Artificial compound eye zoom camera

Bioinspir Biomim. 2008 Dec;3(4):046008. doi: 10.1088/1748-3182/3/4/046008. Epub 2008 Nov 21.

Abstract

We demonstrate a highly compact image capturing system with variable field of view but without any mechanically moving parts. The camera combines an ultra-thin artificial apposition compound eye with one variable focal length liquid lens. The change of optical power of the liquid lens when applying a voltage results in a change of the magnification of the microlens array imaging system. However, its effect on focusing of the individual microlenses can be neglected due to their small focal length.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomimetics / instrumentation*
  • Compound Eye, Arthropod / physiology*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Computer-Aided Design*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Image Enhancement / instrumentation*
  • Lenses*
  • Microfluidics / instrumentation*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Photography / instrumentation*