Patent Publication Number: US-10334172-B2

Title: Multi-aperture imaging device, method for producing the same and imaging system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of co-pending International Application No. PCT/EP2016/069645, filed Aug. 18, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and additionally claims priority from German Application No. 10 2015 215 837.3, filed Aug. 19, 2015, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     The present invention relates to a multi-aperture imaging device and to a method for producing the same. Further, the present invention relates to an imaging device and to an arrangement of components for generating movements and multi-aperture imaging systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventional cameras have an imaging channel imaging the total object field. The cameras have adaptive components allowing adaptation of the imaging system and thereby broadening production tolerances and the operating temperature range or allowing autofocus as well as optical image stabilization functions. Components for generating movements for realizing focusing and optical image stabilization functions are arranged such that the same enclose the optical axis or the objective in directions but without blocking the imaging optical path. Cameras and/or multi-aperture imaging devices have a need for miniaturization. 
     Thus, a concept would be desirable which allows miniaturized multi-aperture imaging devices for capturing a total field of view while ensuring high image quality. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an embodiment, a multi-aperture imaging device may have: an image sensor; a single-line array of juxtaposed optical channels, wherein each optical channel includes optics for projecting a partial area of an object area on an image sensor area of the image sensor, wherein the single-line array includes a carrier through which the optical channels pass; beam-deflecting means for deflecting an optical path of the optical channels; and actuator means for generating a relative movement between the image sensor, the single-line array and the beam-deflecting means, wherein the actuator means is arranged such that the same is arranged at least partly between two planes that are spanned by sides of a cuboid, wherein the sides of the cuboid are oriented parallel to one another as well as to a line extension direction of the single-line array and part of the optical path of the optical channels between the image sensor and the beam-deflecting means and its volume is at a minimum and still includes the image sensor, the single-line array and the beam-deflecting means; and wherein the multi-aperture imaging device includes a thickness direction that is arranged normal to the two planes, wherein the actuator means includes a dimension parallel to the thickness direction and a portion of at most 50% of the dimension projects beyond the two planes, starting from an area between the two planes. 
     Another embodiment may have an imaging system with a first inventive multi-aperture imaging device and a second inventive multi-aperture imaging device, wherein the imaging system is configured to capture an object area at least stereoscopically. 
     According to another embodiment, a method for producing a multi-aperture imaging device may have the steps of: providing an image sensor; arranging a single-line array of juxtaposed optical channels, such that each optical channel includes optics for projecting a partial area of an object area on an image sensor area of the image sensor, such that the single-line array includes a carrier through which the optical channels pass; arranging beam-deflecting means for deflecting an optical path of the optical channels; arranging actuator means for generating a relative movement between the image sensor, the single-line array and the beam-deflecting means, wherein the actuator means is arranged such that the same is arranged at least partly between two planes that are spanned by sides of a cuboid, wherein the sides of the cuboid are oriented parallel to one another as well as to a line extension direction of the single-line array and part of the optical path of the optical channels between the image sensor and the beam-deflecting means and its volume is at a minimum and still includes the image sensor, the single-line array and the beam-deflecting means; wherein the multi-aperture imaging device includes a thickness direction that is arranged normal to the two planes, wherein the actuator means includes a dimension parallel to the thickness direction and a portion of at most 50% of the dimension projects beyond the two planes, starting from an area between the two planes. 
     A core idea of the present invention is the finding that based on relative movement between a single-line array, the image sensor and the beam-deflecting means, focus and/or optical image stabilization can be obtained enabling high image quality. Arranging the actuator means in the plane of the cuboid spanned or defined by a position of the image sensor, the beam-deflecting means and the single-line array enables small installation space requirements along a direction perpendicular to this plane due to the absence of the actuator means along this direction. 
     According to an embodiment, a multi-aperture imaging device includes an image sensor, a single-line array of juxtaposed optical channels, wherein each optical channel includes optics for projecting a partial area of an object area on an image sensor area of the image sensor, beam-deflecting means for deflecting an optical path of the optical channels and actuator means for generating a relative movement between the image sensor, the single-line array and the beam-deflecting means. The actuator means is arranged such that the same is arranged at least partly between two planes that are spanned by sides of a cuboid, wherein the sides of the cuboid are oriented parallel to one another as well as to a line extension direction of the single-line array and part of the optical path of the optical channels between the image sensor and the beam-deflecting means and its volume is at a minimum and still includes the image sensor, the single-line array and the beam-deflecting means. 
     According to a further embodiment, an imaging system includes a first multi-aperture imaging device and at least a second multi-aperture imaging device and is configured to capture an object area at least stereoscopically. 
     According to a further embodiment, a method for producing a multi-aperture imaging device includes providing an image sensor, arranging a single-line array of juxtaposed optical channels, such that each optical channel includes optics for projecting a partial area of an object area on an image sensor area of the image sensor. The method includes arranging beam-deflecting means for deflecting an optical path of the optical channels and arranging actuator means for generating a relative movement between the image sensor, the single-line array and the beam-deflecting means. The actuator means is arranged such that the same is arranged at least partly between two planes that are spanned by sides of a cuboid, wherein the sides of the cuboid are oriented parallel to one another as well as to a line extension direction of the single-line array and part of the optical path of the optical channels between the image sensor and the beam-deflecting means and its volume is at a minimum and still includes the image sensor, the single-line array and the beam-deflecting means. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will be detailed subsequently referring to the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a multi-aperture imaging device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic side sectional view of the multi-aperture imaging device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic top view of the multi-aperture imaging device of  FIG. 1  for illustrating the arrangement of components; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of a further multi-aperture imaging device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic top view of an image sensor and a single-line array according to an embodiment, wherein the single array is connected to two actuators implemented as voice-coil motors and wherein a change of the distance between image sensor and array is enabled for a focus function; 
         FIG. 6A-H  are schematic top views of drive concepts for moving the single-line array or the beam-deflecting means according to embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic top view of the image sensor, the single-line array and the beam-deflecting means wherein a mode of operation of actuators of  FIGS. 5 and 6A -H is combined according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8A  is a schematic top view of the image sensor and the single-line array which is moved in a translational manner based on a piezoelectric actuator and wherein a change of a distance between image sensor and array is enabled for a focus function; 
         FIG. 8B  is a schematic side view of the image sensor and the single-line array of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a schematic top view of the image sensor and the single-line array according to an embodiment, wherein, in comparison to  FIG. 8A , the single-line array is connected to two piezoelectric actuators and wherein a change of a distance between image sensor and array is enabled for a focus function; 
         FIG. 9B  is a schematic side view of the image sensor and the single-line array of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a schematic top view of the image sensor and the single-line array according to an embodiment, wherein a change of a distance between image sensor and array is enabled for a focus function; 
         FIG. 10B  is a schematic side view of the image sensor and the single-line array of  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a schematic top view of the image sensor and the single-line array according to a further embodiment, wherein two piezoelectric actuators are connected to the image sensor and wherein a change of a distance between the image sensor and array is enabled for a focus function; 
         FIG. 11B  is a schematic side view of the array of image sensor and single-line array of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12A  is a schematic top view of the image sensor and the single-line array according to an embodiment with a flexible mechanical connection between the piezoelectric actuator and the single-line array; 
         FIG. 12B  is an arrangement of the image sensor and the single-line array that can be compared to  FIG. 12A , wherein the actuators are connected to the single-line array via the mechanical deflecting means, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 13A  is a schematic top view of the image sensor and the single-line array according to an embodiment, wherein the image sensor is moved in a relative manner with respect to the single-line array along a line extension direction; 
         FIG. 13B  is a schematic top view of the image sensor and the single-line array according to an embodiment, wherein two actuators enable movement of the image sensor with respect to the single-line array; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic top view of a further multi-aperture imaging device according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic top view of a multi-aperture imaging device according to an embodiment, wherein the beam-deflecting means is formed as planar reflecting face; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic top view of a multi-aperture imaging device according to an embodiment, wherein the actuator means includes voice-coil drives; 
         FIG. 17A  is a schematic top view of a multi-aperture imaging device according to an embodiment, wherein the beam-deflecting means includes a plurality of beam-deflecting elements; 
         FIG. 17B  is a schematic top view of a multi-aperture imaging device of  FIG. 17A , wherein the beam-deflecting means comprises a changed position; 
         FIG. 18A  is a schematic top view of a multi-aperture imaging device according to an embodiment, which includes, with respect to the multi-aperture imaging device of  FIG. 17A , piezoelectric actuators for changing the distance between image sensor and single-line array; 
         FIG. 18B  is the beam-deflecting means of the multi-aperture imaging device of  FIG. 1  in a changed position; 
         FIG. 19A  is a schematic top view of the image sensor and the single-line array according to an embodiment, wherein the single-line array is connected to actuators of the actuator means; 
         FIG. 19B  is a schematic side sectional view of the multi-aperture imaging device of  FIG. 19A  according to an embodiment, wherein the actuators are arranged completely within an area of two planes; 
         FIG. 20A  is a schematic top view of a multi-aperture imaging device according to an embodiment comprising an arrangement of image sensor and single-line array according to  FIGS. 19A and 19B ; 
         FIG. 20B  is a schematic side sectional view of the multi-aperture imaging device of  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 21A  is a schematic top view of a configuration of the image sensor and the single-line array according to an embodiment where the actuators are connected to the image sensor; 
         FIG. 21B  is a schematic side sectional view of the configuration according to  FIG. 21A  according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 22A  is a schematic top view of a multi-aperture imaging device according to an embodiment, wherein the actuators of the actuator means are connected to the image sensor; 
         FIG. 22B  is a schematic side sectional view of the multi-aperture imaging device according to  FIG. 20B , wherein the actuators are connected to the image sensor, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 23A  is a schematic top view of a configuration of the image sensor and the single-line array according to an embodiment, wherein an actuator is arranged on a side of the image sensor facing away from the single-line array; 
         FIG. 23B  is a schematic side sectional view of the configuration of  FIG. 23A ; 
         FIG. 24A  is a schematic top view of the image sensor and the single-line array according to an embodiment, wherein the actuator is connected to the single-line array by means of a mechanical connection; 
         FIG. 24B  is a schematic side sectional view of the configuration of  FIG. 24A ; 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic side sectional view of a multi-aperture imaging device with a pivoted beam-deflecting means according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic illustration of a total field of view as it can be captured with the embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 27  is a schematic perspective view of an imaging system according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 28  is a schematic structure including a first multi-aperture imaging device and a second multi-aperture imaging device with a common image sensor. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Before embodiments of the present invention will be discussed in detail below with reference to the drawings, it should be noted that identical, functionally equal or equal elements, objects and/or structures in the different figures are provided with the same reference numbers in the different figures such that the description of these elements illustrated in different embodiments is inter-exchangeable or can be applied to one another. 
