Patent ID: 12212824

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes image capture devices that include an optical module with dual (first and second) ISLAs. The ISLAs are oriented in generally opposite directions (i.e., such that the ISLAs are rotated approximately 180° from each other), and include overlapping fields-of-view so as to support the capture and creation of not only individual images, but spherical images as well.

In certain image capture devices, heat is transferred away from the ISLAs by connecting the ISLAs to a heat sink via individual thermal bridges (or other such heat transfer members). The present disclosure improves upon heat transfer in image capture devices by including a single heat transfer member (e.g., a graphite thermal spreader or bridge) that is unitary in construction. The thermal spreader is connected to, and extends between, the ISLAS, and includes opposing end portions that are connected to the heat sink in the image capture device. By connecting the ISLAs via the thermal spreader, both physically and thermally, heat generated by one of the ISLAs is transferrable to the other. For example, when the image capture device is being used to capture single (e.g., non-spherical) images and/or video, only a single ISLA is operating at any given time. During such use, heat can be transferred away from the operational ISLA to the non-operational ISLA using the thermal spreader to increase run time of the image capture device, which is particularly advantageous during the capture of higher-resolution (e.g.,4k) image(s) and/or video.

FIGS.1A-Dare isometric views of an example of an image capture device100. The image capture device100may include a body102having a lens104structured on a front surface of the body102, various indicators on the front surface of the body102(such as LEDs, displays, and the like), various input mechanisms (such as buttons, switches, and touchscreen mechanisms), and electronics (e.g., imaging electronics, power electronics, etc.) internal to the body102for capturing images via the lens104and/or performing other functions. The image capture device100may be configured to capture images and video and to store captured images and video for subsequent display or playback.

The image capture device100may include various indicators, including LED lights106and an LCD display108. The image capture device100may also include buttons110configured to allow a user of the image capture device100to interact with the image capture device100, to turn the image capture device100on, to operate latches or hinges associated with doors of the image capture device100, and/or to otherwise configure the operating mode of the image capture device100. The image capture device100may also include a microphone112configured to receive and record audio signals in conjunction with recording video.

The image capture device100may include an I/O interface114(e.g., hidden as indicated using dotted lines). As best shown inFIG.1B, the I/O interface114can be covered and sealed by a removable door115of the image capture device100. The removable door115can be secured, for example, using a latch mechanism115a(e.g., hidden as indicated using dotted lines) that is opened by engaging the associated button110as shown.

The removable door115can also be secured to the image capture device100using a hinge mechanism115b, allowing the removable door115to pivot between an open position allowing access to the I/O interface114and a closed position blocking access to the I/O interface114. The removable door115can also have a removed position (not shown) where the entire removable door115is separated from the image capture device100, that is, where both the latch mechanism115aand the hinge mechanism115ballow the removable door115to be removed from the image capture device100.

The image capture device100may also include another microphone116integrated into the body102or housing. The front surface of the image capture device100may include two drainage ports as part of a drainage channel118. The image capture device100may include an interactive display120that allows for interaction with the image capture device100while simultaneously displaying information on a surface of the image capture device100. As illustrated, the image capture device100may include the lens104that is configured to receive light incident upon the lens104and to direct received light onto an image sensor internal to the lens104.

The image capture device100ofFIGS.1A-Dincludes an exterior that encompasses and protects internal electronics. In the present example, the exterior includes six surfaces (i.e., a front face, a left face, a right face, a back face, a top face, and a bottom face) that form a rectangular cuboid. Furthermore, both the front and rear surfaces of the image capture device100are rectangular. In other embodiments, the exterior may have a different shape. The image capture device100may be made of a rigid material such as plastic, aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. The image capture device100may include features other than those described herein. For example, the image capture device100may include additional buttons or different interface features, such as interchangeable lenses, cold shoes and hot shoes that can add functional features to the image capture device100, etc.

The image capture device100may include various types of image sensors, such as charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors, active pixel sensors (APS), complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) sensors, and/or any other image sensor or combination of image sensors.

