Patent Publication Number: US-2015077627-A1

Title: Curved sensor formed from silicon fibers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PENDING PATENT APPLICATIONS, CLAIMS FOR PRIORITY &amp; INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The Present Continuation-in-Part patent application is related to: 
     Pending U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/135,402, filed on 30 Jun. 2011; 
     Pending U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/930,165, filed on 28 Dec. 2010; 
     Pending U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/655,819, filed on 6 Jan. 2010; and 
     Provisional Patent Application 61/208,456, filed on 23 Feb. 2009, now abandoned. 
     In accordance with the provisions of Sections 119 And/or 120 of Title 35 of the United States Code of Laws, the Applicants claim the benefit of priority for any and all subject matter which is commonly disclosed in the Present Continuation-in-Part patent application, and in any of the related patent applications and/or patent Grants identified above. 
     The subject matter of the Non-Provisional applications identified above are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the present invention relates to a curved concave sensor formed from silicon fibers. 
     INTRODUCTION 
     The title of this Continuation-in-Part patent application is Curved Sensor Formed From Silicon Fibers. The Applicant is:
         Gary Edwin Sutton of 1865 Caminito Ascua, La Jolla, Calif. 92037.   The Applicant is a Citizen of the United States of America.       

     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     I. A Brief History of Cameras 
     Evolution of the Three Primary Camera Types 
     Current photographic cameras evolved from the first “box” and “bellows” models into three basic formats by the late twentieth century. 
     The rangefinder came first. It was followed by the SLR, or, single lens reflex and finally the Compact “Point and Shoot” cameras. Most portable cameras today use rangefinder, SLR or “Point and Shoot” formats. 
     Simple Conventional Cameras 
       FIG. 1  is a simplified view of a conventional camera, which includes an enclosure, an objective lens and a flat section of photographic film or a flat sensor. 
     A simple lens with a flat film or sensor faces several problems. Light travels over a longer pathway to the edges of the film or the sensor&#39;s image area, diluting those rays. Besides being weaker, as those rays travel farther to the sensor&#39;s edges, they suffer more “rainbow effect,” or chromatic aberration. 
       FIG. 2  presents a simplified view of the human eye, which includes a curved surface for forming an image. The human eye, for example, needs only a cornea and a single lens to form an image. But on average, one human retina contains twenty-five million rods and six million cones. Today&#39;s high end cameras use lenses with from six to twenty elements. Only the rarest, most expensive cameras have as many pixels as the eye has rods and cones, and none of these cameras capture images after sunset without artificial light. 
     The eagle&#39;s retina has eight times as many retinal sensors as the human eye. They are arranged on a sphere the size of a marble. The eagle&#39;s rounded sensors make simpler optics possible. No commercially available camera that is available today has a pixel count which equals a fourth of the count of sensors in an eagle&#39;s eye. The eagle eye uses a simple lens and a curved retina. The best conventional cameras use multiple element lenses with sophisticated coatings, rare earth materials and complex formulas. This is all to compensate for their flat sensors. The eagle sees clearly at noon, in daylight or at dusk with simpler, lighter and smaller optics than any camera. 
     Rangefinder Cameras 
     Rangefinder cameras are typified by a broad spectrum from the early LEICA™ thirty-five millimeter cameras, for professionals, to the later “INSTAMATIC™” film types for the masses. (Most of KODAK&#39;s™ INSTAMATIC™ cameras did not focus, so they were not true rangefinders. A few “Instamatic type” models focused, and had a “viewing” lens separated from the “taking” lens, qualifying them as rangefinders.) 
     Rangefinder cameras have a “taking” lens to put the image on the film (or sensor today) when the shutter opens and closes; mechanically or digitally. These cameras use a second lens for viewing the scene. Focusing takes place through this viewing lens which connects to, and focuses, the taking lens. 
     Since the taking lens and the viewing lens are different, and have different perspectives on the scene being photographed, the taken image is always slightly different than the viewed image. This problem, called parallax, is minor in most situations but becomes acute at close distances. 
     Longer telephoto lenses, which magnify more, are impractical for rangefinder formats. This is because two lenses are required, they are expensive and require more side-to-side space than exists within the camera body. That&#39;s why no long telephoto lenses exist for rangefinder cameras. 
     Some rangefinder cameras use a frame in the viewfinder which shifts the border to match that of the taking lens as the focus changes. This aligns the view with the picture actually taken, but only for that portion that&#39;s in focus. Backgrounds and foregrounds that are not in focus shift, so those parts of the photographed image still vary slightly from what was seen in the viewfinder. 
     A few rangefinder cameras do exist that use interchangeable or attachable lenses, but parallax remains an unsolvable problem and so no manufacturer has ever successfully marketed a rangefinder camera with much beyond slightly wide or mildly long telephoto accessories. Any added rangefinder lens must also be accompanied by a similar viewfinder lens. If not, what is viewed won&#39;t match the photograph taken at all. This doubles the lens cost. 
     A derivation of the rangefinder, with the same limitations for accessory lenses, was the twin lens reflex, such as those made by ROLLEI-WERKE™ cameras. 
     Compact, or “Point and Shoot” Cameras 
     Currently, the most popular format for casual photographers is the “Point and Shoot” camera. They emerged first as film cameras but are now nearly all digital. Many have optical zoom lenses permanently attached with no possibility for interchanging optics. The optical zoom, typically, has a four to one range, going from slight wide angle to mild telephoto perspectives. Optical zooms don&#39;t often go much beyond this range for acceptable results and speed. Some makers push optical zoom beyond this four to one range, but the resulting images and speeds deteriorate. Others add digital zoom to enhance their optical range; causing results that most trade editors and photographers currently hate, for reasons described in following pages. 
     There are no “Point and Shoot” cameras with wide angle lenses as wide as the perspective are for an eighteen millimeter SLR lens (when used, for relative comparison, on the old standard thirty-five millimeter film SLR cameras.) There are no “Point and Shoot” cameras with telephoto lenses as long as a two hundred millimeter SLR lens would have been (if on the same old thirty-five millimeter film camera format.) 
     Today, more photographs are taken daily by mobile phones and PDAs than by conventional cameras. These will be included in the references herein as “Point and Shoot Cameras.” 
     Single Lens Reflex (SLR) Cameras 
     Single lens reflex cameras are most commonly used by serious amateurs and professionals today since they can use wide selections of accessory lenses. 
     With 35 mm film SLRs, these lenses range from 18 mm “fisheye” lenses to 1,000 mm super-telephoto lenses, plus optical zooms that cover many ranges in between. 
     With SLRs there&#39;s a mirror behind the taking lens which reflects the image into a viewfinder. When the shutter is pressed, this mirror flips up and out of the way, so the image then goes directly onto the film or sensor. In this way, the viewfinder shows the photographer almost the exact image that will be taken, from extremes in wide vistas to distant telephoto shots. The only exception to an “exact” image capture comes in fast action photography, when the delay caused by the mirror movement can result in the picture taken being slightly different than that image the photographer saw a fraction of a second earlier. 
     This ability to work with a large variety of lenses made the SLR a popular camera format of the late twentieth century, despite some inherent disadvantages. 
     Those SLR disadvantages are the complexity of the mechanism, requiring more moving parts than with other formats, plus the noise, vibration and delay caused by the mirror motion. Also, lens designs are constrained, due to the lens needing to be placed farther out in front of the path of the moving mirror, which is more distant from the film or sensor, causing lenses to be heavier, larger and less optimal. There is also the introduction of dust, humidity and other foreign objects into the camera body and on the rear lens elements when lenses are changed. 
     Dust became a worse problem when digital SLRs arrived, since the sensor is fixed, unlike film. Film could roll away the dust speck so only one frame was affected. With digital cameras, every picture is spotted until the sensor is cleaned. Recent designs use intermittent vibrations to clear the sensor. This doesn&#39;t remove the dust from the camera and fails to remove oily particles. Even more recent designs, recognizing the seriousness of this problem, have adhesive strips inside the cameras to capture the dust if it is vibrated off the sensor. These adhesive strips, however, should be changed regularly to be effective, and, camera users typically would require service technicians to do this. 
     Some of these “vibration” designs assume all photos use a horizontal format, with no adhesive to catch the dust if the sensor vibrates while in a vertical position, or, when pointed skyward or down. 
     Since the inherent function of an SLR is to use interchangeable lenses, the problem continues. 
     Extra weight and bulk are added by the mirror mechanism and viewfinder optics to SLRs. SLRs need precise lens and body mounting mechanisms, which also have mechanical and often electrical connections between the SLR lens and the SLR body. This further adds weight, complexity and cost. 
     Optical Zoom Lenses 
     Optical zoom lenses reduce the need to change lenses with an SLR. The photographer simply zooms in or out for most shots. Still, for some situations, an even wider or longer accessory lens is required with the SLR, and the photographer changes lenses anyway. 
     Many “Point and Shoot” cameras today have zoom lenses as standard; permanently attached. Nearly all SLRs offer zoom lenses as accessories. While optical technology continues to improve, there are challenges to the zoom range any lens can adequately perform. Other dilemmas with zoom lenses are that they are heavier than their standard counterparts, they are “slower,” meaning less light gets through, limiting usefulness, and zoom lenses never deliver images that are as sharp or deliver the color fidelity as a comparable fixed focal length lens. And again, the optical zoom, by moving more elements in the lens, introduces more moving parts, which can lead to mechanical problems with time and usage, plus added cost. Because optical zooms expand mechanically, they also function like an air pump, sucking in outside air while zooming to telephoto and squeezing out air when retracting for wider angle perspectives. This can introduce humidity and dust to the inner elements. 
     II. The Limitations of Conventional Mobile Phone Cameras 
     The Gartner Group reported that over one billion mobile phones were sold worldwide in 2009. A large portion of currently available mobile phones include a camera. These cameras are usually low quality photographic devices with simple planar arrays situated behind a conventional lens. The quality of images that may be captured with these cell phone cameras is generally lower than that which may be captured with dedicated point-and-shoot or more advanced cameras. Cell phone cameras usually lack advanced controls for shutter speed, telephoto or other features. 
     Conventional Cell Phone and PDA Cameras Suffer from the Same Four Deficiencies.
         1. Because they use flat digital sensors, the optics are deficient, producing poor quality pictures. To get normal resolution would require larger and bulkier lenses, which would cause these compact devices to become unwieldy.   2. Another compromise is that these lenses are slow, gathering less light. Many of the pictures taken with these devices are after sunset or indoors. This often means flash is required to enhance the illumination. With the lens so close to the flash unit, as is required in a compact device, a phenomena known as “red-eye” often occurs. (In darkened situations, the pupil dilates in order to see better. In that situation, the flash often reflects off the subject&#39;s retina, creating a disturbing “red eye” image. This is so common that some camera makers wired their devices so a series of flashes go off before the picture is taken with flash, in an attempt to close down the pupils. This sometimes works and always disturbs the candid pose. Pencils to mark out “red eye” are available at retail. There are “red eye” pencils for humans and even “pet eye” pencils for animals. Some camera software developers have written algorithms that detect “red eye” results and artificially remove the “red eye,” sometimes matching the subject&#39;s true eye color, but not always.   3. Flash photography shortens battery life.   4. Flash photography is artificial. Faces in the foreground can be bleached white while backgrounds go dark. Chin lines are pronounced, and it sometimes becomes possible to see into a human subject&#39;s nostrils, which is not always pleasing to viewers.       

     Current sales of high definition television sets demonstrate the growing public demand for sharper images. In the past, INSTAMATIC® cameras encouraged more picture-taking, but those new photographers soon tired of the relatively poor image quality. Thirty-five millimeter cameras, which were previously owned mostly by professionals and serious hobbyists, soon became a mass market product. 
     With unprecedented numbers of photos now being taken with mobile phones, and the image quality being acceptable now, but probably less acceptable in the near future, this cycle is likely to repeat. 
     The development of a system that reduces these problems would constitute a major technological advance, and would satisfy long-felt needs in the imaging business. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises methods and apparatus for a curved sensor which is manufactured from silicon or other fibers. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, pixels having varying sizes are formed on a sensor. 
     In yet another embodiment, every other pixel in each ring of pixels is positioned slightly above its two neighboring pixels. 
     An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention, and a more complete and comprehensive understanding of this invention, may be obtained by studying the following description of a preferred embodiment, and by referring to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a generalized conventional camera with flat film or a flat sensor. 
         FIG. 2  is a simplified depiction of the human eye. 
         FIG. 3  provides a generalized schematic diagram of a digital camera with a curved sensor manufactured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C offer an assortment of views of a generally curved sensor. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a sensor formed from nine planar segments or facets. 
         FIG. 6  reveals a cross-sectional view of a generally curved surface comprising a number of flat facets. 
         FIG. 7  provides a perspective view of the curved surface shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  offers a view of one method of making the electrical connections for the sensor shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  portray additional details of the sensor illustrated in  FIG. 7 , before and after enlarging the gaps above the substrate, so the flat surface can be bent. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  supply views of sensor connections. 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict a series of petal-shaped segments of ultra-thin silicon that are bent or otherwise formed to create a generally dome-shaped surface, somewhat like an umbrella. 
         FIG. 12  furnishes a detailed view of an array of sensor segments. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a curved shape that is produced when the segments shown in  FIG. 12  are joined. 
         FIGS. 14A ,  14 B and  14 C illustrate an alternative method of the invention that uses a thin layer of semiconductor material that is formed into a generally dome-shaped surface using a mandrel. 
         FIGS. 14D ,  14 E and  14 F illustrate methods for formed a generally dome-shaped surface using a mandrel. 
         FIG. 14G  shows the dome-shaped surface after sensors have been deployed on its surface. 
         FIG. 15A  shows a camera taking a wide angle photo image. 
         FIG. 15B  shows a camera taking a normal perspective photo image. 
         FIG. 15C  shows a camera taking a telephoto image. 
         FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate the feature of variable pixel density by comparing views of a conventional sensor with one of the embodiments of the present invention, where pixels are more concentrated in the center. 
         FIGS. 18 ,  19 ,  20  and  21  provide schematic views of a camera with a retractable and extendable shade. When the camera is used for wide angle shots, the lens shade retracts. For telephoto shots, the lens shade extends. For normal perspectives, the lens shade protrudes partially. 
         FIGS. 22 and 23  supply two views of a composite sensor. In the first view, the sensor is aligned in its original position, and captures a first image. In the second view, the sensor has been rotated, and captures a second image. The two successive images are combined to produce a comprehensive final image. 
         FIGS. 24A and 24B  offer an alternative embodiment to that shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , in which the sensor position is displaced diagonally between exposures. 
         FIGS. 25A ,  25 B,  25 C and  25 D offer four views of sensors that include gaps between a variety of arrays of sensor facets. 
         FIGS. 26 ,  27  and  28  provide illustrations of the back of a moving sensor, revealing a variety of connecting devices which may be used to extract an electrical signal. 
         FIG. 29  is a block diagram that illustrates a wireless connection between a sensor and a processor. 
         FIG. 30  is a schematic side sectional view of a camera apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 31  is a front view of the sensor of the camera apparatus of  FIG. 30 . 
         FIG. 32  is a block diagram of a camera apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 33 ,  34 ,  35 ,  36  and  37  provide various views of an electronic device which incorporates a curved sensor. 
         FIGS. 38 through 50  illustrate a method to capture more detail from a scene than the sensor is otherwise capable of recording. 
         FIG. 51  presents a schematic illustration of an optical element which moves in a tight circular path over a stationary flat sensor. 
         FIG. 52  is an overhead view of the optical element and sensor shown in  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 53  presents a schematic illustration of an optical element which moves over a stationary curved sensor. 
         FIG. 54  is an overhead view of the optical element and sensor shown in  FIG. 53 . 
         FIG. 55  presents a schematic illustration of a method for imparting motion to a flat sensor, which moves beneath a stationary optical element. 
         FIG. 56  is an overhead view of the optical element and sensor shown in  FIG. 55 . 
         FIG. 57  presents a schematic illustration of a method for imparting circular motion to a sensor, such as the ones shown in  FIGS. 55 and 56 . 
         FIG. 58  is a perspective illustration of the components shown in  FIG. 58 . 
         FIG. 59  presents a schematic illustration of a method for imparting motion to a curved sensor, which moves beneath a stationary optical element. 
         FIG. 60  is an overhead view of the optical element and sensor shown in  FIG. 59 . 
         FIG. 61  is a schematic illustration of a method for imparting circular motion to an optical element. 
         FIG. 62  presents nine sequential views of a flat sensor as it moves in a single circular path. 
         FIG. 63  is a schematic representation of a flat sensor arrayed with pixels. In  FIG. 63 , the sensor resides in its original position. In  FIGS. 64 and 65 , the sensor continues to rotate through the circular path. 
         FIG. 66  depicts a single strand of silicon fiber. 
         FIG. 67  shows a mesh woven from silicon fibers. 
         FIGS. 68 and 69  illustrate a method for forming a dome of woven fabric using a pair of heated mandrels. 
         FIGS. 70 and 71  depict a method for arranging parallel fibers and then heating them to form a fused laminate that includes a hemispherical portion. 
         FIG. 72  illustrates a method for arranging two sets of orthogonal fibers and heating them to form a fused laminate. 
         FIG. 73  supplies a view of a curved sensor having different sized mini-sensors. 
         FIG. 74  shows the sensor depicted in  FIG. 73  as it rotates. 
         FIG. 75  shows a section of staggered pixel arrays. 
     
    
    
     A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED &amp; ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     I. Overview of the Invention 
     The present invention provides methods and apparatus related to a camera having a non-planar or curved sensor. The present invention may be incorporated in a mobile communication device. In this Specification, and in the Claims that follow, the terms “mobile communication device” and “mobile communication means” are intended to include any apparatus or combination of hardware and/or software which may be used to communicate, which includes transmitting and/or receiving information, data or content or any other form of signals or intelligence. 
     Specific examples of mobile communication devices include cellular or wireless telephones, smart phones, personal digital assistants, laptop or netbook computers, iPads™ or other readers/computers, or any other generally portable device which may be used for telecommunications or viewing or recording visual content. 
     Unlike conventional cellular telephones which include cameras that utilize conventional flat sensors, the present invention includes curved or otherwise non-planar sensors. In one embodiment, the non-planar surfaces of the sensor used in the present invention comprise a plurality of small flat segments which altogether approximate a curved surface. In general, the sensor used by the present invention occupies three dimensions of space, as opposed to conventional sensors, which are planes that are substantially and generally contained in two physical dimensions. 
     The present invention may utilize sensors which are configured in a variety of three-dimensional shapes, including, but not limited to, spherical, paraboloidal and ellipsoidal surfaces. 
     In the present Specification, the terms “curvilinear” and “curved” encompass any line, edge, boundary, segment, surface or feature that is not completely colinear with a straight line. The term “sensor” encompasses any detector, imaging device, measurement device, transducer, focal plane array, charge-coupled device (CCD), complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or photocell that responds to an incident photon of any wavelength. 
     While some embodiments of the present invention are configured to record images in the optical spectrum, other embodiments of the present invention may be used for a variety of tasks which pertain to gathering, sensing and/or recording other forms of radiation. Embodiments of the present invention include systems that gather and/or record color, black and white, infra-red, ultraviolet, x-rays or any other stream of radiation, emanation, wave or particle. Embodiments of the present invention also include systems that record still images or motion pictures. 
     II. Specific Embodiments of the Invention 
       FIG. 3  provides a generalized schematic diagram of a digital camera  10  with a curved sensor  12  sub-assembly which may be incorporated into a mobile communication device. A housing  14  has an optical element  16  mounted on one of its walls. The objective lens  16  receives incoming light  18 . In this embodiment, the optical element is an objective lens. In general, the sensor  12  converts the energy of the incoming photons  18  to an electrical output  20 , which is then fed to a signal or photon processor  22 . The signal processor  22  is connected to user controls  24 , a battery or power supply  26  and to a solid state memory  28 . Images created by the signal processor  22  are stored in the memory  28 . Images may be extracted or downloaded from the camera through an output terminal  30 , such as a USB port. 
     Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, mobile communication devices with a camera that incorporate the following sensors:
         1. Curved sensors: Generally continuous portions of spheres, or revolutions of conic sections such as parabolas or ellipses or other non-planar shapes. Examples of a generally curved sensor  12  appear in  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C. In this specification, various embodiments of curved sensors are identified with reference character  12 ,  12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c , and so on.   2. Faceted sensors: Aggregations of polygonal facets or segments. Any suitable polygon may be used, including squares, rectangles, triangles, trapezoids, pentagons, hexagons, septagons, octagons or others.  FIG. 5  exhibits a sensor  12   a  comprising nine flat polygonal segments or facets  32   a . For some applications, a simplified assembly of a few flat sensors might lose most of the benefit of a smoother curve, while achieving a much lower cost.  FIGS. 6 and 7  provide side and perspective views of a generally spherical sensor surface  12   b  comprising a number of flat facets  32   b .  FIG. 7  shows exaggerated gaps  34  between the facets. The facets could each have hundreds, thousands or many millions of pixels. In this specification, the facets of the sensor  12  are identified with reference characters  32 ,  32   a ,  32   b ,  32   c  and so on.       

       FIG. 8  offers a view of the electrical connections  36  for the curved sensor  12   b  shown in  FIG. 7 . The semiconductor facet array is disposed on the interior surface. The exterior surface may be a MYLAR™, KAPTON™ or similar wiring backplane formed in a curved shape. Vias provide electrical connections between the facet array and the wiring backplane. In one embodiment, two to two thousand or more electrical pathways may connect the facet array and the wiring backplane. 
       FIG. 9  provides a detailed view of facets on the curved sensor  12   b . In general, the more polygons that are employed to mimic a generally spherical surface, the more the sensor will resemble a smooth curve. In one embodiment of the invention, a wafer is manufactured so that each camera sensor has tessellated facets. Either the front side or the rear side of the wafer of sensor chips is attached to a flexible membrane that may bend slightly (such as MYLAR™ or KAPTON™), but which is sufficiently rigid to maintain the individual facets in their respective locations. A thin line is etched into the silicon chip between each facet, but not through the flexible membrane. The wafer is then shaped into a generally spherical surface. Each facet is manufactured with vias formed through the wafer to connect a rear wiring harness. This harness may also provide mechanical support for the individual facets. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  furnish a view of the facets  32   b  which reside on the interior of the curved sensor, and the electrical interconnects that link the sensor facets with the wiring backplane. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate a wiring backplane  38  which may be used to draw output signals from the facets on the sensor. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  show a generally hemispherical shape  40  that has been formed by bending and then joining a number of ultra-thin silicon petal-shaped segments  42 . These segments are bent slightly, and then joined to form the curved sensor. 
       FIG. 12  provides a view of one embodiment of the petal-shaped segments  42 . Conventional manufacturing methods may be employed to produce these segments. In one embodiment, these segments are formed from ultra-thin silicon, which are able to bend somewhat without breaking. In this Specification, and in the Claims that follow, the term “ultra-thin” denotes a range extending generally from 50 to 250 microns. In another embodiment, pixel density is increased at the points of the segments, and are gradually decreased toward the base of each segment. This embodiment may be implemented by programming changes to the software or mask that creates the pixels. 
       FIG. 13  offers a perspective view of one embodiment of a curved shape that is formed when the segments shown in  FIG. 12  are joined or slightly overlap. The sensors are placed on the concave side, while the electrical connections are made on the convex side. The number of petals used to form this non-planar surface may comprise any suitable number. Heat or radiation may be employed to form the silicon into a desired shape. The curvature of the petals may be varied to suit any particular sensor design. 
     In one alternative embodiment, a flat center sensor might be surrounded by these “petals” with squared-off points. 
       FIGS. 14A ,  14 B and  14 C depict an alternative method for forming a curved sensor.  FIG. 14A  depicts a dome-shaped first mandrel  43   a  on a substrate  43   b . In  FIG. 14B , a thin sheet of heated deformable material  43   c  is impressed over the first mandrel  43   a . The central area of the deformable material  43   c  takes the shape of the first mandrel  43   a , forming a generally hemispherical base  43   e  for a curved sensor, as shown in  FIG. 14C . 
       FIGS. 14D ,  14 E and  14 F depict an alternative method for forming the base of a curved sensor. In  FIG. 14D , a second sheet of heated, deformable material  43   f  is placed over a second mandrel  43   g . A vacuum pressure is applied to ports  43   h , which draws the second sheet of heated, deformable material  43   f  downward into the empty region  43   i  enclosed by the second mandrel  43   g .  FIG. 14E  illustrates the next step in the process. A heater  43   j  increases the temperature of the second mandrel  43   g , while the vacuum pressure imposed on ports  43   h  pulls the second sheet of heated, deformable material  43   f  down against the inside of the second mandrel  43   g .  FIG. 14F  shows the resulting generally hemispherical dome  43   k , which is then used as the base of a curved sensor. 
       FIG. 14G  shows a generally hemispherical base  43   e  or  43   k  for a curved sensor after sensor pixels  431  have been formed on the base  43   e  or  43   k.    
     Digital Zoom Enhancements 
       FIG. 15A  shows a camera taking a wide angle photo.  FIG. 15A  shows the same camera taking a normal perspective photo, while  FIG. 15B  shows a telephoto view. In each view, the scene stays the same. The view screen on the camera shows a panorama in  FIG. 15A , a normal view in  FIG. 15B , and detail from the distance in  FIG. 15C . Just as with optical zoom, digital zoom shows the operator exactly the scene that is being processed from the camera sensor. 
     Digital zoom is software-driven. The camera either captures only a small portion of the central image, the entire scene or any perspective in between. The monitor shows the operator what portion of the overall image is being recorded. When digitally zooming out to telephoto in one embodiment of the present invention, which uses denser pixels in its center, the software can use all the data. Since the center has more pixels per area, the telephoto image, even though it is cropped down to a small section of the sensor, produces a crisp image. This is because the pixels are more dense at the center. 
     When the camera has “zoomed back” into a wide angle perspective, the software can compress the data in the center to approximate the density of the pixels in the edges of the image. Because so many more pixels are involved in the center of this wide angle scene, this does not effect wide angle image quality. Yet, if uncompressed, the center pixels represent unnecessary and invisible detail captured, and require more storage capacity and processing time. Current photographic language might call the center section as being processed “RAW” or uncompressed when shooting telephoto but being processed as “JPEG” or other compression algorithm in the center when the image is wide angle. 
     Digital zoom is currently disdained by industry experts. When traditional sensors capture an image, digital zooming creates images that break up into jagged lines, forms visible pixels and yields poor resolution. 
     Optical zoom has never created images as sharp as fixed focus length lenses are capable of producing. Optical zooms are also slower, letting less light through the optical train. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide lighter, faster, cheaper and more dependable cameras. In one embodiment, the present invention provides digital zoom. Since this does not require optical zoom, it uses inherently lighter lens designs with fewer elements. 
     In various embodiments of the invention, more pixels are concentrated in the center of the sensor, and fewer are placed at the edges of the sensor. Various densities may be arranged in between the center and the edges. This feature allows the user to zoom into a telephoto shot using the center section only, and still have high resolution. 
     In one embodiment, when viewing the photograph in the wide field of view, the center pixels are “binned” or summed together to normalize the resolution to the value of the outer pixel density. 
     When viewing the photograph in telephoto mode, the center pixels are utilized in their highest resolution, showing maximum detail without requiring any adjustment of lens or camera settings. 
     The digital zoom feature offers extra wide angle to extreme telephoto zoom. This feature is enabled due to the extra resolving power, contrast, speed and color resolution lenses are able to deliver when the digital sensor is not flat, but curved, somewhat like the retina of a human eye. The average human eye, with a cornea and single lens element, uses, on average, 25 million rods and 6 million cones to capture images. This is more image data than is captured by all but a rare and expensive model or two of the cameras that are commercially available today, and those cameras typically must use seven to twenty element lenses, since they are constrained by flat sensors. These cameras cannot capture twilight images without artificial lighting, or, by boosting the ISO which loses image detail. These high-end cameras currently use sensors with up to 48 millimeter diagonal areas, while the average human eyeball has a diameter of 25 millimeters. Eagle eyes, which are far smaller, have eight times as many sensors as a human eye, again showing the optical potential that a curved sensor or retina provides. Embodiments of the present invention are more dependable, cheaper and provide higher performance. Interchangeable lenses are no longer necessary, which eliminates the need for moving mirrors and connecting mechanisms. Further savings are realized due to simpler lens designs, with fewer elements, because flat film and sensors, unlike curved surfaces, are at varying distances and angles from the light coming from the lens. This causes chromatic aberrations and varying intensity across the sensor. To compensate for that, current lenses, over the last two centuries, have mitigated the problem almost entirely, but, with huge compromises. Those compromises include limits on speed, resolving power, contrast, and color resolution. Also, the conventional lens designs require multiple elements, some aspheric lenses, exotic materials and special coatings for each surface. Moreover, there are more air to glass surfaces and more glass to air surfaces, each causing loss of light and reflections. 
     Variable Density of Pixels 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the center of the sensor, where the digitally zoomed telephoto images are captured, is configured with dense pixilation, which enables higher quality digitally zoomed images. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate this feature, which utilizes a high density concentration of pixels  48  at the center of a sensor. By concentrating pixels near the central region of the sensor, digital zoom becomes possible without loss of image detail. This unique approach provides benefits for either flat or curved sensors. In  FIG. 16 , a conventional sensor  46  is shown, which has pixels  48  that are generally uniformly disposed over the surface of the sensor  46 .  FIG. 17  shows a sensor  50  produced in accordance with the present invention, which has pixels  48  that are more densely arranged toward the center of the sensor  50 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention, suitable software compresses the dense data coming from the center of the image when the camera senses that a wide angle picture is being taken. This feature greatly reduces the processing and storage requirements for the system. 
     Lens Shade 
     Other embodiments of the invention include a lens shade, which senses the image being captured, whether wide angle or telephoto. When the camera senses a wide angle image, it retracts the shade, so that the shade does not get into the image area. When it senses the image is telephoto, it extends, blocking extraneous light from the non-image areas, which can cause flare and fogged images. 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  provide views of a camera equipped with an optional retractable lens shade. For wide angle shots, the lens shade is retracted, as indicated by reference character  52 . For telephoto shots, the lens shade is extended, as indicated by reference character  54 . 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  provide similar views to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , but of a camera with a planar sensor, indicating that the lens shade feature is applicable independently. 
     Dust Reduction 
     Embodiments of the present invention reduce the dust problem that plagues conventional cameras since no optical zoom or lens changes are needed. Accordingly, the camera incorporated into the mobile communication device is sealed. No dust enters to interfere with image quality. An inert desiccated gas, such as Argon, Xenon or Krypton may be sealed in the lens and sensor chambers within the enclosure  14 , reducing oxidation and condensation. If these gases are used, the camera also gains benefits from their thermal insulating capability and temperature changes will be moderated, and the camera can operate over a wider range of temperatures. 
     Completely Sealed Cameras 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the entire camera may be sealed with an inert gas, such as Argon, Krypton or Xenon. 
     Improved Optical Performance 
     The present invention may be used in conjunction with a radically high speed lens, useable for both surveillance without flash (or without floods for motion) or fast action photography. This becomes possible again due to the non-planar sensor, and makes faster ranges like a f/ 0 . 7  or f/0.35 lens designs, and others, within practical reach, since the restraints posed by a flat sensor (or film) are now gone. 
     All these enhancements become practical since new lens formulas become possible. Current lens design for flat film and sensors must compensate for the “rainbow effect” or chromatic aberrations at the sensor edges, where light travels farther and refracts more. Current lens and sensor designs, in combination with processing algorithms, have to compensate for the reduced light intensity at the edges. These compensations limit the performance possibilities. 
     Since the camera lens and body are sealed, an inert gas like Argon, Xenon or Krypton may be inserted, e.g., injected during final assembly, reducing corrosion and rust. The camera can then operate in a wider range of temperatures. This is both a terrestrial benefit, and, is a huge advantage for cameras installed on satellites. 
     Rotating &amp; Shifted Sensors 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  illustrate a series of alternative sensor arrays with sensor segments  32   c  separated by gaps  34 , to facilitate easier sensor assembly. In this embodiment, a still camera which utilizes this sensor array takes two pictures in rapid succession. A first sensor array is shown in its original position  74 , and is also shown in a rotated position  76 . The position of the sensor arrays changes between the times the first and second pictures are taken. Software is used to recognize the images missing from the first exposure, and stitches that data in from the second exposure. The change in the sensor motion or direction shift may vary, depending on the pattern of the sensor facets. 
     A motion camera can do the same, or, in a different embodiment, can simply move the sensor and capture only the new image using the data from the prior position to fill in the gaps in a continuous process. 
     This method captures an image using a moveable sensor with gaps between the sensors in its array of sensors. This method makes fabricating much easier, because the spaces between segments become less critical. So, in one example, a square sensor in the center is surrounded by a row of eight more square sensors, which, in turn, is surrounded by another row of sixteen square sensors. The sensors are sized to fit the circular optical image, and each row curves in slightly more, creating the non-planar total sensor. 
     In use, the camera first takes one picture. The sensor immediately rotates or shifts slightly and a second image is immediately captured. Software can tell where the gaps were and stitches the new data from the second shot into the first. Or, depending on the sensor&#39;s array pattern, it may shift linearly in two dimensions, and possibly move in an arc in the third dimension to match the curve. 
     This concept makes the production of complex sensors easier. The complex sensor, in this case, is a large sensor comprising multiple smaller sensors. When such a complex sensor is used to capture a focused image, the gaps between each sensor lose data that is essential to make the complete image. Small gaps reduce the severity of this problem, but smaller gaps make the assembly of the sensor more difficult. Larger gaps make assembly easier and more economical, but, create an even less complete image. The present method, however, solves that problem by moving the sensor after the first image, and taking a second image quickly. This gives the complete image and software can isolate the data that is collected by the second image that came from the gaps and splice it into the first image. 
     The same result may be achieved by a moving or tilting lens element or a reflector that shifts the image slightly during the two rapid sequence exposures. In this embodiment, the camera uses, but changes in a radical way, an industry technique known as “image stabilization.” The camera may use image stabilization in both the first and second images. This method neutralizes the effect of camera motion during an exposure. Such motion may come from hand tremors or engine vibrations. However, in this embodiment, after the first exposure, the camera will reverse image stabilization and introduce “image de-stabilization” or “intentional jitter” to move the image slightly over the sensor for the second exposure. This, with a sensor fixed in its position, also gives a shift to the second exposure so the gaps between the facets from the first exposure can be detected, and, the missing imagery recorded and spliced into the final image. 
     In one example shown in  FIG. 23 , the sensor rotates back and forth. In an alternative embodiment, the sensor may shift sideways or diagonally. The sensor may also be rotated through some portion of arc of a full circle. In yet another embodiment, the sensor might rotate continuously, while the software combines the data into a complete image. 
       FIGS. 24A and 24B  also shows a second set of sensors. The sensor is first shown in its original position  78 , and is then shown in a displaced position  80 . 
     Sensor Grid Patterns 
       FIGS. 25A ,  25 B,  25 C and  25 D reveal four alternative grid patterns for four alternative embodiments of sensors  82 ,  84 ,  86  and  88 . The gaps  34  between the facets  32   e ,  32   f ,  32   g  and  32   h  enable the manufacturing step of forming a curved sensor. 
     Electrical Connections to Sensors 
       FIGS. 26 ,  27  and  28  provide views of alternative embodiments of electrical connections to sensors. 
       FIG. 26  shows a sensor  90  has a generally spiral-shaped electrical connector  92 . The conductor is connected to the sensor at the point identified by reference character  94 , and is connected to a signal processor at the point identified by reference character  96 . This embodiment of an electrical connection may be used when the sensor is rotated slightly between a first and second exposure, as illustrated in  FIG. 23 . This arrangement reduces the flexing of the conductor  92 , extending its life. The processor may be built into the sensor assembly. 
       FIG. 27  shows the back of a sensor  102  with an “accordion” shape conductor  100 , which is joined to the sensor at point A and to a processor at point B. This embodiment may be used when the sensor is shifted but not rotated between a first and second exposure, as illustrated in  FIG. 24 . 
     This type of connection, like the coiled wire connection, make an oscillating sensor connection durable. 
       FIG. 28  shows the back of a sensor  114  having generally radially extending conductors. The conductors each terminate in brush B which are able to contact a ring. The brushes move over and touch the ring, collecting an output from the rotating sensor, and then transmit the output to the processor at the center C. This embodiment may be used when the sensor is rotated between exposures. In addition, this connection makes another embodiment possible; a continuously rotating sensor. In that embodiment, the sensor rotates in one direction constantly. The software detects the gaps, and fills in the missing data from the prior exposure. 
     Wireless Connection 
       FIG. 29  offers a block diagram of a wireless connection  118 . A sensor  12  is connected to a transmitter  120 , which wirelessly sends signals to a receiver  122 . The receiver is connected to a signal processor  124 . 
     In summary, the advantages offered by the present invention include, but are not limited to: 
     High resolution digital zoom 
     Faster 
     Lighter 
     Cheaper 
     Longer focusing ranges
 
More reliable
 
Lower chromatic aberration
 
More accurate pixel resolution
 
Eliminate need for flash or floodlights
 
Zooming from wide angle to telephoto
 
     III. Additional Embodiments 
     A mobile communication device including a camera  150  having many of the preferred features of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 30 and 31 . 
     It will be understood that numerous conventional features such as a battery, shutter release, aperture monitor and monitor screen have been omitted for the purposes of clarity. 
     The camera comprises an hermetically-sealed enclosure  154  accommodating a generally curved sensor  160  and a lens  156 . Enclosure  154  is filled with Argon, Xenon or Krypton. A front view of the sensor  160  is illustrated schematically in  FIG. 31  and comprises a plurality of flat square pixel elements or facets  162  arranged to be relatively inclined so as to form an overall curved configuration. To minimize the area of the substantially triangular gaps  164  which result between the elements  162 , the center square  170  is the largest, and the adjacent ring of eight squares  172  is made of slightly smaller squares so that they touch or nearly touch at their outermost corners. The next ring of sixteen squares  176  has slightly smaller squares than the inner ring  172 . 
     The center square  170  has the highest density of pixels; note that this square alone is used in the capture of telephoto images. The squares of inner ring  172  have medium density pixilation, which for normal photography gives reasonable definition. The outer ring  176  of sixteen squares has the least dense pixel count. 
     In this embodiment, the gaps  164  between the elements  162  are used as pathways for electrical connectors. 
     The camera  150  further comprises a lens shade extender arrangement  180  comprising a fixed, inner shade member  182 , first movable shade member  184  and a second, radially outermost, movable shade member  186 . When the operator is taking a wide angle photograph, the shade members are in a retracted disposition as shown in  FIG. 30 ; only stray light from extremely wide angles is blocked. In this mode, to reduce data processing time and storage requirements, the denser pixel data from the central portions  170 ,  172  of the curved sensor can be normalized across the entire image field to match the less dense pixel counts of the edge facets  176  of the sensor. 
     For a normal perspective photograph, the shade member  184  is extended so that stray light from outside of the viewing area is blocked. In this mode, a portion of the data facets  172  of the curved sensor are compressed. To reduce processing time and storage requirements, the data from the most center area  170 , with higher density of pixels, can be normalized across the entire image field. 
     When the user zooms out digitally to a telephoto perspective, shade member  186  is extended. In this mode, only the center portion  170  of the curved sensor  160  is used. Since only that sensor center is densely covered with pixels, the image definition will be crisp. 
     In operation, camera  150  uses two exposures to fill in any gaps within the sensors range, i.e., to obtain the pixel data missing from a single exposure due to the presence of gaps  164 . For this purpose, the camera deploys one of two methods. In the first, as previously described, the sensor moves and a second exposure is taken in rapid succession. The processing software detects the image data that was missed in the first exposure, due to the sensor&#39;s gaps, and “stitches” that missing data into the first exposure. This creates a complete image. The process is run continuously for motion pictures, with the third exposure selecting missing data from either the preceding or the following exposure, again to create a complete image. 
     In the second method, a radical change to the now-standard process known in the industry as “image stabilization” is used. For the first exposure, the image is stabilized. Once recorded, this “image stabilization” is turned off, the image is shifted by the stabilization system, and the second image is taken while it is re-stabilized. In this method, a complete image is again created, but without any motion required of the sensor. 
     The dashed lines shown in  FIG. 30  indicate the two-dimensional motion of the lens for one embodiment of the focusing process. 
     In another embodiment of the invention that includes intentional jittering, the lens does not move back and forth, but, rather, tilts to alter the position of the image on the sensor. 
     The above-described camera  150  has numerous advantages. The sealing of the enclosure  154  with a gas like argon prevents oxidation of the parts and provides thermal insulation for operation throughout a broader range of temperature. 
     Although the center square  170  with a high pixel density, which is relatively more expensive, it is also relatively small, and it is only necessary to provide a single such square, this keeping down the overall cost. A huge cost advantage is that it provides an acceptable digital zoom without the need for accessory lenses. Accessory lenses cost far, far more than this sensor, and are big, heavy and slow. The outer ring  176  has the smallest squares and the lowest pixel count and so they are relatively inexpensive. Thus, taking into account the entire assembly of squares, the total cost of the sensor is low, bearing in mind it is capable of providing an acceptable performance over a wide range of perspectives. 
     Numerous modifications may be made to the camera  150 . For example, instead of being monolithic, lens  156  may comprise a plurality of elements. 
     The enclosure  154  is sealed with another inert gas, or a non-reactive gas such as Nitrogen, Krypton, Xenon or Argon; or it may not be sealed at all. 
     The pixels or facets  170 ,  172 ,  176  may be rectangular, hexagonal or of any other suitable shape. Although a central pixel and two surrounding “square rings” of pixels are described, the sensor may comprise any desired number of rings. 
     In  FIG. 32 , there is shown a block diagram of a camera  250  having many of the features of the camera  150  of  FIGS. 30 and 31 . A non-planar sensor  260  has a central region  270  with high pixel density and a surrounding region comprising facets  272  with low pixel density. A shutter control  274  is also illustrated. The shutter control  274  together with a focus/stabilization actuating mechanism  290  for lens  256  and a lens shade actuator  280  are controlled by an image sequence processor  200 . The signals from pixels in facets  270 ,  272  are supplied to a raw sensor capture device  202 . An output of device  202  is connected to a device  204  for effecting auto focus, auto exposure/gain and auto white balance. Another output of device  202  is supplied to a device  206  for effecting pixel density normalization, the output of which is supplied to an image processing engine  208 . A first output of engine  208  is supplied to a display/LCD controller  210 . A second output of engine  208  is supplied to a compression and storage controller  212 . 
     The features and modifications of the various embodiments described may be combined or interchanged as desired. 
     IV. Mobile Communicator with a Curved Sensor Camera 
       FIGS. 33 ,  34 ,  35  and  36  present views of one embodiment of the invention, which combines a curved sensor camera with a mobile communication device. The device may be a cellular telephone; laptop, notebook or netbook computer; or any other appropriate device or means for communication, recordation or computation. 
       FIG. 33  shows a side view  300  of one particular embodiment of the device, which includes an enhanced camera  150  for still photographs and video on both the front  305   a  and the back  305   b  sides. A housing  302  encloses a micro-controller  304 , a display screen  306 , a touch screen interface  308   a  and a user interface  308   b . A terminal for power and/or data  310 , as well as a microphone, are located near the bottom of the housing  302 . A volume and/or mute control switch  318  is mounted on one of the slender sides of the housing  302 . A speaker  314  and an antenna  315  reside inside the upper portion of the housing  302 . 
       FIGS. 34 and 35  offer perspective views  330  and  334  of an alternative embodiment  300   a .  FIGS. 36 and 37  offer perspective views  338  and  340  of yet another alternative embodiment  300   b.    
     V. Method to Capture More Detail from a Scene than the Sensor is Otherwise Capable of Recording 
     This alternative method uses multiple rapid exposures with the image moved slightly and precisely for each exposure. 
     In the illustrated example, four exposures are taken of the same scene, with the image shifted by ½ pixel in each of four directions for each exposure. (In practice, three, four, five or more exposures might be used with variations on the amount of image shifting used.) 
     For this example,  FIG. 38  shows a tree. In this example, it is far from the camera, and takes up only four pixels horizontally and the spaces between them, plus five pixels vertically with spaces. 
     (Cameras are currently available at retail with 25 Megapixel resolution, so this tree image represents less than one millionth of the image area and would be undetectable by the human eye without extreme enlargement.) 
       FIG. 39  represents a small section of the camera sensor, which might be either flat or curved. For the following explanation, vertical rows are labeled with letters and horizontal rows are labeled with numbers. The dark areas represent spaces between the pixels. 
       FIG. 40  shows how the tree&#39;s image might be first positioned on the pixels. Note that only pixels C2, C3, D3, C4, D4, B5, C5 and D5 are “more covered than not” by the tree image. Those, then, are the pixels that will record its image. 
       FIG. 41  then shows the resulting image that will represent the tree from this single exposure. The blackened pixels will be that first image. 
       FIG. 42 , however, represents a second exposure. Note that the image for this exposure has been shifted by ½ pixel to the right. This shift might be done by moving the sensor physically, or, by reversing the process known in the industry as “image stabilization.” Image stabilization is a method to eliminate blur caused by camera movement during exposures. Reversing that process to move the image focused on the sensor, for the additional exposures, and reversing only between those exposures, is a unique concept and is claimed for this invention. 
     With  FIG. 42 , the resulting pixels that are “more covered than not” by the image are D2, C3, D3, C4, D4, (E4 might go either way,) C5, D5 and E5. 
     This results in a data collection for this image as shown by  FIG. 43 . 
       FIG. 44  represents a third exposure. This time the image is moved up from Exposure 2 by ½ pixel. The results are that the tree is picked up on pixels d2, c3, d3, C4, d4, e4 and d5. 
     This third exposure, then, is represented by data collected as shown in  FIG. 45 . 
       FIG. 46  continues the example. In this case, the image is now shifted to the left by ½ pixel from the third exposure. The result is that imagery is caught by pixels C2, C3, D3, B4, C4, D4 and C5. 
       FIG. 47  represents that fourth recorded image. 
     Now the camera has four views of the same tree image. 
     Current image stabilization neutralizes tiny hand tremors and even some motor or other vibrations during a single exposure, eliminating blur. That capability suggests moving the image to second, third and fourth or more positions can occur quickly. 
     Pixel response times are also improving regularly, to the point that digital cameras that were formerly only still cameras, have, for the most part, also become motion picture cameras in subsequent model enhancements. This also suggests that rapid multiple exposures can be done; particularly since this is the essence of motion photography. 
     What has not been done or suggested is changing the mode of the image stabilization mechanism so that it moves the image slightly, and by a controlled amount, for each of the multiple exposures, while stabilizing the image during each exposure. 
     Alternatively, moving the sensor slightly for the same effect is also a novel method. 
     Software interprets the four captured images and are part of this invention&#39;s claims. The software “looks” at  FIGS. 45 and 47 , and concludes that whatever this image is, it has a stub centered at the bottom. Because this stub is missing from  FIGS. 41 and 43 , the software concludes that it is one pixel wide and is a half pixel long. 
     The software looks at all four figures and determine that whatever this is, it has a base that&#39;s above that stub, and that base is wider than the rest of the image, going three pixels horizontally. This comes from line five in  FIGS. 41 and 43  plus line four in  FIGS. 45 and 47 . 
     The software looks at lines three and four in  FIG. 41  and  FIG. 43  and conclude that there is a second tier above the broad base in this image, whatever it is, that is two pixels wide and two pixels tall. 
     But, the software also looks at lines three in  FIG. 45  and  FIG. 47 , confirming that this second tier is two pixels wide, but, that it may only be one pixel tall. 
     The software averages these different conclusions and make the second tier 1½ pixels tall. 
     The software looks at line two in all four images and realize that there is a narrower yet image atop the second tier. This image is consistently one pixel wide and one pixel high, sits atop the second tier but is always centered over the widest bottom tier, and the stub when the stub appears. 
       FIG. 48  shows the resulting data image recorded by taking four images, each ½ pixel apart from the adjoining exposures taken. Note that since the data has four times as much information, the composite image, whether on screen or printed out, will produce ¼ fractions of pixels. This shows detail that the sensor screen was incapable of capturing with a single exposure. 
       FIG. 49  shows the original tree image, as it would be digitally recorded in four varying exposures on the sensor, each positioned ½ pixel apart.  FIG. 49  shows the tree itself, and the four typical digital images that would be recorded by four individual exposures of that tree. None look anything like a tree. 
     The tree is captured digitally four times.  FIG. 50  shows how the original tree breaks down into the multiple images, and, how the composite, created by the software from those four images, starts to resemble a tree. The resemblance is obviously not perfect, but is closer. Considering that this represents about 0.000001% of the image area, this resemblance could help some surveillance situations. 
     VI. Alternative Method for Forming a Curved Sensor 
     One embodiment of this new method proposes to create a concave mold to shape the silicon after heating the wafer to a nearly molten state. Gravity then settles the silicon into the mold. In all of these methods, the mold or molds could be chilled to maintain the original thickness uniformly by reducing the temperature quickly. Centrifuging is a second possible method. The third is air pressure relieved by porosity in the mold. A fourth is steam, raised in temperature by pressure and/or a liquid used with a very high boiling point. The fourth is simply pressing a convex mold onto the wafer, forcing it into the concave mold, but again, doing so after raising the temperature of the silicon. 
     Heating can occur in several ways. Conventional “baking” is one. Selecting a radiation frequency that affects the silicon significantly more than any of the other materials is a second method. To enhance that second method, a lampblack-like material that absorbs most of the radiation might be placed on the side of the silicon that&#39;s to become convex, and is removed later. It absorbs the radiation, possibly burns off in the process but heats the thickness of the wafer unevenly, warming the convex side the most, which is where the most stretching occurs. A third method might be to put this radiation absorbing material on both surfaces, so the concave side, which absorbs compression tension and the convex side, which is pulled by tensile stresses, are each heated to manage these changes without fracturing. 
     A final method is simply machining, polishing or laser etching away the excess material to create the curved sensor. 
     In the this embodiment, the curved surface is machined out of the silicon or other ingot material. The ingot would be thicker than ordinary wafers. Machining could be mechanical, by laser, ions or other methods. 
     In the second embodiment, the wafer material is placed over a pattern of concave discs. Flash heating lets the material drop into the concave shape. This may be simply gravity induced, or, in another embodiment, may be centrifuged. Another enhancement may be to “paint” the backside with a specific material that absorbs a certain frequency of radiation to heat the backside of the silicon or other material while transmitting less heat to the middle of the sensor. This gives the silicon or other material the most flexibility across the side being stretched to fit the mold while the middle, is less heated, holding the sensor together and not being compressed or stretched, but only bent. In another embodiment, the frontside is “painted” and irradiated, to allow that portion to compress without fracturing. In another embodiment, both sides are heated at the same time, just before reforming. 
     Radiation frequency and the absorbent “paint” would be selected to minimize or eliminate any effect on the dopants if already inserted. 
     VII. Improving Image Details 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a generally constant motion is deliberately imparted to a sensor and/or an optical element while multiple exposures are taken. In another embodiment, this motion may be intermittent. Software then processes the multiple exposures to provide an enhanced image that offers greater definition and edge detail. The software takes as many exposures as the user may predetermine. 
     In this embodiment, the sensor is arrayed with pixels having a variable density, with the highest density in the center of the sensors. When the sensor rotates, the motion on the outer edges is far greater than at the center. Taking pictures with less than a pixel diameter of motion results in enhanced detail that is captured in the composite image. The pixels at the outer edges, where they are least densely placed, will be the largest individual pixels. The center pixels, where concentration is greatest, will have the smallest pixels. In between those extremes, the sizes will gradually change and grow as the distance from the center increases. In this way, for a fraction of a degree in rotation, the same amount of pixel change across the image takes place, and, image definition can be enhanced in this rotating direction. When a second exposure is taken with a fraction of a pixel&#39;s rotation, more edge detail of the image is captured and enhanced. 
     Fixed Sensor with Moving Image 
     In one alternative embodiment of the invention, a stationary flat or curved sensor may be used to collect data or to produce an image using an image which moves in a circular motion. In one implementation of this embodiment, the circular path of the image has a diameter which is generally less than the width of a pixel on the sensor. In one embodiment, the circular path has a diameter which is half the width of a pixel. In this embodiment, pixel density is constant across the sensor. If the image was a picture of a clock, it would move constantly in a small circle, with the number  12  always on top and the number  6  always on the bottom. 
     Moving Sensor with Stationary Image 
     In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, a flat or curved sensor which generally constantly moves in a tight circle may be used to collect data or to produce an image. In one implementation of this embodiment, the circular path of the moving sensor has a diameter which is generally less than the width of a pixel on the sensor. In one embodiment, the circular path has a diameter which is half the width of a pixel. In other embodiments, the circular paths might have diameters of four and one half pixels, or six and one quarter pixels, or some other suitable diameter. The invention may be implemented using any movement that results in capturing added fractional images to provide detail beyond the normal pixel count&#39;s ability to detect. 
     The advantages of these embodiments include: 
     Elimination of any reciprocal movement 
     No vibration 
     No energy loss from stop and go motions 
       FIG. 51  presents a schematic illustration  342  of an optical element  344  which moves over a flat sensor  346 . The optical element  344  moves in a tight circular path over the flat sensor to move the incoming light over the surface of the flat sensor along a tight circular path  348 . In this embodiment, the optical element is shown as an objective lens. In other embodiments, any other suitable lens or optical component may be employed. In an alternative embodiment, the optical element  344  may tilt or nutate back and forth in a generally continuous or intermittent motion that moves the image in a tight circle over the surface of the stationary flat sensor  346 . 
       FIG. 52  is an overhead view  350  of the same optical element  344  which moves over a the same stationary flat sensor  346  as shown in  FIG. 51 . The optical element  344  moves in a tight circular path over the sensor  346  to move the incoming light over the surface of the flat sensor  346 . 
       FIG. 53  furnishes a schematic illustration  352  of an optical element  344  which moves over a stationary curved sensor  354 . 
       FIG. 54  is an overhead view  356  of the same optical element  344  and sensor  354  shown in  FIG. 53 . 
       FIG. 55  supplies a schematic illustration  358  of one method for imparting motion to a flat sensor  360  as it moves beneath a stationary optical element  362 . 
       FIG. 56  is an overhead view  372  of the same stationary optical element  362  and sensor  360  as shown in  FIG. 55 . 
       FIG. 57  is an illustration  364  that reveals the details of the components which impart the spinning motion to the sensor  360  shown in  FIGS. 55 and 56 . The flat sensor  360  is attached to a post or connector  364  which is mounted on a spinning disc  366  which is positioned below the sensor  360 . The attachment is made at an off-center location  368  on the disc which is not the center of the disc. The disc is rotated by an electric motor  370 , which is positioned below the disc. The axis  372  of the motor is not aligned with the attachment point  368  of the connecting post  364 . 
       FIG. 58  offers a perspective view of the components shown in  FIG. 57 . 
       FIG. 59  offers a schematic depiction  374  of a stationary optical element  362  which resides over a curved sensor  376  which moves below the fixed optical element  362 . 
       FIG. 60  is an overhead view of the optical element  362  and sensor  376  shown in  FIG. 59 . 
       FIG. 61  furnishes an illustration  378  of a method for imparting a circular motion to an optical element  344  like the one shown in  FIGS. 51 and 52 . The optical element  344  is surrounded by a band  380 , which provides pivoting attachment points  382  for a number of springs  384 . Two of the springs are attached to cams  386  and  388 , and each cam is mounted on an electric motor  390  and  392 . When the cams rotate, the springs connected to the bands which surround the optical elements move the optical element. The two cams are out of phase by ninety degrees to provide circular motion. 
       FIG. 62  presents a series  394  of nine simplified views of a flat sensor as it moves through a single orbit in its circular path. In one embodiment, the circular path is less than one pixel in diameter. In each view, an axis of rotation C is shown, which lies near the lower left corner of the square sensor. A radius segment is shown in each successive view, which connects the axis of rotation to a point on the top side of each square. In each view, the square sensor has moved forty-five degrees in a clockwise direction about the axis of rotation, C. In each view, a dotted-line version of the original square is shown in its original position. The radius segments are numbered r 1  through r 9 , as they move through each of the eight steps in the circle. 
     In alternative embodiments, the sensor depicted in  FIG. 62  may be configured in a rectangular or other suitable planar shape. In another alternative embodiment, the sensor may be curved or hemispherical. The motion may be clockwise, counter-clockwise or any other suitable displacement of position that accomplishes the object of the invention. 
       FIG. 63  is a schematic representation of a flat sensor arrayed with pixels  396 . In  FIG. 63 , the sensor resides in its original position. In  FIGS. 64 and 65 , the sensor continues to rotate through the circular path. As the sensor rotates multiple exposures are taken, as determined by software. In this embodiment, the outer and inner rows of pixels each move by the same number of pixel spaces. 
     This embodiment enhances detail in an image beyond a sensor&#39;s pixel count, and may be used in combination with the method described in Section V, above, 
     “Method to Capture More Detail from a Scene than the Sensor is Otherwise Capable of Recording.” 
     While pixel density is increasing on sensors rapidly, when pixels are reduced in size such that each pixel can sense only a single photon, the limit of pixel density has been reached. Sensitivity is reduced as pixels become smaller. 
     This embodiment may be utilized in combination with methods and apparatus for sensor connections described in Co-Pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/655,819, filed on 6 Jan. 2010, U.S. Patent Publication No. US2010/0260494; See, especially, Paragraphs 101-113. 
     In yet another embodiment, miniature radios may be used to connect the output of the sensor to a micro-processor. 
     VIII. Alternative Embodiment 
     Sensor Formed from Silicon Fiber Fabric 
     In yet another embodiment of the invention, a sensor is formed from a fabric woven from silicon fibers. While this embodiment employs silicon fibers, the invention may be practiced using any light transmissive fiber material that is suitable for this purpose.  FIG. 66  shows a single strand of silicon fiber  400 , which has been manufactured from silicon.  FIG. 67  shows two sets of these fibers  400  which are being woven into a fabric  402 . A first set of fibers is positioned so that they are all generally parallel to each other. A second set of fibers, which are positioned so that they are orthogonal to the first set of fibers, is then sequentially woven into the first set by threading each fiber over and then below each successive fiber. In traditional textile weaving, the first set of parallel fibers is called the “warp,” while the set that is woven into the warp by threading under and then over each successive thread is called the “weft.” Since the silicon threads will be fused by heat into a solid fabric, the weave need not be done over and under each thread, but, could be every other thread, every tenth thread, or other number. If ten warp threads were woven over and under ten weft threads, as one possible example, they could be woven together as ten threads. Alternatively, the first warp thread could go over ten weft threads, while the second warp thread might go over nine weft threads but continue going over and under ten weft threads after that. And, in this example, the third warp thread might go over eight weft threads before continuing the pattern of going over and under ten weft threads until the other end of the fabric. 
     After the fabric  402  is woven, it is placed over a heated first mandrel  404 , as shown in  FIG. 68 . The first mandrel  404  has a curved upper surface. A second mandrel  505 , which has a similar curved shape, is shown above the first mandrel  404 . The woven fabric takes the shape of the mandrel, is heated, and the silicon fibers fuse together, as shown in  FIG. 69 . A curved sensor  406  is formed, and the excess  408  is trimmed away. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a group of parallel fibers  410  is be formed into a single unwoven laminate  412 , as shown in  FIGS. 70 and 71 . The unwoven laminate  412  is pressed between two mandrels, and is then heated. The silicon fibers fuse into a curved sensor. Just enough heat is used to make the silicon flexible while on the mandrel, to maintain that state, may be initially warm but could also be quickly chilled to stabilize the silicon into its final hemispherical shape. 
     In another variation, two sets of fibers may be laid at right angles  414 , and then heated to form the fused laminate  416 , as shown in  FIG. 72 . 
     IX. Alternative Embodiment 
     Curved Sensor Formed with Varying Mini-Sensor Sizes 
     In yet another embodiment of the invention, a curved sensor  418  is formed from a number of generally flat “mini-sensors” which are positioned to form a nearly curved surface. In this embodiment, a slightly different manufacturing process is employed for each successive row of mini-sensors. In alternative embodiments, the sensor may be a conventional planar sensor. 
     In this embodiment, each mini-sensor is slightly smaller than the adjoining inner row so their corners do not overlap as they tilt inward to create the curve. This creates gaps which were explained in previous portions of this Specification. These gaps also provide shorter average connections to the pixels, so less space is wasted. Since either the image or the sensor itself shift and take double exposures, as explained above, the entire surface captures imagery, creating a virtual 100% “fill factor.” “Fill factor” is the industry phrase that measures the percentage area of a sensor that actually captures photons and converts them to signal data. In this embodiment, each has different pixel densities. The mini-sensor is the center of the entire sensor is the most dense, so digital zoom becomes palatable and crisp without undue expense. The next row out is less dense, saving cost, and the same amount of detail which is determined by the total pixel count is captured for normal perspective shots. The outside row (this example assumes three rows for simplicity) could is the least detailed, and, being the most numerous, is the cheapest to manufacture. 
     For just one of many possible examples, assume there are three rows of “mini-sensors” used to create the overall “nearly curved sensor.” The center sensor, which would be used alone for telephoto photography during digital zooming, could contain 20 MP of sensors. This creates a superior telephoto image over optical zoom telephoto images. As a small, but densely pixilated “mini-sensor,” its cost is competitive. Costs will be high due to the extremely dense pixilation. But that is counteracted by the small size required for this single “mini-sensor”, so many more are created per wafer. Assume the second row surrounding this center sensor contain eight slightly smaller 2.5 MP “mini-sensors.” 
     While the center “mini-sensor” is used for the maximum telephoto digital zoom imagery, when combined with the second surrounding row of “mini-sensors” the perspective changes to a normal photograph. Since the eight surrounding “mini-sensors” combine to create a 20 MP image, the center sensor is, in this embodiment, compressed down to 2.5 MP itself. This means the normal perspective photograph would be made up of 22.5 MP. Again, this is a detailed image. By compressing the center “mini-sensor” data, processing is faster and storage requirements are reduced. The massive detail from that center sensor is not needed when the image captured backs away from telephoto to a normal perspective. 
     Likewise, for an embodiment designed for wide angle photos, the outer row of sixteen “mini-sensors” are 1 MP each. But, since the inner rows and center “mini-sensor” are delivering unnecessary data amounts, they are all compressed to 1 MP each. This delivers a wide angle image of 25 MP, more than the human eye can resolve at an 8″×10″ enlargement. (There are 25 “mini-sensors” each delivering 1 MP of data.) 
     This configuration provides cost savings, as well as optimal mega-pixel counts for all three perspectives: telephoto, normal and wide angle, and for any perspective in between. 
     In yet another embodiment, the relatively “sparse” mini-sensors in the outermost ring are formed so that they are much larger than the other mini-sensors that are nearer to the center of the sensor, as shown in  FIG. 73 . The relatively large mini-sensors are more sensitive than the smaller ones toward the center of the sensor. The mini-sensors in the center are relatively small, while mini-sensors in each successive larger ring are larger.  FIG. 73  shows a sensor  420  having a center mini-sensor  420 , a first ring of mini-sensors  422 , a second ring of mini-sensors  424 , and an outermost ring of mini-sensors  426 . 
     In yet another embodiment, this sensor may be generally constantly rotated, as shown in  FIG. 74 . When the sensor rotates 0.001 degree, for example, which corresponds to roughly the same fraction of a pixel-to-image shift in all three rings; center, first surrounding ring and the outer ring. Multiple exposures can be used to capture more image detail than the pixel count would seem to suggest, since, the sensor is capturing new fractions of pixel images in subsequent exposures and edges. This method provides detail in a circular direction, but none added in the concentric direction. 
     Yet another embodiment is shown in  FIG. 75 , which illustrates a section of staggered pixel arrays on a mini-sensor. 
     SCOPE OF THE CLAIMS 
     Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, persons possessing ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the Claims that follow. The various alternatives for providing a Curved Sensor Formed From Silicon Fibers that have been disclosed above are intended to educate the reader about preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to constrain the limits of the invention or the scope of Claims. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS 
     
         
           10  Camera with curved sensor 
           12  Curved sensor 
           14  Enclosure 
           16  Objective lens 
           18  Incoming light 
           20  Electrical output from sensor 
           22  Signal processor 
           24  User controls 
           26  Battery 
           28  Memory 
           30  Camera output 
           32  Facet 
           34  Gap between facets 
           36  Via 
           38  Wiring backplane 
           40  Curved sensor formed from adjoining petal-shaped segments 
           42  Petal-shaped segment 
           43   a  First Mandrel 
           43   b  Substrate 
           43   c  First sheet of deformable material 
           43   d  Dome portion of deformable material over mandrel 
           43   e  Hemispherical base for curved sensor 
           43   f  Second sheet of deformable material 
           43   g  Second mandrel 
           43   h  Ports 
           43   i  Empty region 
           43   j  Heater 
           43   k  Hemispherical base for curved sensor 
           44  Camera monitor 
           46  Conventional sensor with generally uniform pixel density 
           48  Sensor with higher pixel density toward center 
           50  Pixel 
           52  Shade retracted 
           54  Shade extended 
           56  Multi-lens camera assembly 
           58  Objective lens 
           60  Mirrored camera/lens combination 
           62  Primary objective lens 
           64  Secondary objective lens 
           66  First sensor 
           68  Second sensor 
           70  Mirror 
           72  Side-mounted sensor 
           74  Sensor in original position 
           76  Sensor in rotated position 
           78  Sensor in original position 
           80  Sensor in displaced position 
           82  Alternative embodiment of sensor 
           84  Alternative embodiment of sensor 
           86  Alternative embodiment of sensor 
           88  Alternative embodiment of sensor 
           90  View of rear of one embodiment of sensor 
           92  Spiral-shaped conductor 
           94  Connection to sensor 
           96  Connection to processor 
           98  View of rear of one embodiment of sensor 
           100  Accordion-shaped conductor 
           102  Connection to sensor 
           104  Connection to processor 
           106  View of rear of one embodiment of sensor 
           108  Radial conductor 
           110  Brush 
           112  Brush contact point 
           114  Annular ring 
           116  Center of sensor, connection point to processor 
           118  Schematic view of wireless connection 
           120  Transmitter 
           122  Receiver 
           124  Processor 
           150  Camera 
           154  Enclosure 
           156  Lens 
           160  Sensor 
           162  Facets 
           164  Gaps 
           170  Center square 
           172  Ring of squares 
           176  Ring of squares 
           180  Shade extender arrangement 
           182  Inner shade member 
           184  Movable shade member 
           186  Outer, movable shade members 
           190  Lens moving mechanism 
           200  Image sequence processor 
           202  Sensor capture device 
           204  Auto device 
           206  Pixel density normalization device 
           208  Image processing engine 
           210  Display/LCD controller 
           212  Compression and storage controller 
           250  Camera 
           256  Lens 
           260  Sensor 
           270  Central region facet 
           272  Surrounding region facets 
           274  Shutter control 
           280  Lens shade actuator 
           290  Focus/stabilization actuator 
           292  Lens moving 
           300  First embodiment of combined device 
           300   a  First embodiment of combined device 
           300   b  First embodiment of combined device 
           302  Housing 
           304  Micro-controller 
           305   a  Front side 
           305   b  Back side 
           306  Display screen 
           308   a  Touch screen interface 
           308   b  User interface 
           310  Terminal for power and/or data 
           314  Speaker 
           315  Antenna 
           330  View of alternative embodiment 
           334  View of alternative embodiment 
           338  View of alternative embodiment 
           340  View of alternative embodiment 
           342  Schematic illustration of moving lens with fixed flat sensor 
           344  Moving lens 
           346  Fixed flat sensor 
           348  Light path 
           350  Overhead view of  FIG. 51   
           352  Schematic illustration of moving lens with fixed curved sensor 
           354  Fixed curved sensor 
           356  Overhead view of  FIG. 53   
           358  Schematic illustration of fixed lens with moving flat sensor 
           360  Moving flat sensor 
           362  Fixed lens 
           364  Overhead view of  FIG. 55   
           365  Schematic depiction of components that impart circular motion to sensor 
           366  Spinning disc 
           367  Connecting post 
           368  Attachment point 
           370  Electric motor 
           372  Axis of motor 
           373  Perspective view of  FIG. 57   
           374  Schematic view of fixed lens over moving curved sensor 
           376  Moving curved sensor 
           377  Overhead view of  FIG. 59   
           378  Schematic illustration of components for imparting motion to lens 
           380  Band 
           382  Springs 
           384  Springs connected to cams 
           386  First cam 
           388  Second cam 
           390  First electric motor 
           392  Second electric motor 
           394  Series of nine views of rotating sensor 
           396  Sensor 
           398  Pixels 
           400  Optical fiber 
           402  Woven mesh of optical fibers 
           404  Heated first mandrel 
           405  Upper mandrel 
           406  Fabric dome 
           408  Trim excess fabric 
           410  Parallel fibers 
           412  Fused laminate 
           414  Two sets of fibers at right angles 
           418  Sensor with rows of mini-sensors of increasing size 
           420  Sensor 
           422  First ring of mini-sensors 
           424  Second ring of mini-sensors 
           426  Outermost ring of mini-sensors 
           428  Rotating sensor with rows of mini-sensors of increasing size 
           430  Sensor with rows of mini-sensors with every other mini-sensor shifted upwards