     Embodiments described below are described by reference to terms of relative location such as front, rear, left, right, top or bottom. It is obvious that these terms can be inter-exchanged with one another or in pairs without limiting the teachings described herein. Thus, these terms do not have a limiting effect, but merely serve to improve comprehensibility. 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic perspective view of a multi-aperture imaging device  10  according to an embodiment. The multi-aperture imaging device  10  includes an image sensor  12 , a single-line array  14  of juxtaposed optical channels  16   a  and  16   b . Each optical channel includes optics  17   a  or  17   b  for projecting a partial area of an object area on an image sensor area  13   a  or  13   b  of the image sensor  12 . The multi-aperture imaging device  10  includes beam-deflecting means  18  for deflecting one, several or each optical path  22   a  and/or  22   b  of the optical channels  16   a  or  16   b . Optical channels can be considered as a curve of optical paths  22   a  and  22   b . The optical paths  22   a  and  22   b  can pass through the array  14 , such that optical channels  16   a  and  16   b  can also pass through the array  14 . The optical channels  16   a  and  16   b  are not limited, for example by the array  14  in an axial extension along a beam-deflecting direction between the image sensor  12  and the beam-deflecting means  18 . 
     The single-line array  14  can include, for example, a carrier  15  through which the optical channels pass. For this, the carrier  15  can be configured in an opaque manner and can have transparent areas for the optical channels. Optics of the optical channels can be arranged within or adjacent to the transparent areas and/or at terminal areas thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier  15  can be formed in a transparent manner and can comprise, for example, polymer material and/or glass material. Optics (lenses) can be arranged on a surface of the carrier  15 , which influence projecting of the respective partial field of view of the total field of view on the respective image sensor area  13   a - b  of the image sensor  12 . 
     The image sensor areas  13   a  and  13   b  can, for example, each be formed of a chip including a respective pixel array, wherein the image sensor areas can be mounted on a common substrate or a common board. Alternatively, it would also be possible that the image sensor areas  13   a  and  13   b  are each formed of part of a common pixel array extending continuously across the image sensor areas  13   a  and  13   b , wherein the common pixel array is formed, for example on a single chip. Then, for example, merely the pixel values of the common pixel array are read out in the image sensor areas  13   a  and  13   b . Obviously, different combinations of these alternatives are also possible, such as the presence of one chip for two or more channels and a further chip for different channels or the like. In the case of several chips of the image sensor  12 , the same can be mounted, for example on one or several boards, such as all of them together or in groups or the like. 
     As described in more detail in the context of  FIG. 2 , the image sensor  12 , the array  14  and the beam-deflecting direction  18  can span a cuboid in space. The cuboid can also be considered as a virtual cuboid and can have, for example, a minimum volume and, in particular, a minimum perpendicular extension along a direction to an y-direction or a thickness direction and can include the image sensor, the single-line array  14  and the beam-deflecting means  18 . The minimum volume can also be considered such that the same describes a cuboid which is spanned by the arrangement and/or operating movement of the image sensor  12 , the array  14  and/or the beam-deflecting means  18 . The single-line array  14  can comprise a line extension direction  24  along which the optical channels  16   a  and  16   b  are juxtaposed, possibly parallel to one another. The line extension direction  24  can be stationary in space. 
     The virtual cuboid can have two sides that are directed oppositely parallel to one another, parallel to the line extension direction  24  of the single-line array  14  as well as parallel to part of the optical path  22   a  and/or  22   b  of the optical channels  16   a  and  16   b , respectively, between the image sensor  12  and the beam-deflecting means  18 . Simply put, but without limiting effect, these can, for example, be a top and a bottom of the virtual cuboid. The two sides can span a first plane  26   a  and a second plane  26   b . This means the two sides of the cuboid can each be part of the plane  26   a  and  26   b , respectively. Further components of the multi-aperture imaging device can be arranged completely but at least partly within the area between the planes  26   a  and  26   b , such that installation space requirements of the multi-aperture imaging device  10  along a direction parallel to a surface normal of the planes  26   a  and/or  26   b  is low, which is advantageous. A volume of the multi-aperture imaging device can have a low or minimum installation space between planes  26   a  and  26   b . An installation space of the multi-aperture imaging device can be great or of any size along the lateral sides or extension directions of planes  26   a  and/or  26   b . The volume of the virtual cuboid is influenced, for example, by an arrangement of the image sensor  12 , the single-line array  14  and the beam-deflecting means, wherein the arrangement of these components according to the embodiments described herein can be performed such that the installation space of these components along the direction perpendicular to the planes and hence the distance of planes  26   a  and  26   b  to one another becomes low or minimal. Compared to other arrangements of the components, the volume and/or the distance of other sides of the virtual cuboid can be enlarged. 
     The multi-aperture imaging device  10  includes actuator means  28  for generating a relative movement between the image sensor  12 , the single-line array  14  and the beam-deflecting means  18 . The actuator means is arranged at least partly between the planes  26   a  and  26   b . The actuator means  28  can be configured to move at least one of the image sensor  12 , the single-line array  14  or the beam-deflecting means  18  in a rotational manner around at least one axis and/or in a translational manner along one or several directions. For this, the actuator means  28  can comprise at least one actuator that is configured to move the image sensor  12 , the single-line array  14  and/or the beam-deflecting means  18  relative to at least one of the other components. 
     As described in more detail below, changing a distance between the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14  can be used, for example, for changing a focus of the optical channels  16   a  and/or  16   b . Alternatively or additionally, optical image stabilization can be enabled. For this, translational relative movement between the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14  can be generated based on a movement of the image sensor  12  with respect to the single-line array  14  and/or vice versa by the actuator means  28 . The relative movement can be generated along the line extension direction  24  or along a direction parallel or antiparallel thereto in order to obtain optical image stabilization along a first image axis of an image to be captured. Alternatively or additionally, a lateral shift of the beam-deflecting means  18  can be generated, for example along the line extension direction  24  and/or a rotation of the beam-deflecting means  18  around an axis of rotation  32  for switching between viewing directions of the multi-aperture imaging device  10  and/or for optical image stabilization along a second image axis. The axis of rotation  32  can be arranged, for example parallel to the line extension direction  24  and/or perpendicular thereto in space. The rotational movement of the beam-deflecting means  18  can be performed around the axis  32 , wherein the axis  32  can be arranged parallel to the line extension direction  24 . 
     According to embodiments, the actuator means  28  is configured to generate the relative movement between the image sensor  12 , the single-line array  14 , and the beam-deflecting means  18  such that a small extension of the multi-aperture imaging device  10  is obtained along a direction perpendicular to the planes  26   a  and/or  26   b . The actuator means can be configured, for example in order to generate, for optical image stabilization, a relative translational shift between image sensor  12  and single-line array  14  parallel and/or anti-parallel to the line extension direction  24  and a rotational movement of the beam-deflecting means around the axis  32 . This can prevent or eliminate the reservation of an installation space along a thickness direction perpendicular to planes  26   a  and/or  26   b  and can enable miniaturized multi-aperture imaging devices. This means that optical image stabilization does not or only slightly increase a size of the virtual cuboid along a direction perpendicular to the line extension direction  24  and perpendicular to the optical paths  22   a  and/or  22   b  between the image sensor  12  and the beam-deflecting means  18 . This direction can, for example, be a y-direction which can also be referred to as thickness direction. The optical path  22   a  and/or  22   b  can pass, for example, between the image sensor  12  and the beam-deflecting means  18  at least in sections along an x-direction in space. The line extension direction  24  can be arranged, for example, essentially in parallel to a z-direction in space. 
     The x-direction, the-y direction and the z-direction can, for example, span a Cartesian coordinate system. According to further embodiments, an x-axis, a y-axis and/or a z-axis have an angle of ≠90° to one another. It is an advantage of arranging the actuator means  28  between the planes  26   a  and  26   b  that an extension of the multi-aperture imaging device  10  along the thickness direction y is not or only insignificantly increased by the actuator means  28 . This allows miniaturized or flat structured multi-aperture imaging devices, at least along the y-direction or perpendicular to the line extension direction  24 . This allows the arrangement of the multi-aperture imaging device in a flat housing. 
       FIG. 2  shows a schematic side sectional view of the multi-aperture imaging device  10 . Dotted lines illustrate a virtual cuboid  34  as discussed in the context of  FIG. 1 . The virtual cuboid  34  has, for example, a minimum volume and still includes the image sensor  12 , the single-line array  14  and the beam-deflecting means  18 , wherein the virtual cuboid  34  can consider an intended movement of the beam-deflecting means  18 , the single-line array  14  and the image sensor  12 . The planes  26   a  and  26   b  can include two sides of the virtual cuboid  34  or can be spanned by the same. A thickness direction  36  of the multi-aperture imaging device  10  can be arranged normal to the planes  26   a  and/or  26  and/or parallel to the y-direction. 
     The actuator means can have a dimension or extension  38  parallel to the thickness direction  36 . A portion  43  of at the most 50%, at the most 30% or at the most 10% of the dimension  38  can project beyond the plane  26   a  and/or  26   b  starting from an area  44  between planes  26   a  and  26   b  or can project out of the area  44 . This means that the actuator means  28 , at most, projects insignificantly beyond planes  26   a  and/or  26   b . According to embodiments, the actuator means  28  does not project beyond planes  26   a  and  26   b . It is an advantage that an extension of the multi-aperture imaging device  10  along the thickness direction  26  is not increased by the actuator means  28 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a schematic top view of the multi-aperture imaging device  10  for illustrating the virtual cuboid. The actuator means can be implemented to change a distance  46  between the image sensor and the single-line array. This can be performed, for example, based on a shift of the image sensor  12  and/or the single-line array  14  along the x-direction or along the curve of the optical paths of the optical channels between the image sensor  12  and the beam-deflecting means  18 . Here, the change of the distance  46  can be combined with the simultaneous change of the distance  48  or the distance  48  is unaffected, i.e. the distance  48  can be maintained. Here, simultaneous can mean that the distance  48  is changed during a same time interval as the distance  46  and/or is changed subsequently before a total field of view is captured. For example, when changing the focal position, i.e. the distance  46 , the beam-deflecting means  18  can be accordingly co-moved by the actuator means  28 , such that the distance  48  remains constant or at least essentially constant. Alternatively, the beam-deflecting means  18  can be stationary such that the distance  48  is variable. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator means  28  can be configured to change a distance  48  between the beam-deflecting means  18  and the single-line array  40 . For example, the actuator means  28  can be configured to move the beam-deflecting means  18  and/or the single-line array  14  along the part of the optical path of the optical channels between the image sensor  12  and the beam-deflecting means relative to one another in a translational manner. Alternatively or additionally, the actuator means  28  can be configured to set the beam-deflecting means  18  into a rotational movement  52  around the axis of rotation  32 . Alternatively or additionally, the actuator means  28  can be configured to shift the beam-deflecting means  18  parallel to the line extension direction  24  in a translational manner, for example to switch a viewing direction of the multi-aperture imaging device  10 . Switching the viewing direction can mean that the beam-deflecting means deflects the optical path in a variable manner such that the deflected optical path can exit from the housing of the multi-aperture imaging device  10  through variable sides. 
     Alternatively or additionally, the actuator means  28  can be configured to move the single-line array  14  and the image sensor  12  relative to one another parallel to the line extension direction  24 , for example by a translational movement of the single-line array  14  and/or by a translational movement of the image sensor  12  along the line extension direction  24 . This can be used for optical image stabilization along at least one image axis. The translational movement can also be performed in a two-dimensional manner parallel to the line extension direction and perpendicular thereto (for example along the z-direction and along the y-direction) in order to allow optical image stabilization along two image axes. 
     The actuator means  28  for generating the relative movement can be arranged on a side of the image sensor  12  facing away from the single-line array  14 , as illustrated for example in  FIG. 2 . Simply put, but without any limiting effect, this can be considered as an arrangement of an actuator of the actuator means  28  behind the image sensor  12 . Alternatively or additionally, the actuator means  28  can be arranged laterally offset to the virtual cuboid  34  along a direction parallel to the line extension direction  24 , as illustrated for example in  FIG. 3 . Simply put, but without any limiting effect, this can be considered as an arrangement of the actuator beside the image sensor  12 , the single-line array  14  and/or the beam-deflecting means  18 . Alternatively or additionally, the actuator means  28  or at least one actuator thereof can be arranged on a side of the beam-deflecting means facing away from the single-line array  14 . This means that the relative movement can include a change of the distance  46  between the image sensor and the single-line array along the beam direction parallel to an optical path through the optical channels between the image sensor  12  and the beam-deflecting means  18  or a change of the distance  48  between the single-line array  14  and the beam-deflecting means  18  along the beam direction. This can enable the change of the focal position. Alternatively or additionally, the translational relative movement of the single-line array  14  and/or the translational relative movement of the image sensor  12  along the line extension direction  24  can allow optical image stabilization. 
     The actuator means can include an actuator, such as a voice-coil motor that is configured to change, for optical image stabilization, a relative position of the image sensor  12  with respect to the single-line array  14  in a plane  25  perpendicular to a line extension direction  24  of the single-line array  14  and parallel to the image sensor  12 . The relative position can be variable along one or two directions. 
       FIG. 4  shows a schematic perspective view of a multi-aperture imaging device  40  according to an embodiment. The multi-aperture imaging device  40  includes the image sensor  12 , which includes, for example, four image sensor areas or image sensor partial areas  13   a - d . Each image sensor area  13   a - d  can be allocated to an optical channel. The single-line array  14  includes four optics  17   a - d  that are parts of juxtaposed optical channels arranged along the line extension direction  24 . The beam-deflecting means  18  includes, for example, a number of beam-deflecting elements  54   a - d  which can correspond to a number of optical channels and/or a number of optics  17   a - d . Each beam-deflecting element  54   a - d , for example, can be configured to deflect optical paths  22   a - d  running parallel to one another, at least in sections, in different directions between the image sensor  12  and the beam-deflecting means  18 , such that each optical path  22   a - d  is directed into different but partly overlapping partial fields of view of a total field of view (object area). This means that while the optical paths  22   a - d  can be deflected in the same viewing direction, the optical paths  22   a - d  can have an angle to one another within the same viewing direction after deflection by the beam-deflecting means in order to be directed into differing partial fields of view. The beam-deflecting elements  54   a - d  can, for example, be facets and/or differently curved faces. Here, the number of facets can differ from the number of optical channels. The optical paths  22   a - d  can be oriented parallel to one another between the image sensor  12  and the beam-deflecting means  18  and can be deflected into differing directions by the beam-deflecting means. Alternatively or additionally, optics of the single-line array can deflect the optical paths  22   a - d  along at least one direction, such that the optical paths  22   a - d  cannot impinge on the beam-deflecting means  18  parallel to one another. 
     The actuator means  28  includes a first actuator  58  that is configured to move the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24  and/or opposite thereto in a translational manner. The actuator means  28  includes a second actuator  57  that is configured to generate the rotational movement  52 . Based on the rotational movement  52 , optical image stabilization can be obtained along an image axis  58  perpendicular to the line extension direction  24 . The rotational movement can, for example, have an angular range of ±15°, ±10° or ±1° with regard to a position of the beam-deflecting means  18 . This can be considered, for example, as additional tilting around a stable or position-discrete position of the beam-deflecting means. Based on the translational movement of the single-line array  14 , optical image stabilization can be obtained along an image axis  62  parallel to the line extension direction  24 . 
     Alternatively or additionally, the actuator  56  or a further actuator can be configured to move the image sensor  12  along or opposite to the line extension direction  24 . It can be advantageous to shift the single-line array  40  in a translational manner in order to place only little mechanical stress on electrical connections of the image sensor. 
     Alternatively or additionally, the actuator  57  can be configured to move the beam-deflecting means  18  relative to the single-line array  14  and/or the image sensor  12  parallel to the line extension direction  24  or opposite to the same in order to obtain optical image stabilization along the image axis  62 . The line extension direction  24  can be arranged parallel to the image axis  62 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the beam-deflecting means  18  is configured to deflect the optical paths  22   a - d  of the optical channels, for example, along a positive y-direction. A rotational movement superimposed on the rotational movement  52  for optical image stabilization that can be generated, for example, by the actuator  57 , can have the effect that the optical paths  22   a - d  are deflected in a different direction, for example, along a negative y-direction. The beam-deflecting means  18  can be configured, for example, in a reflecting manner on both sides, i.e. two main sides which are each configured in a reflecting manner. The rotational movement can also be considered as switching between viewing directions of the multi-aperture imaging device  40 . Switching between the viewing directions can be performed, for example, by positions of the beam-deflecting means  18  that are stable along one, two or several directions, wherein for viewing directions of the multi-aperture imaging device  40  one stable position of the beam-deflecting means  18  each can be provided. As described in the context of further embodiments, the multi-aperture imaging device can be configured such that switching between viewing directions is also performed based on a translational movement of the beam-deflecting means  18 . Translational movement or rotational movement can be configured such that the beam-deflecting means is switched between stable positions. 
     In the following, some advantageous arrangements and/or implementations of actuators of the actuator means will be described. The effective principles described herein can be combined or merged or substituted in an arbitrary manner. 
       FIG. 5  shows a schematic top view the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 , wherein the single-line array  14  is connected to two actuators  56   a  and  56   b  of the actuator means that are configured as voice-coil motors. The actuators  66   a  and  66   b  are configured to move the single-line array along a direction  64  in order to change the distance  46  between single-line array  14  and the image sensor. The direction  64  can be arranged perpendicular to the line extension direction  24  in space and can run, for example, parallel to a direction of the optical paths of the optical channels. Based on a change of the distance  46 , a focus of the optical channels can be varied, such that a focus function and/or an auto-focus function can be obtained. The actuators  66   a  and  66   b  can, for example, be arranged alternatively or additionally to the actuator  56  and can be part of the actuator means  28 . The actuators  66   a  and  66   b  can be controlled synchronously or individually in order to specifically adjust parallel or angular orientation of the array  14  with respect to the image sensor  12 . 
       FIG. 6A  shows a schematic top view of image sensor  12 , the single-line array  14  and the beam-deflecting means  18 . Actuators  56   a  and  56   b  are connected to the single-line array  14  or arranged thereon and configured to shift the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24 . This means that the actuator means can include an actuator  56   a  and/or  56   b  that is configured to move the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24 . 
     Based on the shift of the single-line array  14  along line extension direction  24 , for example, optical image stabilization along the image axis  62  can be obtained. The single-line array  14  can be mechanically connected to a restoring element  68 . This can, for example, be a restoring spring. The spring element  68  can configured, for example, to move the single-line array  14  into a predefined position and/or an initial position when forces generated by the actuators  56   a  and/or  56   b  are absent. This can be, for example, a minimum position or a maximum position along the line extension direction  24  and/or a central position. The actuator  56   a  can be configured to change a relative position of the image sensor  12  with regard to the single-line array  14  in the plane  25 . The spring element  68  can be implemented, for example, as a mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or other type of spring. The actuators  56   a  and/or  56   b  can implemented, for example, as voice-coil drives. The beam-deflecting means can be connected to actuators  57   a  and/or  57   b  that can be configured to set the beam-deflecting means  18  in the rotational movement  52  as described in the context with the actuator  57  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The rotational movement  52  around the axis of rotation  32  can be used for optical image stabilization along an image axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation  32 , for example, in the image axis  58  described in the context with  FIG. 4  which is arranged, for example, perpendicular to the image axis  62 . Simply put, image axes  58  and  62  can be image axes that are arranged perpendicular to one another that span an image area of an image to be captured. 
     The actuators  57   a  and  57   b  can be formed, for example, as pneumatic, hydraulic, piezoelectric actuators; DC-motors; step motors; thermal actuators; electrostatic actuators; electrostrictive and/or magnetostrictive actuators or drives; alternating current motors and/or voice-coil drives. 
       FIG. 6B  shows a schematic top view of the arrangement of the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 . The single-line array  14  can be connected to a plurality of actuators  72   a - d , that are each configured to move the single-line array  14  along a single direction  24  or  64 . Based on a parallel or sequential superposition of several actuator forces, parallel shift of the array  14  can take place along several directions, i.e. in the same direction or in serial, i.e. in superimposed different directions. An actuator  72   a  can be configured, for example to shift the single-line array  14  along the direction  64 . A further actuator  72   b  can be configured to shift the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24 . Although it is illustrated such that actuators  72   a  and  72   b  comprise a common stator magnet, both actuators  72   a  and  72   b  can also be formed of individual components, i.e., independent of one another. 
     The actuators  72   a  and  72   b  can be arranged on a first side of the single-line array  14 . On a second side of the single-line array  14 , for example an opposite side along the line extension direction  24 , one or several further actuators can be arranged, such as actuators  72   c  and  72   d  which are equivalent to actuators  72   a  and  72   b  and are configured to generate the shift of the single-line array  14  together with actuators  72   a  and/or  72   b . In particular actuators  72   a  and  72   b  can have individual control and in connection therewith individual deflection, such that specific tilting of the single-line array  14  with respect to the image sensor  12  results. Generally, drives  72   a - d  can have individual controls in order to compensate, for example, model-dependent deviations of the obtained movement of the actuators  72   a - d  from the control amount. 
     Spring elements  68   a - d  can be arranged between the single-line array  14  and fixed anchor points and can be configured to adjust a reference position, such as a maximum position or central position of the single-line array  14  when no forces of actuators  72   a - d  are acting. While on one side of the single-line array  14 , two spring elements  68   a  and  68   b  or  68   c  and  68   d  are illustrated, also, a differing number of spring elements can be arranged, such as: no spring element, one spring element or more than two spring elements that can be connected in series or in parallel. 
       FIG. 6C  shows a schematic view of the arrangement of  FIG. 5B , wherein at least one component  73   a  or  73   b  of the actuator  72   a  and  72   c , respectively, is arranged on a side of the single-line array  14  facing away from the image sensor  12 . The components  73   a  and  73   b  can, for example be the voice coils of actuators  72   a  and  72   d  formed as voice-coil drives, wherein the actuators can also be formed differently. Also, further components can be arranged on the side of the single-line array  14  facing away from the image sensor  12 , such as stator magnets. If the actuators  72   a  and/or  72   c  are formed differently to voice-coil drives, respective components can be arranged on a side of the single-line array  14  facing or facing away from the image sensor  12 . Alternatively, it is also possible that one or several components of actuators are arranged laterally, i.e. along the line extension direction  24  beside the single-line array  14 . 
     While  FIGS. 6B and 6C  are described such that the position of the actuators  72  is symmetrical and the actuators  72   a - d  are formed identically, both the position and the type of components of the actuators or the entire actuators can be freely combined and varied. 
       FIG. 6D  shows a schematic top view of the arrangement according to  FIG. 6B , wherein the actuators  72   a  and  72   b  and the actuators  57   a  and  57   b  have an interchanged arrangement of the coils and magnets in the voice-coil drives. In that way, at least one of the actuators  57   a ,  57   b  or  72   a - d  can be configured such that, as illustrated, one magnet is connected to the moveable object, the beam-deflecting means  18  or the single-line array  14 , while the coils  75  are stationary. In that way, particularly in electrically obtained magnetic forces, electric application of the coils can be performed in a stationary manner, such that a transfer of electric energy to moveable components can be prevented, which is advantageous. 
     In other words, the actuators can be arranged such that drives for autofocus and/or optical image stabilization directly act on the optics array. Coils and magnets can be interchanged in an arbitrary manner. Spring elements can be arranged to allow guidance and/or reset of the moveable components. The spring elements can be arranged on a fixed suspension. 
       FIG. 6E  shows a schematic side sectional view of a drive as it can be arranged, for example, for obtaining rotational movement of the beam-deflecting means  18 , for example the rotational movement  52 . 
     The drive can include two actuators  57   a  and  57   b  which are formed, for example, as voice-coil drives but, independent of one another, the same can also implement one or several arbitrary other actuator principles. The actuator  57   a , for example is configured to generate a linear movement A 1 . The linear movement A 1  can be parallel or antiparallel to the direction  64 . The actuator  57   b  is, for example, configured to generate a linear movement A 2  having a directional component arranged perpendicular to the linear movement A 1  in space or, all in all, arranged perpendicular thereto. Additionally, the linear movement can be perpendicular in space to the line extension direction  24 . A moveable element  77  of the actuator  57   a , for example a cantilever or follower, can be connected to an axis of rotation  79  of the beam-deflecting means. The actuator  57   b  can be configured to provide force coupling with the moveable elements  77 , such as mechanical or magnetic coupling. Thus, based on the linear movement A 2 , a direction along which the linear movement A 1  moves the moveable element  77  can be influenced. This can be used for establishing or releasing force coupling, for example by mechanical contact, between the moveable element  77  and the axis of rotation  79 . 
     Based on force coupling between the moveable element  77  and the axis of rotation  79  and the linear movement A 1  along a positive direction  64 , the rotational movement  52  along the clockwise direction can be obtained. Linear movement A 1  along the negative direction  64  can result in a rotational movement  52  in an anticlockwise direction. If, despite full actuator travel of the actuator  57   a , further rotational movement  52  in one of the directions is desired, the actuator can be moved back after releasing the force coupling between the moveable elements  77  and the axis of rotation  79  with the linear movement A 2 , without applying any actuator force on the beam-deflecting means. After that, force coupling between the moveable element  77  and the axis of rotation  79  can be established again, such as by a linear movement A 2  in the opposite direction. This can also be obtained by restoring spring elements  68 . Subsequently, the actuator  57   a  can be moved again, such that further rotational movement of the beam-deflecting means is performed via the axis of rotation  79 . 
       FIG. 6F  shows a schematic side sectional view of the actuator concept of  FIG. 6D  where the moveable element  77  is configured as being contactable on both sides by the axis of rotation  79 , for example as a fork or frame, such that two opposing sides  81   a  and  81   b  of the moveable element  77  are alternately in force coupling during the rotational movement  52  with the axis of rotation  79 , i.e. at the most, one of the two sides  81   a  or  81   b . Thus, for example the linear movement A 1  along the positive direction  64 , when in contact with the side  81   a , and further a linear movement A 1  along the negative direction  64 , when in contact with the side  81   b , can allow the rotational movement  52  in a clockwise direction. Alternatively or additionally, the linear movement A 1  along the negative direction  64 , when in contact with the side  81   a , and further, the linear movement A 1  along the positive direction  64 , when in contact with the side  81   b , can allow the rotational movement  52  in counterclockwise direction. Switching between sides  81   a  or  81   b  which is in contact or in force coupling with the axis of rotation  79  can be performed by means of the actuator  57   b  or the linear movement A 2 . This allows usage of the actuator travel of the actuator  57   a  in both directions of the linear movement A 1 . Thus, compared to the concept of  FIG. 6E , a higher portion of the travel of the actuator  57   a  can be used for the rotational movement  52 , which can result in a faster rotational movement and/or lower energy consumption. 
       FIG. 6G  shows a schematic view of a position of the movable element  77 , where neither the side  81   a  nor the side  81   b  are in contact with the axis of rotation  79 , for example since based on the linear movement A 2 , force coupling with the one side is released and force coupling with the other side is not yet established. 
     While  FIGS. 6F and 6G  are illustrated such that two opposite sides can be in force coupling with the axis of rotation, the same can also be two adjacent sides. While  FIGS. 6F and 6G  are illustrated such that sides  81   a  and  81   b  are arranged opposite to one another along a horizontal travel, at least one of the sides  81   a  and/or  81   b  can also be arranged along a vertical direction. The position of the actuators  57   a  and  57   b , for example, can also be mutually interchanged. 
     In combination with the beam-deflecting means  18 , a large and practically unlimited setting angle can be obtained by such an actuator in order to obtain switching of the viewing direction of the multi-aperture imaging device. Further, the same actuator unit can be used for providing the necessitated rotational movement of the beam deflecting unit  18  for obtaining image stabilization along the direction  58 , wherein smaller angles of rotation are needed than for switching the viewing direction of the multi-aperture imaging device and the necessitated movement is based, for example, merely on the actuation of the actuator  57   a  along the direction A 1 . 
     Further, the coupling point between moveable element  77  and axis of rotation  79  can be configured such that a further rotational movement is prevented when the two components come in contact and when no movement along the direction A 1  takes place. In other words, the coupling point between moveable element  77  and axis of rotation  79  serves, in the case of non-actuation of the actuator  57   a , to fix the angle of orientation of the axis of rotation  79  and, hence, has the effect of a locking brake. 
     In one embodiment, mechanical coupling of moveable element  77  and axis of rotation  79  exists for the case of non-actuation of the actuator  57   b . In other words, the coupling exists when the actuator  57   b  is switched off. Thus, the effect of a locking brake is advantageously obtained when the actuator  57   b  is switched off, which results in lower energy consumption. For applying a force necessitated for obtaining mechanical coupling, for example, the spring elements  68  can be used. 
     As indicated in  FIG. 6H , in at least one of the actuators  57   a  or  57   b , the arrangement of magnets or coils can also be interchanged, such that magnets  83   a  and/or  83   b  are arranged in a movable manner and coils  57   a  and/or  57   b  of the actuators  57   a  and  57   b , respectively, are arranged in a stationary manner. 
     In other words, an actuator can also be implemented as a combination of linear drives, one of which, for example the actuator  57   a , is configured to provide an advance for a moveable element and the other one to provide variable coupling between the movable element and the axis of rotation of the driven element. The cantilever or the moveable element can perform a tilting movement or a pure translational movement perpendicular to the advance direction. 
       FIG. 7  shows a schematic top view of the image sensor  12 , the single-line array  14  and the beam-deflecting means  18  where a mode of operation of the actuators  66   a  and  56   a  and  66   b  and  56   b , respectively, of  FIGS. 5 and 6  is combined. This can also be considered such that actuators  66   a  and  56   a  and  66   b  and  56   b , respectively, are arranged in a stacked manner. The single-line array can be connected to actuators  72   a  and  72   b  which are connected to the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24 , for example, at end positions of the single-line array  14 . The actuators  72   a  and/or  72   b  can be configured to move the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24  (i.e. parallel and/or anti-parallel thereto) and along the direction  64 . The plunger of a first voice-coil drive can, for example, at least partly include an anchor of a second voice-coil drive. Thus, the actuators  72   a  and  72   b  can allow an auto-focus function or focus function as well as image stabilization along the line extension direction  24  and/or the image axis  62 . The actuators  57   a  and  57   b  can allow optical image stabilization along the image axis  58 . While according to the embodiment in  FIG. 7 , two actuators  72   a  and  72   b  are arranged on the single-line array  14  and two actuators  57   a  and  57   b  on the beam-deflecting means  18 , one actuator  72   a  or  72   b  and one actuator  57   a  or  57   b  can be arranged, respectively. For example, free ends of the single-line array  14  or the beam-deflecting means  18  can be mounted by a bearing in a moveable manner. Alternatively, more than two actuators can be arranged. The structures can additionally comprise structural elements for guiding the movement, such as slide, roller or spring bearings as well as spring elements for applying counter-forces to the forces generated by the actuators. 
       FIG. 8A  shows a schematic top view of the image sensor  12  and single-line array  14  which is moved in a translational manner along the direction  64  based on a piezoelectric actuator  74 . The actuator  74  can be part of the actuator means  28  and can be arranged on a side of the image sensor  12  facing away from the single-line array  14 . This means that the image sensor  12  can be arranged between the actuator  74  and the single-line array  14 . The actuator  74  can be configured, for example, to deform along or opposite to the direction  64 . The actuator  74  can, for example, be formed as piezo-electrical bending actuator and can be configured to move a (possibly non-clamped) end  76  along or opposite to the direction  64 . Alternatively or additionally to the end  76  (end area), a different area of the actuator  74  can be moved along a beam direction parallel to an optical path through the optical channels when the actuator  74  deforms. 
     A mechanical deflecting means  78  can be arranged between the actuator  74  and the single-line array  14 , which transfers the movement of the piezoelectric actuator  74  to the single-line array  14 , such that the same is moved along the direction  64  or opposite to the same in a translational manner in order to change an optical focus of the multi-aperture imaging device. The mechanical deflecting means  78  and/or the single-line array  14  can be mounted via a bearing  82  such that the degrees of freedom of movement of the single-line array  14  are limited by deflection of the actuator  74  on the direction  64  or a direction anti-parallel thereto. The actuator  74  can be a bending actuator that is configured to deform during actuation along a beam direction parallel to an optical path through the optical channels. This allows high precision of the focus function and achievement of great moving velocities. It is an advantage of piezoelectric actuators that an arrangement of a multi-aperture imaging device  10  in a flat housing is enabled, for example in a mobile phone such as a smartphone. 
     An extension of the actuator  74  along the line extension direction can be, for example, in a range of at least 1 mm and at the most 100 mm, from at least 2 mm and at the most 50 mm or of at least 7 mm and at the most 25 mm, for example approximately 15 mm. An extent of a translational movement of the single-line array and/or the image sensor along the line extension direction for optical image stabilization can be in a range of at least 10 μm and at the most 2000 μm, of at least 20 μm and at the most 1000 μm or of at least 50 μm and at the most 500 μm, for example approximately 300 μm. The structures could further comprise structural elements for guiding the movement, such as slide, roller or spring bearings as well as spring elements for applying counter-forces to the forces generated by the actuators. 
       FIG. 8B  shows a schematic side view of the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14  of  FIG. 8A . The actuator  74  of the actuator means is arranged completely between planes  26   a  and  26   b.    
       FIG. 9A  shows a schematic top view of the image sensor and the single-line array, wherein, compared to  FIG. 8A , the single-line array  14  is connected to two piezoelectric actuators  74   a  and  74   b . The mechanical deflecting means  78   a  can be arranged between the single-line array  14  and the piezoelectric actuator  74   a , as described in the context of the mechanical deflecting means  78  of  FIG. 8A . Similarly, the piezoelectric actuator  74  can be connected to the single-line array  14  via the mechanical deflecting means  78   b . Simply put, the distance between the image sensor  12  and the single-line array can be made due to a one-sided ( FIG. 8A ) or two-sided ( FIG. 9A ) actuation of the single-line array  14 . 
       FIG. 9B  shows a schematic side view of the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14  of  FIG. 9A . The actuators  74   a/b  of the actuator means are arranged, for example, completely between planes  26   a  and  26   b.    
       FIG. 10A  shows a schematic top view of the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 , wherein changing the distance  46  for the focus function is enabled based on a movement of the image sensor  12  along or opposite the direction  64 . An actuator, for example the piezoelectric actuator  74  can be connected directly or indirectly, for example via the mechanical deflecting means  78 , to the image sensor  12  and can be configured to shift the image sensor  12 , during actuation, along the direction  64  or opposite thereto. Since the distance  46  can play an essential role for focusing the optical channels, it can have no or only subordinate influence for the focus function whether the image sensor  12  or the single-line array  14  is moved for changing the distance  46 . It can be advantageous to move the single-line array  14  in order to keep mechanical stress of electrical contacts of image sensor  12  low. The structures can still comprise structural elements for guiding the movement, such as slide, roller or spring bearings as well as the spring elements for applying counter-forces to the forces generated by the actuators. 
       FIG. 10B  shows a schematic side view of the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14  of  FIG. 10A . The piezoelectric actuator is arranged between planes  26   a  and  26   b.    
       FIG. 11A  shows a schematic top view of the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 , wherein two piezoelectric actuators  74   a  and  74   b  are connected to the image sensor  12  and are configured to change the distance  46  between the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 . The relative movements of the configurations of  FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A and 11B  can also be implemented without the bearings of the mechanical deflecting means, since symmetrical force application to the moving component can be performed. 
     With comparative shifts of the actuators  74   a  and  74   b , tilting of the single-line array  14  or the image sensor  12  can be prevented. The structures can further include structural elements for guiding the movement, such as slide, roller or spring bearings as well as spring elements for applying counter-forces to the forces generated by actuators. 
       FIG. 11B  shows a schematic side view of the arrangement of image sensor and single-line array of  FIG. 11A . 
     While the actuators of  FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B, 10A, 10B, 11A and 11B  are illustrated such that the image sensor  12  is arranged between the single-line array  14  and the actuators  74  and  74   a  and  74   b , respectively, for example, at least one of the actuators can be arranged on a side of the beam-deflecting means facing away from the single-line array  14 , such that the beam-deflecting means  18  is arranged between the actuator and the single-line array  14 . This means that the image sensor  12  or the beam-deflecting means  18  can be arranged between one actuator  74  of the actuator means and the single-line array  14 . The actuator  74  can be configured to change the distance  46  between the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 . 
     The mechanical deflecting means  78  and  78   a  and  78   b , respectively, can be configured with high rigidity and can be assumed, for example, as rigid body. 
       FIG. 12A  shows a schematic top view of the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 , wherein compared to the illustration in  FIG. 8A  a flexible mechanical connection is arranged between the piezoelectric actuator  74  and the single-line array  14 . The direction of movement of the actuator can be deflected based on the bearing  82   a . The flexible mechanical connection  84   a , can be, for example, a flexible band, a wire structure or the same, wherein the bearing  82   a  is configured to deflect the movement of the actuator  74  along the direction  64  such that translational movement of the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24  is enabled. A further deflecting element  84   b  can be arranged on a side of the single-line array  14  arranged opposite to the flexible mechanical deflecting element  84   a , which is arranged between the restoring element  68  and the single-line array  14 . Based on the restoring element  68 , for example, when taking away the actuation of the piezoelectric actuator  74 , the single-line array  14  can be brought back to the predefined position. Compared to  FIG. 8A , the arrangement of the actuator can be used for translational movement of the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24  for optical image stabilization along the image axis  62 . 
     The predefined position can, for example, be a minimum deflection of the actuator  74  and/or the single-line array  14  which is changed towards a higher value, for example, a maximum, based on the actuation of the actuator  74 . 
       FIG. 12B  shows an arrangement of the image sensor and the single-line array  14 , which can be compared to  FIG. 12A , wherein the actuator  74   a  and the actuator  74   b  can be connected to two sides of the single-line array  14  via the mechanical deflecting means  84   a  and  84   b , respectively, in order to allow reciprocating movement of the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24 . 
       FIG. 13A  shows a schematic top view of the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 , wherein the concept for optical image stabilization according to  FIG. 12A  is modified in that the image sensor  12  is moved in a relative manner with respect to the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24 . Based on bearings  82   a - d , movement of the image sensor  12  can be limited to the translational movement along the line extension direction  24 . 
       FIG. 13B  shows a schematic top view of the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 , wherein the concept for obtaining optical image stabilization as described in the context of  FIG. 12B  is modified in that based on the actuation of actuators  74   a  and  74   b  a movement of the image sensor  12  is obtained with respect to the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24 . This means that the actuator means can have two actuators, wherein at least one of the actuators can be formed as bending actuator. The actuator can be configured to change a distance between the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14  and to deform during actuation along a beam direction parallel to an optical path through the optical channels. The first actuator  74   a  and the second actuator  74   b  can be connected to different areas, ends and/or end areas of the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24 . 
     It becomes clear that the actuation principles can be combined with one another without any limitations. In particular, for example, image stabilization can be obtained by moving the image sensor  12  with respect to the single-line array  14  and/or a change of the focus can be obtained based on a movement of the single-line array  14  with respect to the image sensor  12 . According to further embodiments, the principles for generating the relative movement of components are inter-exchangeable. According to further embodiments, also merely one component can be moved with respect to another component, for example the single-line array  14  with respect to the image sensor  12  or vice versa in order to obtain both the image stabilization along the image axis  62  as well as the change of focus. 
       FIG. 14  shows a schematic top view of a multi-aperture imaging device  140  according to an embodiment. The actuators  74   a  and  74   b  are configured to move the single-line array  14  along or opposite to the direction  64  as described in the context of  FIG. 9A . Voice-coil drives  72   a  and  72   b  are arranged on the single-line array, which are configured to shift the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24  or opposite thereto, as described in the context of  FIG. 7 . 
     An actuator  57 ′ is connected to the beam-deflecting means  18  and configured to generate a rotational movement  52 ′. The rotational movement  52 ′ can include the rotational movement  52  as described in the context of  FIG. 7  and can be used for optical image stabilization along the image axis  58 . Alternatively or additionally, the actuator  57 ′ can be configured to generate the rotational movement  52 ′ such that a viewing direction of the multi-aperture imaging device  140  along which the optical paths of the optical channels are deflected is deflected in a stable manner along one, two or several directions along a first viewing direction  92   a  and/or a second viewing direction  92   b . The first viewing direction  92   a  and/or the second viewing direction  92   b  can be arranged parallel and/or anti-parallel to a y-direction. The viewing directions  92   a  and/or  92   b  can, for example, be arranged essentially perpendicular to the line extension direction  24  and to a course of the optical channels between the image sensor  12  and the beam-deflecting means  18 . The viewing directions can run in space in an arbitrary manner on an orientation of the beam-deflecting means with respect to the optical paths. 
     The optical paths of the optical channels can include transparent areas  94   a  and  94   b , respectively, of a housing where the multi-aperture imaging device  140  is arranged in order to capture a total field of view or partial field of view. The rotational movement  52  can be superposed to the position of the beam-deflecting means  18  that is stable along one, two or several directions in order to obtain the rotational movement  52 ′. This can also be considered such that such a position-discrete position of the beam-deflecting means  18  for generating a viewing direction of the optical channel can be superimposed with an analog movement for optical image stabilization. While the multi-aperture imaging device  140  is described such that the same comprises two viewing directions  92   a  and  92   b , the multi-aperture imaging device  140  can also comprise at least a third view direction which is influenced by a deflection angle of the beam-deflecting means  18 . This means that the beam-deflecting means  18  can be configured to deflect the optical path of the optical channels at least in a first viewing direction  92   a  and a second viewing direction  92   b . The actuator means can comprise at least one actuator, for example the actuator  57 ′ that is configured to move the beam-deflecting means in a rotational manner. The actuator  57 ′a can be arranged in a plane of the beam-deflecting means that is arranged perpendicular to the first or second viewing direction, for example at least partly in an area between the planes  26   a  and  26   b . The beam-deflecting means  18  can comprise, for example, the beam-deflecting elements (facets)  54   a - d.    
     In an area of the transparent areas  94   a  and/or  94   b , switchable diaphragms can be arranged. The apertures can for example be mechanical or electrochromic apertures. The diaphragms can be controlled such that the same at least partly optically close the transparent areas  94   a  and/or  94   b  when no total field of view is captured by the respective transparent area  94   a  or  94   b.    
       FIG. 15  shows a schematic top view of a multi-aperture imaging device  150 , which is modified compared to the multi-aperture imaging device  140  in that the beam-deflecting means  18  is formed as planar reflecting surface. The beam-deflecting means  18  is, for example, formed such that the same comprises a first main side and a second main side (for example a front side and a rear side) which are each formed in a reflecting manner. Based on a tilting of the beam-deflecting means  18 , such that the first main side of the beam-deflecting means  18  is arranged facing the single-line array  14  at an angle, for example, the first viewing direction  92   a  can be obtained. If the beam-deflecting means  18  is moved based on the rotational movement  52 ′ such that the second main side is arranged facing the beam-deflecting means  18  at an angle, the second viewing direction  92   b  can be obtained. The beam-deflecting means  18  can be configured in a planar or curved manner. A curvature of the beam-deflecting means  18  can allow deflection of the optical paths of the optical channels along differing directions to differing partial fields of view of the total field of view. If the beam-deflecting means  18  is implemented in a planar manner, deflection of the optical paths of the optical channels can be obtained based on the optics of the single-line array  14 . 
       FIG. 16  shows a schematic top view of a multi-aperture imaging device  160 . The actuator means includes voice-coil drives  66   a  and  66   c  that are connected to the single-line array  14  and that are configured to change the distance  46  between the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 . The multi-aperture imaging device  160  and the actuator means, respectively, includes voice-coil drives  66   b  and  66   d  that are connected to the single-line array  14  and that are configured to move the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24 . Further, the actuator means includes voice-coil drives  66   e  and  66   f  that are configured to generate the rotational movement  52 ′. 
     In other words, the actuator means can include a voice-coil motor that is configured to change a relative position of the image sensor  12  with respect to the single-line array  14  in a plane parallel to the line extension direction  24  and parallel to the image sensor, for example the voice-coil motors  66   b  and  66   d.    
       FIG. 17A  shows a schematic top view of a multi-aperture imaging device  170 , wherein the beam-deflecting means  18  includes a plurality of beam-deflecting elements  54   a - d  and  54   a ′- 54   d ′ which can correspond to a number of optical channels multiplied by a number of viewing directions. Based on an arrangement of the deflecting elements  54   a - d  in front of the single-line array  14 , the optical paths of the optical channels can be deflectable along the viewing direction  92   a . A voice-coil actuator  66  of the actuator means can be configured to move the beam-deflecting means  18  along or opposite to the line extension direction  24  relative to the single-line array  14 . 
       FIG. 17B  shows a schematic top view of the multi-aperture imaging device  170 , wherein the beam-deflecting means  18  comprises a second position, such that the beam-deflecting elements  54   a ′- 54   d ′ deflect the optical paths of the optical channels such that the multi-aperture imaging device  170  comprises the second viewing direction  92   b . The beam-deflecting elements  54   a ′- 54   d ′ can have, for example, an inclination or surface curvature differing from the beam-deflecting elements  54   a - d.    
     This means that a viewing direction of the multi-aperture imaging device can be made based on a rotational movement and/or a translational movement of the beam-deflecting means  18 , wherein both movements can take place within the virtual cuboid and can keep an installation height of the multi-aperture imaging device  170  low. 
     Further, the multi-aperture imaging device  170  and its actuator means, respectively, comprises the voice-coil drives  72   a  and  72   b  in order to change the distance between image sensor  12  and single-line array  14  and to move the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24 . 
       FIG. 18A  shows a schematic top view of the multi-aperture imaging device  180  which is modified with respect to the multi-aperture imaging device  170  in that the actuator means comprises the piezoelectric actuators  74   a  and  74   b  for changing the distance between the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 .  FIG. 18A  shows the beam-deflecting means  18  in the first position. 
       FIG. 18B  shows the beam-deflecting means  18  in the second position, wherein the beam-deflecting means  18  is translationally movable with respect to the configuration in  FIG. 18A . 
       FIG. 19A  shows a schematic top view of the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 , wherein the single-line array  14  is connected to actuators  56 ′ a  and  56 ′ b  of the actuator means that are configured to move the single-line array with respect to three spatial axes that are arranged perpendicular to one another. A first spatial axis can be the line extension direction  24 . A second spatial axis can be the direction  64 . A third spatial axis  98  can span a plane perpendicular to the direction  64   a  together with the line extension direction  24 . The actuators  56 ′a and  56 ′b can be configured to move the single-line array  14  along the line extension direction  24  and/or the direction  98  to obtain optical image stabilization (OIS) and/or to move the single-line array  14  along the direction  64  in order to obtain an autofocus function AF. As illustrated in  FIG. 19B , the actuator  56 ′ b  and/or the actuator  56 ′ a  can be arranged completely within planes  26   a  and  26   b . According to embodiments, the actuator  56 ′ a  and/or  56 ′ b  can also slightly project beyond these planes. Simply put, this arrangement can also be referred to such that the actuators  56 ′ a  and  56 ′ b  are arranged beside the single-line array  14  when the direction  98  is referred to as height direction. 
       FIG. 20A  shows a schematic top view of a multi-aperture imaging device  200  comprising an arrangement of image sensor  12  and single-line array  14  according to  FIGS. 19A and 19B . According to a first option, the multi-aperture imaging device  200  comprises the beam-deflecting means  18  which is configured to be moved based on the rotational movement  52 ′ in order to change between viewing directions  92   a  and  92   b . According to a second option, the multi-aperture imaging device  200  comprises the beam-deflecting means  18  that is configured to be moved along the line extension direction  24  in order to change between viewing directions  92   a  and  92   b  as described, for example, in the context of  FIGS. 17A and 17B . Alternatively or additionally, the beam-deflecting means  18  according to option  1  and the beam-deflecting means  18  according to option  2  can be arranged in order to obtain, for example, an increased number of viewing directions. The beam-deflecting means  18  according to the first option, for example, can be at least partly transparent in order to direct part of the optical path of the optical channels on the beam-deflecting means  18  according to the second option. 
       FIG. 20B  shows a schematic side sectional view of the multi-aperture imaging device  200 . Based on the rotational movement  52 ′, an extension of the multi-aperture imaging device  200  along the direction  98  can be less than according to an arrangement of the actuators  56 ′ a  and  56 ′ b  according to  FIGS. 19A and 19B , since, for example, a relative movement between image sensor  12  and single-line array  14  along the direction  98  can be omitted. This means that the provision of an installation space for this relative movement can be omitted. The beam-deflecting means  18  is configured to deflect the optical path of the optical channels at least in a first viewing direction  92   a  and a second viewing direction  92   b . The actuator means includes one or several actuators  56   a ′ and/or  56 ′ b . The at least one actuator  56 ′ a  and/or  56 ′ b  is arranged in a plane  99  where the beam-deflecting means  18  is arranged. The plane  99  can be arranged perpendicular to the first viewing direction  92  and/or the second viewing direction  92   b . Alternatively or additionally, other actuators described herein can be arranged. 
       FIG. 21A  shows a schematic top view of a configuration of the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14  which is modified with respect to the configuration according to  FIG. 19A  such that the actuator  56 ′ a  and the actuator  56 ′ b  can be connected to the image sensor  12  in order to generate the relative movement along directions  24 ,  64  and/or  98  between the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 . 
       FIG. 21B  shows a schematic side sectional view of the configuration according to  FIG. 21A  which is the same as or comparable to the configuration according to  FIG. 19B , wherein the actuator  56 ′ b  is connected to the image sensor  12 . 
       FIG. 22A  shows a schematic top view of a multi-aperture imaging device  220  which is modified with respect to the multi-aperture imaging device  200  in that the actuators  56 ′a and  56 ′ b  of the actuator means are connected to the image sensor  12  as described in the context of  FIG. 21A . The beam-deflecting means  18  can be switched between a first positon Pos1 and a second positon Pos2 by a translational movement  59  which runs essentially parallel to the line extension direction  24 . 
       FIG. 22B  shows a schematic side sectional view of the multi-aperture imaging device  220 , which is comparable to the side sectional view according to  FIG. 20B , wherein the actuators  56 ′ a  and/or  56 ′ b  can be connected to the image sensor  12 . 
       FIG. 23A  shows a schematic top view of a configuration including the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 , wherein one actuator  102  of the actuator means of a multi-aperture imaging device is arranged on a side of the image sensor  12  facing away from the single-line array  14  and is connected to the image sensor  12 . The actuator  102  is configured to move the image sensor  12  along the direction  64  in order to change a focus of the optical channels. Further, the actuator  102  can allow movement along directions  98  and/or  24 , for example to obtain optical image stabilization. 
     The actuator  102  can be implemented, for example, as a pneumatic, hydraulic, piezoelectric actuator, DC motor, step motor, thermal actuator, electrostatic actuator, electrostrictive and/or magnetostrictive actuator or drive, alternating current motor and/or voice-coil drive. The actuator  102  can, for example, be a piezoelectrically or thermally actuated bending actuator. Simply put, the actuator  102  is behind the image sensor  12  in order to move the same. 
       FIG. 23B  shows a schematic side sectional view of the configuration of  FIG. 23A . An installation height of the configuration is not or only slightly increased by an arrangement of the actuator  102 . 
       FIG. 24A  shows a schematic top view of the image sensor  12  and the single-line array  14 , wherein a configuration is modified with respect to the view in  FIG. 23A  in that the actuator  102  is connected to the single-line array  14  by means of the mechanical connections  78   a  and  78   b  and is configured to move the single-line array  14  with respect to the image sensor  12 . Further, the actuator  102  can be configured to move the single-line array  14  along the axes  24 ,  98  and/or  64  with respect to the image sensor  12 . 
       FIG. 24B  shows a schematic side sectional view of the configuration of  FIG. 24A . 
     While some of the above-described embodiments relate to an arrangement or configuration of image sensor  12  and single-line array  14 , the same can be easily be arranged adjacent to beam-deflecting means, such that these configurations can be easily transferred to multi-aperture imaging devices. According to embodiments, the described configurations of image sensor and single-line array describe components of a multi-aperture imaging device. 
       FIG. 25  shows a schematic side sectional view of a multi-aperture imaging device  250  including the image sensor  12 , the single-line array  14  and the beam-deflecting means  18  pivoted around the axis of rotation  32 . 
     The beam-deflecting means  18  can be switchable between two positions Pos1 and Pos2 in order to deflect the optical paths  22  of the optical channels in a first viewing direction  92   a  and/or a second viewing direction  92   b . The positions can, for example, be stable positions such that the beam-deflecting means  18  is switchable in a bi-stable manner. The possibly stable positions can be superimposed by rotational movement for optical image stabilization. The viewing directions  92   a  and  92   b  can be arranged perpendicular, anti-parallel or having a different angle to one another and can, for example, be influenced by an orientation of the beam-deflecting means  18  in the respective position. An intermediate position or central position  105  of the beam-deflecting means  18  can, for example, include a horizontal or perpendicular orientation of the main sides  104   a  and/or  104   b  with respect to the single-line array  14  or the image sensor  12  or main sides thereof. It is advantageous that switching between the first position Pos1 and the second position Pos2 via the central position  105  allows a small installation height of the multi-aperture imaging device  250  and the usage in at least two viewing directions. A dimension of main sides  104   a  and/ 104   b  perpendicular to a thickness direction, for example, along the x-direction can be of any size, i.e. almost independent without increasing an installation height of the multi-aperture imaging device  250 . 
       FIG. 26  shows a schematic illustration of a total field of view (object area)  260  as it can be captured, for example with a multi-aperture imaging device described herein. The optical paths of the optical channels of the multi-aperture imaging devices can be directed on differing partial fields of view (partial areas of an object area)  106   a - d , wherein one partial field of view  106   a - d  can be allocated to each optical channel. The partial fields of view  106   a - d  can overlap in order to allow joining of individual partial images to a total image. If the multi-aperture imaging device has one of four different numbers of optical channels, the total field of view  260  can have one of four different numbers of partial fields of view. Alternatively or additionally, at least one partial field of view  106   a - d  can be captured by a second or higher number of optical channels in order to obtain a so-called super-resolution of the generated image. A number of optical channels and/or a number of partial fields of view is, for example, arbitrary and can have a number of at least two, at least three, at least four, at least ten, at least 20 or an even higher value. 
       FIG. 27  shows a schematic perspective view of an imaging system  270  comprising a first multi-aperture imaging device  10   a  and a second multi-aperture imaging device  10   b , which are configured to each capture the total field of view  260  (object area). This means that the object area can be captured in a stereoscopic manner. 
     According to further embodiments, at least one of the multi-aperture imaging devices can be formed as multi-aperture imaging device  10 ,  40 ,  140 ,  150 ,  160 ,  170 ,  180 ,  200 ,  220  or  250 . According to further embodiments, the imaging system  270  can include further multi-aperture imaging devices according to embodiments described herein in order to image the object area  260  or a differing object area. 
     As stated in the context of embodiments described herein, the multi-aperture imaging devices  10   a  or  10   b  can be configured to change a viewing direction of the respective multi-aperture imaging device and hence the imaging system  270  in order to change a position of the total field of view  260  in space. 
     The imaging system  270  can be formed as portable system, in particular as mobile communication means. The portable system  270  can, for example, be a mobile phone, such as a smart phone, a mobile computer such as a tablet computer and/or a mobile music player. 
     The imaging system  270  can comprise a housing  272 . The housing  272  can be formed in a flat manner. This means the housing  272  can have an extension along the three spatial axes x, y and z. Main sides  274  of the housing  272  can be arranged, for example, in an x/z-plane or parallel thereto. Secondary sides  276   a  and  276   b  can, for example, connect the main sides  274  to one another. A flat housing can be considered such that the same includes a first and a second dimension of main sides  274  (for example, along the x-direction and along the z-direction) which have, with regard to a third dimension, for example along the y-direction, at least a threefold, at least a fivefold, at least a sevenfold, or even higher dimension. For example, a flat housing can have a width including three-times the housing thickness and/or a height including four-times the housing thickness. 
       FIG. 28  shows a schematic structure including a first multi-aperture imaging device  10   a  and a second multi-aperture imaging device  10   b  as it can be arranged, for example, in the imaging system  270 . The single-line arrays  14   a  and  14   b  form a common line. The image sensors  12   a  and  12   b  can be mounted on a common substrate or on a common circuit carrier such as a common board or a common flex board. Alternatively, the image sensors  12   a  and  12   b  can also include differing substrates. Different mixtures of these alternatives are also possible, such as multi-aperture imaging devices including a common image sensor, a common array and/or a common beam-deflecting means  18  as well as further multi-aperture imaging devices including separate components. It is an advantage of a common image sensor, a common single-line array and/or a common beam-deflecting means that a movement of a respective component can be obtained with high precision by controlling a small amount of actuators, and synchronization between actuators can be reduced or avoided. Further, high thermal stability can be obtained. Alternatively or additionally, different and/or differing multi-aperture imaging devices  10 ,  40 ,  140 ,  150 ,  160 ,  170 ,  180 ,  200 ,  220  and/or  250  can also comprise a common array, a common image sensor and/or beam-deflecting means. 
     A method for producing a multi-aperture imaging device can include providing an image sensor, arranging a single-line array of juxtaposed optical channels, such that each optical channel includes optics for projecting a partial area of an object area on an image sensor area of the image sensor, arranging a beam-deflecting structure for deflecting an optical path of the optical channels and arranging actuator means for generating a relative movement between the image sensor, the single-line array and the beam-deflecting means. The actuator means can be arranged such that the same is arranged at least partly between two planes that are spanned by sides of a cuboid, wherein the sides of the cuboid are oriented parallel to one another as well as to a line extension direction of the single-line array and part of the optical path of the optical channels between the image sensor and the beam-deflecting means, wherein the volume of the cuboid is at a minimum and still includes the image sensor, single-line array and the beam-deflecting means. 
     In other words, the installation height of the multi-aperture imaging systems or apparatuses with linear channel arrangement can be limited towards the bottom by a diameter of the lenses (optics). Multi-aperture imaging systems with linear channel arrangement can aim at an installation height that is as low as possible. In order to not increase the installation height of the camera structure any further, the means for realizing relative movements between image sensor(s), imaging optics and possibly existing beam deflecting mirrors can be placed beside, before and/or behind the imaging module (image sensor and single-line array) but not above and/or below the same. 
     The relative movement can be performed in a translational and/or rotational manner, analogously or stable along two or multiple directions and can be used for realizing focusing and optical image stabilization functions. The movement of the mirror (beam-deflecting means) can be performed based on pneumatic, hydraulic, piezoelectric actuators; DC motors; step motors; thermal actuators; electrostatic actuators; electrostrictive and/or magnetostrictive actuators or drives. 
     Actuators of the actuator means described herein for using autofocus and/or optical image stabilization can be controlled independently of one another (individually) in a synchronous manner or even identically to one another. This applies in particular also for a multiple arrangement of multi-aperture imaging devices in a housing, such as in a multi-aperture imaging system. 
     By arranging the described driving, guiding and holding elements for realizing relative movements between single components of the multi-aperture camera structures for realizing relative movements without increasing the installation height that is essentially determined by a diameter of the optics, flat cameras can be arranged in flat housings, such that the flat housings can be further miniaturized. 
     Embodiments described herein describe multi-aperture imaging systems with linear channel arrangement and smallest installation size. 
     Some of the embodiments described herein are related to an arrangement of components for generating movements based on the voice-coil principle for realizing focusing and optical stabilization functions in multi-aperture imaging systems with linear arrangement of the imaging channels. 
     Voice-coil motors are frequently or most frequently used drives and are adapted to single aperture principles with their structure and can be optimized for them. 
     For realizing the focus function, advantageously, the imaging module can be moveable along the optical axis of the optical channels by using a voice-coil drive, wherein the image sensor(s) can be stationary or vice versa. For realizing an optical image stabilization function, for example or advantageously, the imaging module can be moveable perpendicularly to the optical axes of the optical channels in two dimensions relative to the stationary image sensor(s) by using voice-coil drives or vice versa. Possibly desirable or necessitated restoring forces can be generated by a mechanical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic spring. 
     When using a beam-deflecting mirror, alternatively, the function of optical image stabilization can be obtained. This can be performed by a one-dimensional change of the viewing direction by changing the orientation of the mirror with respect to the optical axis of the imaging channels. The pivoted mirror can be brought into a different orientation, wherein the axis of rotation of the mirror can run perpendicularly or almost perpendicularly to the optical axes of the imaging channels. For adapting the viewing direction perpendicular to the above-described viewing direction, image sensor and/or array objective can be moved laterally to one another. When combining both movements, two-dimensional optical image stabilization can be obtained. The described solutions for adapting the focusing and/or optical image stabilization can be combined. It is an advantage that desirable or necessitated driving, guiding and/or holding elements for realizing relative movements by using voice-coil drives between single components of the multi-aperture camera structures can be obtained without increasing the installation height that is essentially determined by the diameter of the lenses. 
     According to further embodiments, an arrangement of components for generating movements based on piezoelectric bending converters and/or thermal bender arrangements for realizing focusing and optical image stabilization functions in multi-aperture imaging systems with linear arrangement of the imaging channels is described. 
     Piezoelectric and thermal bending elements can have the advantages of low switching times and cost-effective production. For providing sufficiently large actuator travels, the elements can be formed in an elongated manner, such that their usage in conventional single aperture cameras results in a great enlargement of the installation space and is hence not used. On the other hand, multi-aperture imaging systems with linear channel arrangement can have a different aspect ratio of the installation space compared to conventional single-aperture objectives. Here, the installation height of the multi-aperture imaging systems with linear channel arrangement can be limited towards the bottom by the diameter of the lenses. Multi-aperture imaging systems with linear channel arrangement can aim at an installation height that is as low as possible. For realizing the focusing function, advantageously, the imaging module can be moved along the optical axes of the channels by using one or several piezoelectric or thermal bending converters, wherein the image sensor(s) can be stationary or vice versa. This means, alternatively, the image sensor(s) can be moved wherein the imaging module is stationary. Both concepts can be combined. Here, systems can be differentiated by using one or two bending converters. The amended aspect ratio of the installation space and/or the structure can allow the usage of piezoelectric and/or thermal bending converters without obtaining a significant enlargement of the structure. Further, advantageously, no enlargement of the installation height may be obtained. 
     For realizing the optical image stabilization function, advantageously, the imaging module can be moved perpendicularly to the optical channels in two dimensions relative to the stationary image sensor(s) by using piezoelectric and/or thermal bending converters. Possibly desirable or necessitated restoring forces can be generated by a mechanical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic spring. Alternatively or additionally, the image sensor(s) can be moved, wherein the imaging module can be stationary. When using a beam deflecting mirror, alternatively, the optical image stabilization function can be obtained. This can be obtained by a one-dimensional change of the viewing direction, which can be obtained by changing the orientation of the mirror with respect to the optical axis of the imaging channels by bringing the pivoted mirror into a different orientation, wherein the axis of rotation of the mirror can run perpendicular or almost perpendicular to the optical axes of the imaging channels. For adapting the viewing direction perpendicular to the above described one, image sensor and/or array objective can be moved laterally to one another. When combining both movements, two-dimensional optical image stabilization can be obtained. The described solution for adaptation of focusing and/or optical image stabilization can be combined with one another. 
     This allows the usage of fast and/or cost effective drives which is not possible or desirable in conventional structures due to geometrical boundary conditions. 
     It has already been noted above that the optical paths or optical axes can be directed in different directions starting from the beam-deflecting direction. This can be obtained in that the optical paths are directed, during deflection at the beam-deflecting means and/or by the optics, in a manner deviating from parallelism. The optical paths or optical axes can deviate from parallelism before or without beam deflection. Below, this circumstance will be described such that the channels can be provided with some sort of pre-divergence. With this pre-divergence of the optical axes, it would be possible, for example, that not all facet inclinations of facets of the beam-deflecting means differ from one another, but that some groups of channels, for example, have the facets with the same inclination or are directed to the same. The latter can be formed integrally or continuously converging, virtually as one facet which is allocated to this group of channels adjacent in a line extension direction. The divergence of the optical axes of these channels could then originate from the divergence of these optical axes as it is obtained by a lateral offset between optical centers of the optics of the optical channels and image sensor areas of the channels. The pre-divergence could be limited, for example, to one plane. Before or without beam deflection, for example, the optical axes could run in a common plane but divergent within the same, and the facets effect merely additional divergence in the other transversal plane, i.e. all of them are inclined parallel to the line extension direction and with respect to one another, only differing from the above-mentioned common plane of the optical axes, wherein again several facets can have the same inclination or can be allocated together to a group of channels whose optical axes differ, for example, already in the above-mentioned common plane of the optical axes in pairs, before or without beam deflection. Simply put, the optics can allow (pre-) divergence of the optical paths along a first (image) direction and the beam-deflecting means a divergence of the optical paths along a second (image) direction. 
     The mentioned, possibly existing, pre-divergence can be obtained, for example, in that the optical centers of the objects lie on a straight line along the line extension direction, while the centers of the image sensor areas are arranged deviating from the projection of the optical centers along the normal of the plane of the image sensor areas on points of a straight line in the image sensor plane, such as at points which deviate from the points on the above-mentioned straight line in the image sensor plane in a channel-individual manner along the line extension direction and/or along the direction perpendicular to both the line extension direction and the image sensor normal. Alternatively, pre-divergence can be obtained in that the centers of the image sensors lie on a straight line along the line extension direction, while the centers of the optics are arranged deviating from the projection of the optical centers of the image sensors along the normal of the plane of the optical centers of the optics on points on a straight line in the optics center plane, such as at points deviating from the points on the above-mentioned straight line in the optic center plane in a channel-individual manner along the line extension direction and/or along the direction perpendicular to both the line extension direction and the normal of the optic center plane. It is advantageous when the above-mentioned channel-individual deviation from the respective projection merely runs in line extension direction, i.e. the optical axes merely reside within a common plane and are provided with pre-divergence. Both optical centers and image sensor area centers are then each on a straight line parallel to the line extension direction but with different intermediate distances. A lateral offset between lenses and image sensors in perpendicular lateral direction to the line extension direction would thus result in an increase of the installation height. A pure in-plane offset in the line extension direction does not change the installation height, but possibly less facets result and/or the facets have only a tilting in an angular orientation which simplifies the structure. Thus, for example, respectively adjacent optical channels can have optical axes running in the common plane, each squinting with respect to one another, i.e. provided with pre-divergence. A facet can be arranged with respect to a group of optical channels, can be inclined merely in one direction and can be parallel to the line extension direction. 
     Further, it could be provided that some optical channels are allocated to the same partial field of view, such as for the purpose of super-resolution or of increasing the resolution by which the respective partial field of view is sampled by these channels. The optical channels within such a group would then be parallel, for example before the beam deflection parallel and would be deflected by a facet on a partial field of view. Advantageously, pixel images of the image sensor of a channel of a group would be in intermediate positions between images of the pixels of the image sensor of a different channel of this group. 
     Another option could be, for example, even without super-resolution purposes, but merely for stereoscopy purposes, an implementation where a group of immediately adjacent channels completely cover the total field of view in the line extension direction by their partial fields of view and that a further group of immediately adjacent channels completely cover the total field of view on their part. 
     Thus, the above embodiments can be implemented in the form of a multi-aperture imaging device and/or an imaging system including such a multi-aperture imaging device, with a single-line channel arrangement, wherein each channel transmits a partial field of view of a total field of view and the partial fields of view partly overlap. A structure having several such multi-aperture imaging devices for stereo, trio, quatro, etc. structures, for 3D image capturing, is possible. The plurality of modules can be implemented as continuous line. The continuous line could use identical actuators and a common beam-deflecting element. One or several amplifying substrates possibly existing in the optical path could then extend across the entire line which can form a stereo, trio, quatro structure. Methods of super-resolution can be used, wherein several channels image the same partial image areas. The optical axes can also run divergently without beam-deflecting device such that fewer facets are necessitated on the beam-deflecting unit. Then, the facets advantageously only have one angular component. The image sensor can be integrally formed, can have only one contiguous pixel matrix or several interrupted ones. The image sensor can be a combination of several partial sensors which are arranged beside one another, for example on a printed circuit board. An auto-focus drive can be configured such that the beam-deflecting element is moved synchronously with the optics or is stationary. 
     While some aspects have been described in the context of an apparatus, it is obvious that these aspects also represent a description of the respective method, such that a block or member of an apparatus can also be considered as a respective method step or as a feature of a method step. Analogously, aspects that have been described in the context of or as a method step also represent a description of a respective block or detail or feature of a respective apparatus. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several advantageous embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and compositions of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.