Folded optic array camera using refractive prisms
First Claim
1. A method of using a prism array camera for capturing an image of a target scene, the prism array camera including a plurality of cameras positioned around a vertical axis of symmetry of the prism array camera, each camera of the plurality of cameras comprising an image sensor and an optical axis positioned at a first angle relative to the vertical axis of symmetry, the prism array camera further including a plurality of prisms with each prism corresponding to one of the plurality of cameras, each prism having a first, second and third surface and configured to direct light received from the target scene toward a corresponding camera, the method comprising:
- receiving light from the target scene on the first surfaces of each one of the plurality of prisms, each of the plurality of prisms configured such that the received light propagates into the prism through the first surface; and
in each prism,reflecting light propagating in said each prism off of the second surface, the second surface positioned such that a plane formed by the second surface bisects the first angle between the optical axis of the corresponding camera and the vertical axis of symmetry, andpropagating the reflected light through the third surface of said each prism, the third surface positioned such that light from the target scene exits said each prism and propagates toward the corresponding camera corresponding to said each prism.
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Abstract
Aspects relate to a prism array camera having a wide field of view. For example, the prism array camera can use a central refractive prism, for example with multiple surfaces or facets, to split incoming light comprising the target image into multiple portions for capture by the sensors in the array. The prism can have a refractive index of approximately 1.5 or higher, and can be shaped and positioned to reduce chromatic aberration artifacts and increase the FOV of a sensor. In some examples a negative lens can be incorporated into or attached to a camera-facing surface of the prism to further increase the FOV.
270 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of using a prism array camera for capturing an image of a target scene, the prism array camera including a plurality of cameras positioned around a vertical axis of symmetry of the prism array camera, each camera of the plurality of cameras comprising an image sensor and an optical axis positioned at a first angle relative to the vertical axis of symmetry, the prism array camera further including a plurality of prisms with each prism corresponding to one of the plurality of cameras, each prism having a first, second and third surface and configured to direct light received from the target scene toward a corresponding camera, the method comprising:
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receiving light from the target scene on the first surfaces of each one of the plurality of prisms, each of the plurality of prisms configured such that the received light propagates into the prism through the first surface; and in each prism, reflecting light propagating in said each prism off of the second surface, the second surface positioned such that a plane formed by the second surface bisects the first angle between the optical axis of the corresponding camera and the vertical axis of symmetry, and propagating the reflected light through the third surface of said each prism, the third surface positioned such that light from the target scene exits said each prism and propagates toward the corresponding camera corresponding to said each prism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of capturing an image of a target scene with a prism array camera having a plurality of cameras, each camera positioned around a vertical axis of symmetry of the prism array camera and each camera having an optical axis positioned at a first angle relative to the vertical axis of symmetry, the method comprising:
directing light representing the target scene through a plurality of prisms toward the plurality of cameras, each prism of the plurality of prisms corresponding to one of the plurality of cameras and each prism configured to direct a portion of light representing the target scene toward the corresponding camera at least partially by refraction, wherein directing the light comprises, for each prism; receiving the portion of light through a first surface positioned such that the portion of light representing the target scene enters the prism through the first surface, reflecting the portion of light from a second surface positioned such that a plane formed by the second surface bisects the first angle between the optical axis of the corresponding camera and the vertical axis of symmetry, and propagating the reflected light through a third surface positioned such that the light propagating through the third surface exits the prism and travels toward the corresponding camera. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
Specification