Auto-focus in low-profile folded optics multi-camera system
First Claim
1. An image capture apparatus comprising:
- means for sensing light;
first light folding means positioned to receive the light and redirect the light in a first direction toward the means for sensing;
an optical element comprising second light folding means positioned to receive the light from the first light folding means and redirect the light in a second direction toward the means for sensing;
means for focusing the light, the means for focusing movably positioned between the first light folding means and the second light folding means;
means for moving the means for focusing along the first direction between the first light folding means and the second light folding means; and
field correcting means positioned between the second light folding means and the means for sensing light,wherein the means for moving is positioned to contact a portion of the optical element, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a friction reducing means provided between the means for moving and the optical element.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of imaging systems and methods of autofocusing are disclosed, for example, using a folded optics configuration. One system includes at least one camera configured to capture a target image scene, including an image sensor comprising an array of sensor elements, a primary light folding surface configured to direct a portion of received light in a first direction, and an optical element having a secondary light folding surface directing light in a second direction. The system can also include a lens assembly having at least one stationary lens positioned between the secondary light folding surface and the image sensor, the at least one stationary lens having a first surface mechanically coupled to the optical element and a second surface mechanically coupled to the image sensor, and at least one movable lens positioned between the primary light folding surface and the optical element.
291 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An image capture apparatus comprising:
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means for sensing light; first light folding means positioned to receive the light and redirect the light in a first direction toward the means for sensing; an optical element comprising second light folding means positioned to receive the light from the first light folding means and redirect the light in a second direction toward the means for sensing; means for focusing the light, the means for focusing movably positioned between the first light folding means and the second light folding means; means for moving the means for focusing along the first direction between the first light folding means and the second light folding means; and field correcting means positioned between the second light folding means and the means for sensing light, wherein the means for moving is positioned to contact a portion of the optical element, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a friction reducing means provided between the means for moving and the optical element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An image capture system comprising:
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a plurality of cameras disposed within a housing having an opening for receiving light representing a target image scene, each of the plurality of cameras operable to capture an image of a different one of a plurality of portions of the target scene, each camera of the plurality of cameras comprising; an image sensor; a first reflective surface positioned to redirect light representing one portion of the corresponding plurality of portions of the target scene in a first direction; an optical element having a guide surface, and a second reflective surface positioned to redirect the light from the first reflective surface in a second direction; at least one lens movably positioned between the first and second reflective surfaces; a stationary lens positioned between the optical element and the image sensor, wherein the image sensor, stationary lens, and optical element are bonded into a stack; an actuator operable to move the at least one lens along an optical axis extending between the first and second reflective surfaces; and a guide rail coupled to the actuator and the at least one lens, the guide rail positioned to slidably engage the guide surface to constrain motion of the at least one movable lens away from the optical axis or rotating around the optical axis. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An image capture system comprising:
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a plurality of cameras disposed within a housing having an opening for receiving light representing a target image scene, each of the plurality of cameras operable to capture an image of a different one of a plurality of portions of the target scene, each camera of the plurality of cameras comprising; an image sensor; a first reflective surface positioned to redirect light representing one portion of the corresponding plurality of portions of the target scene in a first direction; an optical element having a second reflective surface positioned to redirect the light from the first reflective surface in a second direction; at least one lens movably positioned between the first and second reflective surfaces; and a stationary lens positioned between the optical element and the image sensor, wherein the stationary lens comprises a field corrector lens, and wherein the image sensor, stationary lens, and optical element are bonded into a stack.
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13. An image capture device comprising:
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an image sensor; a first reflective surface positioned to redirect light representing a portion of light representing a target scene in a first direction toward the image sensor; an optical element having an input surface positioned to receive the light from the first reflective surface, a second reflective surface positioned to redirect the light in a second direction toward the image sensor, an output surface through which light redirected by the second reflective surface propagates in the second direction toward the image sensor, and a guide surface opposing the output surface and positioned parallel to a plane formed by the image sensor; at least one lens movably positioned between the first and second reflective surfaces; a guide rail coupled to the at least one lens, the at least one guide rail positioned to slidably engage the guide surface to constrain motion of the at least one movable lens away from the optical axis or rotating around the optical axis; and a stationary lens positioned between the output surface of the optical element and the image sensor, wherein the image sensor, stationary lens, and optical element are bonded into a stack. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification