Patents by Inventor Andreas BRÜCKNER

Andreas BRÜCKNER has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230185062
    Abstract: An ultra-wide angle imaging apparatus is provided, comprising a first optics having a first optical axis, a second optics having a second optical axis, and a prism placed at an intersection of the first and second optical axis. The prism is configured to reflect light from the first optics to the second optics and the second optics is configured to transmit light from the prism to an image surface. The first optics has a negative optical power, the second optics has a positive optical power, and the prism has an entrance surface for receiving light from the first optics and a reflective inner surface for reflecting light to the second optics. The entrance surface of the prism comprises a paraxial region that is concave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel MANSSEN, Andreas BRUECKNER
  • Patent number: 11457152
    Abstract: A device includes an image sensor and an array of optical channels, each optical channel including an optic for projecting a partial field of view of a total field of view onto an image sensor area of the image sensor. A first optical channel of the array is configured to image a first partial field of view of the total field of view. A second optical channel of the array is configured to image a second partial field of view of the total field of view. The device includes a calculating unit configured to obtain image information of the first and second partial fields of view on the basis of the imaged partial fields of view, and to obtain image information of the total field of view, and to combine the image information of the partial fields of view with the image information of the total field of view so as to generate combined image information of the total field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FÖRDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Frank Wippermann, Andreas Brückner, Jacques Duparré, Alexander Oberdörster
  • Patent number: 11330161
    Abstract: A device includes a multi-aperture imaging device having an image sensor; an array of adjacently arranged optical channels, and a beam deflector for deflecting a beam path of the optical channels, wherein a relative position of the beam deflector is switchable between first and second positions so that in the first and second positions, the beam path is deflected towards first and second total fields of view, respectively. The device further includes controller adapted to control the beam deflector to move to the first and second positions to obtain imaging information of the first and second total fields of view, respectively, from the image sensor; and to insert a portion of the first imaging information into the second imaging information so as to obtain accumulated image information that in parts represents the first total field of view and in parts represents the second total field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Frank Wippermann, Andreas Brückner, Jacques Duparré
  • Patent number: 11310420
    Abstract: What is described are a method and a device, wherein two types of individual images are captured, namely a set of individual images captured simultaneously, and a further set of individual images captured in temporal succession. Among said two sets of individual images, individual images are selected which in combination result in a panoramic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Oberdoerster, Andreas Brueckner, Jacques Duparré, Frank Wippermann
  • Patent number: 11290649
    Abstract: In order to achieve a relatively small installation height of a multi-aperture imaging device having a one-line array of adjacently arranged optical channels, lenses of the optics of the optical channels are attached to a main side of a substrate by one or more lens holders and are mechanically connected via the substrate, the substrate being positioned such that the optical paths of the plurality of optical channels pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventors: Frank Wippermann, Andreas Brückner, Andreas Bräuer, Alexander Oberdörster
  • Patent number: 11244434
    Abstract: A multi-aperture imaging device that is, on the one hand, able to provide image information on a scene and, on the other hand, allows obtaining high lateral resolution and/or a wide total field of view, is described. The multi-aperture imaging device is provided with a first plurality of optical channels for projecting overlapping first partial fields of view of a total field of view on first image sensor areas of an image sensor of the multi-aperture imaging device, as well as with a second arrangement of optical channels for projecting at least a part of of the total field of view on a second image sensor area of the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventors: Frank Wippermann, Andreas Brückner, Andreas Bräuer, Alexander Oberdörster
  • Publication number: 20210314471
    Abstract: A device includes a multi-aperture imaging device having an image sensor; an array of adjacently arranged optical channels, and a beam deflector for deflecting a beam path of the optical channels, wherein a relative position of the beam deflector is switchable between first and second positions so that in the first and second positions, the beam path is deflected towards first and second total fields of view, respectively. The device further includes controller adapted to control the beam deflector to move to the first and second positions to obtain imaging information of the first and second total fields of view, respectively, from the image sensor; and to insert a portion of the first imaging information into the second imaging information so as to obtain accumulated image information that in parts represents the first total field of view and in parts represents the second total field of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Frank WIPPERMANN, Andreas BRÜCKNER, Jacques DUPARRÉ
