator being mechanically connected to the curved surface sensor, the actuator being arranged to move the undesired movement of the enclosure sensed by the electronic image stabilization sensor Moving the curved surface sensor to correct the curved surface sensor;
Recording a first exposure;
Activating the optical part moving means during a second exposure to cause an intentional movement of the optical part;
Performing a second exposure;
Comparing the first and second exposures to detect a missing portion in a desired image by the plurality of gaps in the sensor;
And combining the complete image using the first and second exposures. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the optical portion motion means causes intentional movement such that the optical portion moves toward the curved surface sensor. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the sensor is configured to have a relatively high pixel density near the center of the sensor as a whole. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the sensor is configured to have a relatively low pixel density near the periphery of the sensor as a whole. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein a relatively high pixel density, generally near the center of the sensor, provides a relatively high pixel density, generally near the center of the sensor, while maintaining a relatively high image resolution. Thereby enabling zooming to telephoto shooting. A method comprising: providing a camera, the camera including a curved surface sensor, the curved surface sensor including a plurality of mini-sensors, the camera including an optical portion;
Providing a signal processor coupled to the curved surface sensor;
In order to improve low optical performance, a plurality of output signals from the adjacent group of the plurality of pixels are merged into a plurality of output signals from adjacent groups of the plurality of mini-pixels formed in the curved surface sensor, And causing the output to be processed by the signal processor as an output of one pixel. A method comprising: providing a camera, the camera including a curved surface sensor, the curved surface sensor including a plurality of mini-sensors, the camera including an optical portion;
Providing a signal processor coupled to the curved surface sensor;
Removing redundant pixel storage instead of loss of sharpness. Enclosure; Optical elements; Curved surface sensor; Signal processor,
The optical element being mounted to the enclosure;
The optical element serving to deliver a stream of radiation (srteam);
The enclosure is filled with adiabatic gas;
Wherein the curved surface sensor comprises a plurality of mini-sensors separated by a gap;
The curved surface sensor being mounted in the enclosure;
The curved surface sensor being aligned with the optical element;
And the signal processor is connected to the curved surface sensor to record the output. 37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the adiabatic gas is argon. 37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the adiabatic gas is krypton. 37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the adiabatic gas is xenon. Enclosure; Optical elements; Curved surface sensor; Signal processor,
The optical element being mounted to the enclosure;
The optical element serving to deliver a stream of radiation (srteam);
The curved surface sensor is made of Graphene;
The curved surface sensor being mounted in the enclosure;
The curved surface sensor being aligned with the optical element;
And the signal processor is connected to the curved surface sensor to record the output. Enclosure; Optical elements; Curved surface sensor; Signal processor,
The optical element being mounted to the enclosure;
The optical element serving to deliver a stream of radiation (srteam);
The curved surface sensor is made of stressed silicon;
The curved surface sensor being mounted in the enclosure;
The curved surface sensor being aligned with the optical element;
And the signal processor is connected to the curved surface sensor to record the output. Enclosure; Optical elements; Curved surface sensor; Signal processor,
The optical element being mounted to the enclosure;
The optical element serving to deliver a stream of radiation (srteam);
The curved surface sensor is made of stressed silicon;
The curved surface sensor being mounted in the enclosure;
The curved surface sensor being aligned with the optical element;
And the signal processor is connected to the curved surface sensor to record the output. Enclosure; Optical elements; Curved surface sensor; Signal processor,
The optical element being mounted to the enclosure;
The optical element serving to deliver a stream of radiation (srteam);
Wherein the curved surface sensor includes a plurality of petal shaped segments connected to each other and having an overlapping shape;
The curved surface sensor being mounted in the enclosure;
The curved surface sensor being aligned with the optical element;
And the signal processor is connected to the curved surface sensor to record the output. Camera enclosure; objective; Multiple mini sensors; A diverging / converging optical element for splitting and imaging the light beam; Signal processor,
The objective lens is mounted on the camera housing;
The plurality of mini sensors being disposed within the camera enclosure;
The mini-sensors being arranged along a first arc to form a curved array;
The diverging / converging optical element splitting and imaging the light beam emitted from the objective lens onto the plurality of mini-sensors;
The diverging / converging optical element being disposed between the objective lens and the plurality of mini sensors;
The diverging / converging optical element is arranged along a second circular arc parallel to the first circular arc;
The plurality of mini-sensors having respective outputs;
Wherein the output of each mini-sensor is coupled to a signal processor. 22. The method of claim 21,
The zoom lens including a zoom lens barrel;
Wherein the zoom lens barrel is connected to the manually adjustable lens shade for adjusting the position of the lens shade.

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