Apple inc. (20240094607). MINIATURIZED ADAPTIVE OPTICS WITH DEFORMABLE PHASE PLATE FOR DIGITAL TILT AND ABERRATION CORRECTION simplified abstract

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MINIATURIZED ADAPTIVE OPTICS WITH DEFORMABLE PHASE PLATE FOR DIGITAL TILT AND ABERRATION CORRECTION

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Milan Maksimovic of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Arnaud Pouydebasque of Varces-Allières-et-Risset (FR)

Marjorie Trzmiel of Grenoble (FR)

Miodrag Scepanovic of San Jose CA (US)

Nachiappan Chidambaram of Fontanil Cornillon (FR)

Sebastien Bolis of Crolles (FR)

MINIATURIZED ADAPTIVE OPTICS WITH DEFORMABLE PHASE PLATE FOR DIGITAL TILT AND ABERRATION CORRECTION - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240094607 titled 'MINIATURIZED ADAPTIVE OPTICS WITH DEFORMABLE PHASE PLATE FOR DIGITAL TILT AND ABERRATION CORRECTION

Simplified Explanation

The camera system described in the patent application includes an optical assembly, a deformable phase plate (DPP), an image sensor, an image signal processor, and an estimator. The DPP has a deformable surface suspended over a cavity filled with optical fluid, with electrical actuation elements to adjust the shape of the surface based on a control signal. The image sensor converts the adjusted optical image into electrical signals, which are then processed by the image signal processor to generate a digital image. The estimator estimates aberration or tilt correction of the digital image and generates the control signal based on this estimation.

  • Deformable phase plate (DPP) with a deformable surface suspended over a cavity filled with optical fluid
  • Electrical actuation elements arranged in a pattern in the cavity to change the shape of the deformable surface based on a control signal
  • Image sensor to convert the adjusted optical image into electrical signals
  • Image signal processor to generate a digital image from the electrical signals
  • Estimator to estimate aberration or tilt correction of the digital image and generate the control signal based on the estimation

Potential Applications

This technology could be used in:

  • Adaptive optics systems for telescopes
  • Medical imaging devices
  • Industrial inspection equipment

Problems Solved

This technology helps in:

  • Correcting aberrations in optical images
  • Improving image quality in various applications

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include:

  • Enhanced image resolution
  • Increased accuracy in imaging systems
  • Improved performance in challenging environments

Potential Commercial Applications

This technology could be applied in:

  • High-end cameras and lenses
  • Medical imaging equipment
  • Quality control systems in manufacturing processes

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of deformable mirrors in adaptive optics systems for telescopes. These mirrors are used to correct distortions in the incoming light to improve image quality.

Unanswered Questions

How does the control signal affect the shape of the deformable surface in the DPP?

The control signal triggers the electrical actuation elements to change the shape of the deformable surface, but the exact mechanism of this process is not detailed in the abstract.

What specific types of aberrations or tilt corrections can the estimator handle?

The abstract mentions that the estimator estimates aberration or tilt correction of the digital image, but it does not specify the range or types of aberrations that can be corrected using this technology.


Original Abstract Submitted

in some embodiments, the camera system comprises: an optical assembly to create an optical image from the optical wavefront; a deformable phase plate (dpp) to receive the optical image from the optical assembly and to adjust the optical image in accordance with a control signal, the dpp including a deformable surface suspended over a cavity filled with optical fluid, and electrical actuation elements configured to change a shape of the deformable surface based on the control signal, the electrical actuation elements arranged in a pattern in the cavity and, when activated, provide an electrostatic force on the deformable surface; an image sensor to convert the adjusted optical image into electrical signals; an image signal processor to generate a digital image from the electrical signals; and an estimator to estimate an aberration or tilt correction of the digital image and to generate the control signal based on the estimated aberration or tilt correction.