Although not illustrated, in various embodiments, the image capture device100may include other additional electrical components (e.g., an image processor, camera SoC (system-on-chip), etc.), which may be included on one or more circuit boards within the body102of the image capture device100.

The image capture device100may interface with or communicate with an external device, such as an external user interface device, via a wired or wireless computing communication link (e.g., the I/O interface114). The user interface device may, for example, be the personal computing device360described below with respect toFIG.3B. Any number of computing communication links may be used. The computing communication link may be a direct computing communication link or an indirect computing communication link, such as a link including another device or a network, such as the Internet, may be used.

In some implementations, the computing communication link may be a Wi-Fi link, an infrared link, a Bluetooth (BT) link, a cellular link, a ZigBee link, a near-field communications (NFC) link (such as an ISO/IEC 20643 protocol link), an Advanced Network Technology interoperability (ANT+) link, and/or any other wireless communications link or combination of links.

In some implementations, the computing communication link may be an HDMI link, a USB link, a digital video interface link, a display port interface link (such as a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) digital display interface link), an Ethernet link, a Thunderbolt link, and/or other wired computing communication link.

The image capture device100may transmit images, such as panoramic images, or portions thereof, to the user interface device (not shown) via the computing communication link, and the user interface device may store, process, display, or a combination thereof the panoramic images.

The user interface device may be a computing device, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a phablet, a smart watch, a portable computer, and/or another device or combination of devices configured to receive user input, communicate information with the image capture device100via the computing communication link, or receive user input and communicate information with the image capture device100via the computing communication link.

The user interface device may display, or otherwise present, content, such as images or video, acquired by the image capture device100. For example, a display of the user interface device may be a viewport into the three-dimensional space represented by the panoramic images or video captured or created by the image capture device100.

The user interface device may communicate information, such as metadata, to the image capture device100. For example, the user interface device may send orientation information of the user interface device with respect to a defined coordinate system to the image capture device100, such that the image capture device100may determine an orientation of the user interface device relative to the image capture device100.

Based on the determined orientation, the image capture device100may identify a portion of the panoramic images or video captured by the image capture device100for the image capture device100to send to the user interface device for presentation as the viewport. In some implementations, based on the determined orientation, the image capture device100may determine the location of the user interface device and/or the dimensions for viewing of a portion of the panoramic images or video.

The user interface device may implement or execute one or more applications to manage or control the image capture device100. For example, the user interface device may include an application for controlling camera configuration, video acquisition, video display, or any other configurable or controllable aspect of the image capture device100.

The user interface device, such as via an application, may generate and share, such as via a cloud-based or social media service, one or more images, or short video clips, such as in response to user input. In some implementations, the user interface device, such as via an application, may remotely control the image capture device100, such as in response to user input.

The user interface device, such as via an application, may display unprocessed or minimally processed images or video captured by the image capture device100contemporaneously with capturing the images or video by the image capture device100, such as for shot framing, which may be referred to herein as a live preview, and which may be performed in response to user input. In some implementations, the user interface device, such as via an application, may mark one or more key moments contemporaneously with capturing the images or video by the image capture device100, such as with a tag, such as in response to user input.

The user interface device, such as via an application, may display, or otherwise present, marks or tags associated with images or video, such as in response to user input. For example, marks may be presented in a camera roll application for location review and/or playback of video highlights.

The user interface device, such as via an application, may wirelessly control camera software, hardware, or both. For example, the user interface device may include a web-based graphical interface accessible by a user for selecting a live or previously recorded video stream from the image capture device100for display on the user interface device.

The user interface device may receive information indicating a user setting, such as an image resolution setting (e.g., 3840 pixels by 2160 pixels), a frame rate setting (e.g., 60 frames per second (fps)), a location setting, and/or a context setting, which may indicate an activity, such as mountain biking, in response to user input, and may communicate the settings, or related information, to the image capture device100.

