Samsung electronics co., ltd. (20240111203). IMAGING METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUTOFOCUSING simplified abstract

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IMAGING METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUTOFOCUSING

Organization Name

samsung electronics co., ltd.

Inventor(s)

Yang Ho Cho of Suwon-si (KR)

Juyong Park of Suwon-si (KR)

Jingu Heo of Suwon-si (KR)

Dong Kyung Nam of Suwon-si (KR)

IMAGING METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUTOFOCUSING - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240111203 titled 'IMAGING METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUTOFOCUSING

Simplified Explanation

The imaging device described in the patent application includes an imaging lens array with multiple imaging lenses of the same focal length, a sensing array with sensors to receive light from the imaging lenses, a processor to determine scene depth based on pixel values from different sensors, and a lens driver to position the imaging lens array at the scene depth plane.

  • Imaging device with multiple imaging lenses of the same focal length
  • Sensing array with sensors to receive light from the imaging lenses
  • Processor to determine scene depth based on pixel values from different sensors
  • Lens driver to position the imaging lens array at the scene depth plane

Potential Applications

The technology described in the patent application could be used in:

  • 3D imaging
  • Augmented reality
  • Virtual reality

Problems Solved

This technology helps in:

  • Improving depth perception in imaging
  • Enhancing accuracy in scene depth determination
  • Optimizing focus in capturing scenes

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include:

  • Enhanced image quality
  • Improved depth sensing capabilities
  • Precise positioning of imaging lenses

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology could be applied in:

  • Smartphone cameras
  • Security cameras
  • Medical imaging devices

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of multiple lenses in smartphone cameras to improve image quality and depth perception.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing depth-sensing technologies?

This technology offers a unique approach to scene depth determination by utilizing multiple imaging lenses, but how does it stack up against other methods like time-of-flight sensors or structured light systems?

What are the limitations of this technology in terms of scene complexity and lighting conditions?

While the patent application describes the technology's ability to determine scene depth, are there any challenges it faces in complex scenes or low-light environments?


Original Abstract Submitted

an imaging device includes an imaging lens array including a plurality of imaging lenses each with a same focal length, the plurality of imaging lenses being configured to capture a scene; a sensing array comprising a plurality of sensors configured to receive light passing through the plurality of imaging lenses; a processor configured to determine a scene depth plane corresponding to the scene based on a comparison, for each of a plurality of candidate depths, between reference pixel values based on first sensors of the plurality of sensors corresponding to a reference imaging lens of the plurality of imaging lenses and target pixel values that are based on second sensors of the plurality of sensors corresponding to a target imaging lens of the plurality of image lenses; and a lens driver configured to position the imaging lens array to be disposed at a point corresponding to the scene depth plane.