{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854182","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854182","title":"Folded optic array camera using refractive prisms","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2017-01-06T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","G06T","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":20,"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."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Folded Optic Array Camera Using Refractive Prisms patent introduces an innovative camera design that utilizes refractive prisms to achieve a wide field of view while minimizing distortion and chromatic aberration. The core innovation lies in the use of a central refractive prism with multiple surfaces or facets to split incoming light into multiple portions, which are then captured by an array of sensors. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional wide-angle lenses, which often suffer from significant distortion and chromatic aberration, particularly at the edges of the image. \n\nThe key technical approach involves carefully shaping and positioning the refractive prism to control the direction of the light and minimize distortion. The prism typically has a high refractive index, and a negative lens can be integrated into or attached to the camera-facing surface to further enhance the field of view. This system also incorporates sophisticated image processing algorithms to correct any remaining distortion or aberration and to enhance the overall image quality. \n\nThe business value and applications of this technology are vast and varied. In the automotive industry, it can be used to create advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) with a wider and more accurate view of the vehicle's surroundings. In the field of security and surveillance, it can enable cameras to monitor larger areas with fewer devices, reducing costs and complexity. In consumer electronics, it can lead to smartphones with significantly improved wide-angle camera capabilities. \n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is significant, as the demand for high-quality, wide-angle imaging continues to grow. The Folded Optic Array Camera Using Refractive Prisms represents a significant step forward in camera technology, offering a solution to the long-standing problem of distortion in wide-angle lenses. This innovation has the potential to disrupt the camera industry and create new opportunities for businesses across a range of sectors.","layman_explanation":"The Folded Optic Array Camera Using Refractive Prisms patent addresses the common problem of distortion in wide-angle camera lenses. Existing wide-angle lenses often produce images with a 'fish-eye' effect, where straight lines appear curved, especially at the edges of the frame. This distortion can be undesirable in many applications, from smartphone photography to surveillance systems. \n\nThis innovation uses a special prism to solve this problem. Instead of a single lens bending all the light, the prism splits the incoming light into multiple streams. Each stream is then captured by a separate sensor. By combining these multiple images, the system creates a wide-angle view with significantly less distortion. Think of it like creating a mosaic: small, less-distorted pieces are combined to form a larger, more accurate picture. The prism is designed to have a high refractive index, meaning it bends light efficiently. A negative lens can also be added to the prism to further widen the field of view. \n\nThis matters because it allows for better image quality in a variety of applications. For example, in smartphones, it could lead to wider, more natural-looking selfies and landscape photos. In automotive applications, it could improve the accuracy of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) by providing a less distorted view of the vehicle's surroundings. This technology offers a competitive advantage by providing superior image quality and a more natural viewing experience. The potential ROI is high, as it can be integrated into a wide range of products and applications. \n\nFuture applications could include virtual reality headsets, where a wide, distortion-free field of view is essential for an immersive experience. The market adoption timeline will depend on the cost of manufacturing and the willingness of manufacturers to integrate this technology into their products. However, the potential benefits are clear, making this a promising area for investment and further development.","technical_analysis":"The Folded Optic Array Camera Using Refractive Prisms patent describes a novel optical system for achieving a wide field of view in a compact camera module. The core of the invention is a refractive prism array, which splits incoming light into multiple paths, each directed towards a separate image sensor. This approach allows for a wider field of view compared to traditional lens systems, without the significant distortion typically associated with wide-angle lenses. \n\nThe technical architecture involves a central refractive prism with multiple facets or surfaces, each designed to refract incoming light at a specific angle. The refractive index of the prism material is a critical parameter, typically exceeding 1.5 to achieve the desired light bending. The shape and positioning of the prism facets are optimized to minimize chromatic aberration, a common issue in refractive optical systems. In some embodiments, a negative lens is incorporated into or attached to the camera-facing surface of the prism to further expand the field of view. \n\nThe implementation details involve precise manufacturing of the prism array and careful alignment of the image sensors. The system may also incorporate image processing algorithms to correct for any residual distortion or aberration. The performance characteristics of the system are determined by the refractive index of the prism material, the shape and positioning of the prism facets, and the characteristics of the image sensors. The code-level implications involve developing algorithms for image stitching and distortion correction. \n\nThe integration patterns for this system involve incorporating the camera module into various devices, such as smartphones, automotive cameras, and surveillance systems. The performance characteristics of the system make it well-suited for applications requiring a wide field of view and minimal distortion. This technology represents a significant advancement in camera design, offering a compact and high-performance solution for wide-angle imaging.","business_analysis":"The Folded Optic Array Camera Using Refractive Prisms patent presents a significant business opportunity in the imaging technology market. The innovation addresses a key limitation of traditional wide-angle lenses: distortion. By using a refractive prism array to split incoming light, this technology achieves a wider field of view with minimal distortion, offering a competitive advantage over existing solutions. \n\nThe market opportunity size is substantial, as wide-angle cameras are increasingly used in various applications, including smartphones, automotive cameras, security systems, and virtual reality devices. The demand for high-quality, distortion-free wide-angle imaging is growing, driven by the increasing use of these devices in consumer and industrial applications. The competitive advantages of this technology include its ability to achieve a wider field of view with minimal distortion, its compact size, and its potential for cost-effective manufacturing. \n\nThe revenue potential for this technology is significant. It can be licensed to manufacturers of smartphones, automotive cameras, and security systems. It can also be used to develop new camera products for these markets. The business models for this technology include licensing, product development, and strategic partnerships. The strategic positioning of this technology is to be a leading provider of high-quality, distortion-free wide-angle imaging solutions. The ROI projections for this technology are attractive, given the large market opportunity and the competitive advantages of the technology.","faqs":null,"topics":["wide angle camera","refractive prisms","camera technology","distortion correction","optical system","folded","optic","array"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Wide-Angle Camera with Prisms - Folded Optic Array Camera Using Refractive Prisms","description":"Discover the Folded Optic Array Camera Using Refractive Prisms patent, a revolutionary camera system using prisms for wide, distortion-free images. Learn more!","keywords":["wide angle camera","refractive prisms","camera technology","distortion correction","optical system","imaging system","patent","patent US-9854182"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854182","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854182","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Folded optic array camera using refractive prisms\" (US-9854182). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854182","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854182","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854182","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T01:53:11.061Z"}