Contoured surface cover plate for image sensor array

• US 8,049,808 B2
• Filed: 02/02/2009
• Issued: 11/01/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
• Original Assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
• Inventors: Campbell, Scott Patrick
• Primary Examiner(s): SELBY, GEVELL V
• Application Number:
  US12/364,402
• Publication Number:
  US 20090141160A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,002 Days
• Field of Search: 348/222.1, 348/340
• US Class Current: 348/340
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/55 Optical parts specially adapted for electronic image sensors; Mounting thereof

Abstract

A cover for an image sensor array is disclosed. The cover includes a plate formed of substantially transparent material and placed adjacent to the image sensor array. The plate has a plurality of surfaces and forms a lensing structure. At least one of the plurality of surfaces is contoured into a lensing surface capable of performing an imaging improvement or enhancement function.

Claims

1. An image sensor camera system for converting optical data into digital image data, the system comprising:

an image sensor array having a plurality of sensors, said sensors operating to receive the optical data and integrate the data into electrical charge proportional to the amount of optical data collected with a particular period of time;

a lens system operatively coupled to the image sensor array and configured to carry and focus the optical data onto the image sensor array, said lens system including a plurality of lenses and a cover plate, said cover plate contoured into a lensing structure that changes an imaging characteristic;

a mounting structure extending from an upper surface of said cover plate and adapted to secure said lens system to said cover plate above said lensing structure; and

sensor electronics coupled to the image sensor array, and configured to receive the electrical charge, the sensor electronics operating to convert the electrical charge received by the plurality of sensors into the digital image data,

wherein said cover plate is formed by injection-molding.

2. The image sensor camera system of claim 1, wherein said mounting structure is in a square pattern.

3. An image sensor camera system for converting optical data into digital image data, the system comprising:

an image sensor array having a plurality of sensors, said sensors operating to receive the optical data and integrate the data into electrical charge proportional to the amount of optical data collected with a particular period of time;

a lens system operatively coupled to the image sensor array and configured to carry and focus the optical data onto the image sensor array, said lens system including a plurality of lenses and a cover plate, said cover plate contoured into a lensing structure that changes an imaging characteristic;

a mounting structure extending from an upper surface of said cover plate and adapted to secure said lens system to said cover plate above said lensing structure; and

sensor electronics coupled to the image sensor array, and configured to receive the electrical charge, the sensor electronics operating to convert the electrical charge received by the plurality of sensors into the digital image data,

wherein said cover plate is formed to have a post having at least one lensing surface.

4. An image sensor camera system for converting optical data into digital image data, the system comprising:

an image sensor array having a plurality of sensors, said sensors operating to receive the optical data and integrate the data into electrical charge proportional to the amount of optical data collected with a particular period of time;

a lens system operatively coupled to the image sensor array and configured to carry and focus the optical data onto the image sensor array, said lens system including a plurality of lenses and a cover plate, said cover plate contoured into a lensing structure that changes an imaging characteristic;

a mounting structure extending from an upper surface of said cover plate and adapted to secure said lens system to said cover plate above said lensing structure; and

sensor electronics coupled to the image sensor array, and configured to receive the electrical charge, the sensor electronics operating to convert the electrical charge received by the plurality of sensors into the digital image data,

wherein said mounting structure secures said lens system to said cover plate using threads.

5. The image sensor camera system of claim 4, wherein said threads are on an inner surface of said mounting structure.

6. The image sensor camera system of claim 4, wherein said threads are on an outer surface of said mounting structure.

7. An image sensor camera system for converting optical data into digital image data, the system comprising:

an image sensor array having a plurality of sensors, said sensors operating to receive the optical data and integrate the data into electrical charge proportional to the amount of optical data collected with a particular period of time;

a lens system operatively coupled to the image sensor array and configured to carry and focus the optical data onto the image sensor array, said lens system including a plurality of lenses and a cover plate, said cover plate contoured into a lensing structure that changes an imaging characteristic;

a mounting structure extending from an upper surface of said cover plate and adapted to secure said lens system to said cover plate above said lensing structure; and

sensor electronics coupled to the image sensor array, and configured to receive the electrical charge, the sensor electronics operating to convert the electrical charge received by the plurality of sensors into the digital image data,

wherein said mounting structure is a well-like depression on said cover plate.

8. An active pixel sensor system having an active pixel array, the system comprising:

a lensing element configured to receive optical data and change an imaging characteristic, said lensing element providing cover for the active pixel array; and

a mounting structure extending from a plate surface, said mounting structure being adapted to removably connect a prefabricated lens system to said plate above said lensing element, wherein said mounting structure secures said prefabricated lens system to said plate using threads.