  • Patent number: 11106047
    Abstract: A multi-aperture imaging device includes an image sensor and an array of optical channels, wherein each optical channel includes an optic for imaging at least a part of a total field of view onto an image sensor region of the image sensor. The multi-aperture imaging device includes a beam-deflector including at least one beam-deflecting element for deflecting an optical path of an optical channel, wherein each optical channel is assigned a beam-deflecting element. The beam-deflecting element is configured to have a transparent state of a controllable surface based on first electric control and to have a reflecting state of the controllable surface based on a second electric control in order to deflect the optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FÖRDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Frank Wippermann, Andreas Brückner, Jacques Duparré, Alexander Oberdörster
  • Patent number: 10905217
    Abstract: An epilating device having a frame, a pair of clamping elements with a first clamp and a second clamp mounted in the frame, wherein each clamp has a skin contact surface facing towards the user's skin. The first clamp and the second clamp being inclined with respect to each other in the open position and being parallel to each other in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Braun GMBH
    Inventors: Pedro Sanchez Martinez, Andreas Brueckner
  • Patent number: 10873688
    Abstract: The fact that a beam-deflecting device can be produced cost-effectively and without any losses of optical quality of the multi-aperture imaging device is used when a carrier substrate is provided for the same, wherein the carrier substrate is common to the plurality of optical channels and is installed with a setting angle, i.e. oblique with respect to the image sensor in the multi-aperture imaging device such that a deflection angle of deflecting the optical path of each optical channel is based, on the one hand, on the setting angle and, on the other hand, on an individual inclination angle with respect to the carrier substrate of a reflecting facet of a surface of the beam-deflecting device facing the image sensor, the reflecting facet being allocated to the optical channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Frank Wippermann, Andreas Brueckner, Andreas Braeuer, Alexander Oberdoerster
  • Publication number: 20200382702
    Abstract: What is described are a method and a device, wherein two types of individual images are captured, namely a set of individual images captured simultaneously, and a further set of individual images captured in temporal succession. Among said two sets of individual images, individual images are selected which in combination result in a panoramic image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander OBERDOERSTER, Andreas BRUECKNER, Jacques DUPARRÉ, Frank WIPPERMANN
  • Publication number: 20200357103
    Abstract: A multi-aperture imaging device that is, on the one hand, able to provide image information on a scene and, on the other hand, allows obtaining high lateral resolution and/or a wide total field of view, is described. The multi-aperture imaging device is provided with a first plurality of optical channels for projecting overlapping first partial fields of view of a total field of view on first image sensor areas of an image sensor of the multi-aperture imaging device, as well as with a second arrangement of optical channels for projecting at least a part of of the total field of view on a second image sensor area of the image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Frank WIPPERMANN, Andreas BRÜCKNER, Andreas BRÄUER, Alexander OBERDÖRSTER
  • Patent number: 10771668
    Abstract: A multi-aperture imaging device includes at least one image sensor and an array of juxtaposed optical channels. Each optical channel includes optics for imaging of projecting at least one partial area of an object area on an image sensor area of the image sensor. A first optics of a first optical channel is configured to project a first partial area of the object area on a first image sensor area and to project a second partial area of the object area on a second image sensor area. A second optics of a second optical channel is configured to project at least a third partial area of the object area on a third image sensor area. The first partial area and the second partial area are disjoint in the object area. The third partial area overlaps incompletely with the first partial area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Frank Wippermann, Andreas Brueckner, Andreas Reimann
  • Patent number: 10732377
    Abstract: Providing a multi-aperture imaging device having a single-line array of optical channels arranged next to one another with and adjuster for channel-specifically changing a relative position between an image sensor region of a respective optical channel, the optics of the respective optical channel and a beam-deflecting device of the respective channel or for channel-specifically changing an optical characteristic of the optics of the respective optical channel or an optical characteristic of the beam-deflecting device relating to deflecting the optical path of the respective optical channel, and a storage having default values stored therein and/or a controller for converting sensor data to default values for channel-specifically controlling the adjusting device is used to reduce requirements to, for example, manufacturing tolerances of the multi-aperture imaging device and/or requirements to the multi-aperture imaging device as regards position and shape invariance relative to temperature variations such tha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Frank Wippermann, Andreas Brueckner, Andreas Braeuer, Alexander Oberdoerster
  • Publication number: 20200221032
    Abstract: In order to achieve a relatively small installation height of a multi-aperture imaging device having a one-line array of adjacently arranged optical channels, lenses of the optics of the optical channels are attached to a main side of a substrate by one or more lens holders and are mechanically connected via the substrate, the substrate being positioned such that the optical paths of the plurality of optical channels pass therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Frank WIPPERMANN, Andreas BRÜCKNER, Andreas BRÄUER, Alexander OBERDÖRSTER
  • Patent number: 10708570
    Abstract: A 3D multi-aperture imaging device includes a plurality of image sensor areas. The 3D multi-aperture imaging device includes a first plurality of optical channels for projecting overlapping first partial fields of view of a total field of view on first image sensor areas of the image sensor and includes a second plurality of optical channels for projecting second partial fields of view of the total field of view overlapping each other and the first partial fields of view on second image sensor areas. The first and second pluralities of optical channels are arranged laterally offset from one another. The 3D multi-aperture imaging device includes a processor that is configured to receive image sensor data from the image sensor that is configured to provide an output signal including a data header, wherein the data header includes information regarding the structure of the 3D multi-aperture imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FÖDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Frank Wippermann, Andreas Brückner, Andreas Bräuer
  • Patent number: 10701340
    Abstract: A 3D multi-aperture imaging device that is, on the one hand, able to provide 3D information on a scene and, on the other hand, allows obtaining high lateral resolution and/or a wide total field of view, is described. The 3 D multi-aperture imaging device is provided with a first plurality of optical channels for projecting overlapping first partial fields of view of a total field of view on first image sensor areas of an image sensor of the 3D multi-aperture imaging device, as well as with a second plurality of optical channels for projecting overlapping second partial fields of view of the total field of view on second image sensor areas of the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Frank Wippermann, Andreas Brückner, Andreas Bräuer, Alexander Oberdörster
  • Patent number: 10652438
    Abstract: A multi-aperture imaging device described herein includes at least one image sensor and an array of juxtaposed optical channels. Each optical channel includes optics for projecting at least one partial area of an object area on an image sensor area of the image sensor. The array includes: a housing including a wall structure facing or facing away from the image sensor, through which the optical channels pass, and a sidewall structure arranged on the wall structure, wherein the wall structure or the sidewall structure is formed including glass, ceramic, glass ceramic or a crystalline material, wherein the optics of the optical channels are arranged in the housing, and wherein the wall structure is connected to optics of the optical channels and fixes the optics with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Frank Wippermann, Andreas Brueckner, Andreas Reimann, Andreas Braeuer
  • Patent number: 10630902
    Abstract: In order to achieve a relatively small installation height of a multi-aperture imaging device having a one-line array of adjacently arranged optical channels, lenses of the optics of the optical channels are attached to a main side of a substrate by one or more lens holders and are mechanically connected via the substrate, the substrate being positioned such that the optical paths of the plurality of optical channels pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Frank Wippermann, Andreas Brückner, Andreas Bräuer, Alexander Oberdörster
  • Patent number: 10606152
    Abstract: Multi-aperture imaging device includes at least one image sensor, an array of juxtaposed optical channels, wherein each optical channel has optics for projecting at least one partial area of an object area on an image sensor area of the image sensor, and a beam deflector for deflecting an optical path of the optical channels in beam-deflecting areas of the beam deflector. The beam deflector is formed as an array of facets arranged along a line-extension direction of the array of optical channels. One facet is allocated to each optical channel. Each facet has a beam-deflecting area. A stray light suppressing structure is arranged between a first beam-deflecting area of a first facet and a second beam-deflecting area of a juxtaposed second facet, which is configured to reduce transition of stray light between the first beam-deflecting area and the second beam-deflecting area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Frank Wippermann, Andreas Brueckner, Andreas Braeuer