FIGS.2A-Billustrate another example of an image capture device200. The image capture device200includes a body202and two camera lenses204,206disposed on opposing surfaces of the body202, for example, in a back-to-back or Janus configuration. Although generally depicted as a camera, it should be appreciated that the particular configuration of the image capture device200may be varied in alternate embodiments of the disclosure. For example, it is envisioned that the image capture device200may instead take the form of a cell phone.

The image capture device may include electronics (e.g., imaging electronics, power electronics, etc.) internal to the body202for capturing images via the lenses204,206and/or performing other functions. The image capture device may include various indicators, such as an LED light212and an LCD display214.

The image capture device200may include various input mechanisms, such as buttons, switches, and touchscreen mechanisms. For example, the image capture device200may include buttons216configured to allow a user of the image capture device200to interact with the image capture device200, to turn the image capture device200on, and to otherwise configure the operating mode of the image capture device200. In an implementation, the image capture device200includes a shutter button and a mode button. It should be appreciated, however, that, in alternate embodiments, the image capture device200may include additional buttons to support and/or control additional functionality.

The image capture device200may also include one or more microphones218configured to receive and record audio signals (e.g., voice or other audio commands) in conjunction with recording video.

The image capture device200may include an I/O interface220and an interactive display222that allows for interaction with the image capture device200while simultaneously displaying information on a surface of the image capture device200.

The image capture device200may be made of a rigid material such as plastic, aluminum, steel, or fiberglass. In some embodiments, the image capture device200described herein includes features other than those described. For example, instead of the I/O interface220and the interactive display222, the image capture device200may include additional interfaces or different interface features. For example, the image capture device200may include additional buttons or different interface features, such as interchangeable lenses, cold shoes and hot shoes that can add functional features to the image capture device200, etc.

FIG.2Cis a cross-sectional view of an optical module223of the image capture device200ofFIGS.2A-B. The optical module223facilitates the capture of spherical images, and, accordingly, includes a first image capture device224and a second image capture device226. The first image capture device224defines a first field-of-view228, as shown inFIG.2C, and includes a first integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA)229that receives and directs light onto a first image sensor230via the lens204. Similarly, the second image capture device226defines a second field-of-view232, as shown inFIG.2C, and includes a second ISLA233that receives and directs light onto a second image sensor234via the lens206. To facilitate the capture of spherical images, the image capture devices224,226(and related components) may be arranged in a back-to-back (Janus) configuration such that the lenses204,206face in generally opposite directions.

The fields-of-view228,232of the lenses204,206are shown above and below boundaries236,238, respectively. Behind the first lens204, the first image sensor230may capture a first hyper-hemispherical image plane from light entering the first lens204, and behind the second lens206, the second image sensor234may capture a second hyper-hemispherical image plane from light entering the second lens206.

One or more areas, such as blind spots240,242, may be outside of the fields-of-view228,232of the lenses204,206so as to define a “dead zone.” In the dead zone, light may be obscured from the lenses204,206and the corresponding image sensors230,234, and content in the blind spots240,242may be omitted from capture. In some implementations, the image capture devices224,226may be configured to minimize the blind spots240,242.

The fields-of-view228,232may overlap. Stitch points244,246, proximal to the image capture device200, at which the fields-of-view228,232overlap may be referred to herein as overlap points or stitch points. Content captured by the respective lenses204,206, distal to the stitch points244,246, may overlap.

Images contemporaneously captured by the respective image sensors230,234may be combined to form a combined image. Combining the respective images may include correlating the overlapping regions captured by the respective image sensors230,234, aligning the captured fields-of-view228,232, and stitching the images together to form a cohesive combined image.

A slight change in the alignment, such as position and/or tilt, of the lenses204,206, the image sensors230,234, or both, may change the relative positions of their respective fields-of-view228,232and the locations of the stitch points244,246. A change in alignment may affect the size of the blind spots240,242, which may include changing the size of the blind spots240,242unequally.

Incomplete or inaccurate information indicating the alignment of the image capture devices224,226, such as the locations of the stitch points244,246, may decrease the accuracy, efficiency, or both of generating a combined image. In some implementations, the image capture device200may maintain information indicating the location and orientation of the lenses204,206and the image sensors230,234such that the fields-of-view228,232, the stitch points244,246, or both may be accurately determined, which may improve the accuracy, efficiency, or both of generating a combined image.

The lenses204,206may be laterally offset from each other, may be off-center from a central axis of the image capture device200, or may be laterally offset and off-center from the central axis. As compared to image capture devices with back-to-back lenses, such as lenses aligned along the same axis, image capture devices including laterally offset lenses may include substantially reduced thickness relative to the lengths of the lens barrels securing the lenses. For example, the overall thickness of the image capture device200may be close to the length of a single lens barrel as opposed to twice the length of a single lens barrel as in a back-to-back configuration. Reducing the lateral distance between the lenses204,206may improve the overlap in the fields-of-view228,232.

Images or frames captured by the image capture devices224,226may be combined, merged, or stitched together to produce a combined image, such as a spherical or panoramic image, which may be an equirectangular planar image. In some implementations, generating a combined image may include three-dimensional, or spatiotemporal, noise reduction (3DNR). In some implementations, pixels along the stitch boundary may be matched accurately to minimize boundary discontinuities.

FIGS.3A-Bare block diagrams of examples of image capture systems.

Referring first toFIG.3A, an image capture system300is shown. The image capture system300includes an image capture device310(e.g., a camera or a drone), which may, for example, be the image capture device200shown inFIGS.2A-C.

The image capture device310includes a processing apparatus312that is configured to receive a first image from a first image sensor314and receive a second image from a second image sensor316. The image capture device310includes a communications interface318for transferring images to other devices. The image capture device310includes a user interface320to allow a user to control image capture functions and/or view images. The image capture device310includes a battery322for powering the image capture device310. The components of the image capture device310may communicate with each other via the bus324.

The processing apparatus312may be configured to perform image signal processing (e.g., filtering, tone mapping, stitching, and/or encoding) to generate output images based on image data from the image sensors314and316. The processing apparatus312may include one or more processors having single or multiple processing cores. The processing apparatus312may include memory, such as a random-access memory (RAM) device, flash memory, or another suitable type of storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable memory. The memory of the processing apparatus312may include executable instructions and data that can be accessed by one or more processors of the processing apparatus312.

For example, the processing apparatus312may include one or more dynamic random access memory (DRAM) modules, such as double data rate synchronous dynamic random-access memory (DDR SDRAM). In some implementations, the processing apparatus312may include a digital signal processor (DSP). In some implementations, the processing apparatus312may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). For example, the processing apparatus312may include a custom image signal processor.

The first image sensor314and the second image sensor316may be configured to detect light of a certain spectrum (e.g., the visible spectrum or the infrared spectrum) and convey information constituting an image as electrical signals (e.g., analog or digital signals). For example, the image sensors314and316may include CCDs or active pixel sensors in a CMOS. The image sensors314and316may detect light incident through a respective lens (e.g., a fisheye lens). In some implementations, the image sensors314and316include digital-to-analog converters. In some implementations, the image sensors314and316are held in a fixed orientation with respective fields-of-view that overlap.

The communications interface318may enable communications with a personal computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer). For example, the communications interface318may be used to receive commands controlling image capture and processing in the image capture device310. For example, the communications interface318may be used to transfer image data to a personal computing device. For example, the communications interface318may include a wired interface, such as a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, or a FireWire interface. For example, the communications interface318may include a wireless interface, such as a Bluetooth interface, a ZigBee interface, and/or a Wi-Fi interface.

The user interface320may include an LCD display for presenting images and/or messages to a user. For example, the user interface320may include a button or switch enabling a person to manually turn the image capture device310on and off. For example, the user interface320may include a shutter button for snapping pictures.

The battery322may power the image capture device310and/or its peripherals. For example, the battery322may be charged wirelessly or through a micro-USB interface.

The image capture system300may be used to implement some or all of the techniques described in this disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3B, another image capture system330is shown. The image capture system330includes an image capture device340and a personal computing device360that communicate via a communications link350. The image capture device340may, for example, be the image capture device100shown inFIGS.1A-D. The personal computing device360may, for example, be the user interface device described with respect toFIGS.1A-D.

The image capture device340includes an image sensor342that is configured to capture images. The image capture device340includes a communications interface344configured to transfer images via the communication link350to the personal computing device360.

The personal computing device360includes a processing apparatus362that is configured to receive, using a communications interface366, images from the image sensor342. The processing apparatus362may be configured to perform image signal processing (e.g., filtering, tone mapping, stitching, and/or encoding) to generate output images based on image data from the image sensor342.

The image sensor342is configured to detect light of a certain spectrum (e.g., the visible spectrum or the infrared spectrum) and convey information constituting an image as electrical signals (e.g., analog or digital signals). For example, the image sensor342may include CCDs or active pixel sensors in a CMOS. The image sensor342may detect light incident through a respective lens (e.g., a fisheye lens). In some implementations, the image sensor342includes digital-to-analog converters. Image signals from the image sensor342may be passed to other components of the image capture device340via a bus346.

The communications link350may be a wired communications link or a wireless communications link. The communications interface344and the communications interface366may enable communications over the communications link350. For example, the communications interface344and the communications interface366may include an HDMI port or other interface, a USB port or other interface, a FireWire interface, a Bluetooth interface, a ZigBee interface, and/or a Wi-Fi interface. For example, the communications interface344and the communications interface366may be used to transfer image data from the image capture device340to the personal computing device360for image signal processing (e.g., filtering, tone mapping, stitching, and/or encoding) to generate output images based on image data from the image sensor342.

The processing apparatus362may include one or more processors having single or multiple processing cores. The processing apparatus362may include memory, such as RAM, flash memory, or another suitable type of storage device, such as a non-transitory computer-readable memory. The memory of the processing apparatus362may include executable instructions and data that can be accessed by one or more processors of the processing apparatus362. For example, the processing apparatus362may include one or more DRAM modules, such as DDR SDRAM.

In some implementations, the processing apparatus362may include a DSP. In some implementations, the processing apparatus362may include an integrated circuit, for example, an ASIC. For example, the processing apparatus362may include a custom image signal processor. The processing apparatus362may exchange data (e.g., image data) with other components of the personal computing device360via a bus368.

The personal computing device360may include a user interface364. For example, the user interface364may include a touchscreen display for presenting images and/or messages to a user and receiving commands from a user. For example, the user interface364may include a button or switch enabling a person to manually turn the personal computing device360on and off. In some implementations, commands (e.g., start recording video, stop recording video, or capture photo) received via the user interface364may be passed on to the image capture device340via the communications link350.

The image capture system330may be used to implement some or all of the techniques described in this disclosure.

With reference now toFIGS.4-7, the aforementioned optical module223and ISLAs229,233(seen inFIG.2) will be discussed in additional detail. The optical module223includes (first and second) heat sinks448,450that are connected, either directly or indirectly, to various components of the image capture device200.FIGS.4and5are respective front and rear perspective views of the optical module223, andFIGS.6and7are respective front and rear perspective views of the optical module223with the heat sink450removed. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the heat sink448is connected to the ISLAs229,233, and the heat sink450is connected to other supportive components of the image capture device200(e.g., the aforementioned processing apparatus312(FIG.3A). The heat sinks448,450may include (e.g., may be formed partially or entirely from) any material or combination of materials that is suitable for the intended purpose of dissipating heat, such as, for example, aluminum. In the embodiment of the disclosure seen inFIGS.4-7, the heat sinks448,450are positioned so as to define a cavity452(FIG.5) therebetween that is configured to receive a power source454for the image capture device200(e.g., the aforementioned battery322(FIG.3A)). It should be appreciated, however, that the particular configuration and/or orientation of the heat sinks448,450may be varied in alternate embodiments of the disclosure.

The first ISLA229includes a substrate456(FIG.5) (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)458) that supports an electrical assembly460, and the second ISLA233includes a substrate462(FIG.4) (e.g., a PCB464) that supports an electrical assembly466(FIG.6). The electrical assemblies460,466include the image sensors230,234(FIGS.6,7), respectively, and may also include one or more additional electrical components. For example, the electrical assemblies460,466may include processors468,470(FIGS.5-7), which may be supported by (or adjacent to) the image sensors230,234, respectively, as well as wiring, flexible printed circuits, etc. Although generally contemplated as including a layered construction, it should be appreciated that the particular configuration of the PCBs458,464may be varied in alternate embodiments of the present disclosure.

The optical module223also includes a thermal spreader472that extends between the ISLAs229,233(e.g., between the respective image sensors230,234). The thermal spreader472is configured to transfer heat between the ISLAs229,233(from one of the ISLAs229,233to the other), and, thus, physically and thermally connects the ISLAs229,233. As such, the thermal spreader472may also be referred to herein as a bridge (and/or a thermal bridge).

The thermal spreader472may include (e.g., may be formed partially or entirely from) any material or combination of materials that is suitable for the intended purpose of transferring heat between the ISLAs229,233. For example, in one particular embodiment, it is envisioned that the thermal spreader472may include (e.g., may be formed partially or entirely from) graphite. It should be appreciated, however, that the use of other materials would not be beyond the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, although shown as being unitary in construction (i.e., as being formed from a single piece of material) throughout the figures, in alternate embodiments of the disclosure, it is envisioned that the thermal spreader472may include a series of individual segments that are connected to each other during manufacture or assembly of the optical module223.

The thermal spreader472defines a maximum width W (FIG.6) and a maximum thickness T. While it is generally envisioned that the width W may lie substantially within the range of approximately 15 mm to approximately 25 mm (e.g., 19.6 mm), and that the thickness T may lie substantially within the range of approximately 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm (e.g., 0.064 mm), it should be appreciated that widths W and/or thicknesses T outside of these ranges would not be beyond the scope of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the thickness T of the thermal spreader472may be varied and/or customized by stacking multiple layers of material (e.g., via the use of a thermal adhesive, or any other suitable connector) such that the thermal spreader472includes a laminated construction.

It is envisioned that the width W of the thermal spreader472may be non-uniform. For example, the thermal spreader472may include one or more areas of reduced width, and/or one or more notches (cutouts)474(FIGS.6,7) (e.g., to accommodate other components of the optical module223or the image capture device200, such as wiring, connectors, fasteners, flexible printed circuits, etc.). In alternate embodiments of the disclosure, however, it is envisioned that the width W of the thermal spreader472may be generally uniform.

The thermal spreader472includes opposite (first and second) end portions476,478(FIGS.6,7), and an intermediate portion480that extends between the end portions476,478. As seen inFIGS.6and7, the end portions476,478are connected to the heat sink448, and the intermediate portion480is connected to the ISLAs229,233(e.g., to the respective substrates456,462). It is envisioned that the thermal spreader472may be connected to the heat sink448and to the ISLAs229,233in any suitable manner, such as, for example, through the use of a thermal adhesive.

The thermal spreader472includes a non-linear, tortuous configuration that allows the thermal spreader472to extend between, and connect, the ISLAs229,233and the heat sink448. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the thermal spreader472includes a series of elbows (bends)482that facilitate changes in direction and orientation to allow for connection of the ISLAs229,233and the heat sink448in the manner described herein. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the thermal spreader472includes (first to seventh) elbows482i-482vii, wherein the elbows482ii,482iiiare positioned adjacent to the ISLA229, the elbows482iv,482vare positioned between the ISLAs229,233, whereby the intermediate portion480of the thermal spreader472extends (at least partially) in transverse relation to the ISLAs229,233(e.g., to the image sensors230,234), and the elbows482vi,482viiare positioned adjacent to the ISLA233. It should be appreciated, however, that the particular configuration and/or orientation of the thermal spreader472may be varied in alternate embodiments of the disclosure (e.g., dependent upon spatial requirements, the configuration of the ISLAs229,233, etc.). Accordingly, embodiments including greater and fewer numbers of elbows482would not be beyond the scope of the present disclosure.

As mentioned above, the thermal spreader472allows for improved management of the heat generated (e.g., by the ISLAs229,233) during use of the image capture device200. For example, in certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the image capture device200may be operable in a first (spherical) mode, in which both of the ISLAs229,233are active, or a second (standard) mode, in which only one of the ISLAs229,233is active (e.g., the ISLA229), the election of which may be made via the LCD display214, the buttons216, the interactive display222, or via input in any other suitable manner. During operation in the second mode, the inactive ISLA (e.g., the ISLA233in the present example) may be used as a supplemental heat sink such that heat is transferrable away from the active ISLA229in a first direction (identified by the arrow1inFIG.6) to the heat sink448, and in a second direction (identified by the arrow2) to the inactive ISLA233, and, ultimately, to the heat sink448. Utilizing the inactive ISLA233as an additional heat sink allows for greater heat dissipation, and, thus, slows the rate at which the temperature of the ISLA229rises, which may be particularly advantageous during the capture of higher (e.g.,4k) resolution images and/or video, the resolution of which may again be elected using the LCD display214, the buttons216, the interactive display222, or via input in any other suitable manner. Slowing the rate at which the active ISLA229is heated may not only allow for increased run time of the image capture device200, but may also increase the usable life of the various components of the optical module223and the image capture device200.

FIGS.8and9illustrate front and rear perspective views of an alternate embodiment of the disclosure in which the ISLAs229,233include conductive overlays890,892, respectively, to increase thermal conductivity of the ISLAs229,233. It is envisioned that the conductive overlays890,892may include (e.g., may be formed from) any material or combination of materials that is suitable for the intended purpose of transferring heat away from the ISLAs229,233(e.g., away from the respective image sensors230,234). For example, in one particular embodiment, it is envisioned that the conductive overlays890,892may include (e.g., may be formed partially or entirely from) copper. While the ISLAs229,233are each illustrated as including respective overlays890,892, in alternate embodiments of the disclosure, it is envisioned that one of the overlays890,892may be omitted.

The conductive overlays890,892are secured to the substrates456,462, and are configured in correspondence therewith (i.e., such that the shape and size of the overlay890is substantially similar (or identical) to the substrate456, and the shape and size of the overlay892is substantially similar (or identical) to the substrate462). As seen inFIGS.8and9, the overlays890,892are positioned between the respective substrates456,462and the thermal spreader472, and may be connected thereto in any suitable manner, such as, for example, via welding, or through the use of a thermal adhesive. By connecting the thermal spreader472to the overlays890,892, rather than directly to the substrates456,462(as discussed above in connection withFIGS.4-7) or the image sensors230,234, heat can be transferred from the substrates456,462, through the respective overlays890,892, to the thermal spreader472for conduction to the heat sink448in the manner discussed above.

As seen inFIGS.8and9, in certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the respective overlays890,892may be directly connected to the substrates456,462.FIG.10, however, illustrates an alternate embodiment of the disclosure in which the ISLAs229,233include intervening members894,896that are positioned between the overlays890,892and the respective substrates456,462. The intervening members894,896are configured and adapted to reduce (if not entirely eliminate) air gaps between the overlays890,892and the respective substrates456,462, thereby increasing thermal conductivity of the ISLAs229,233. In the particular embodiment seen inFIG.10, for example, the intervening members894,896are illustrated as including thermal padding898. It should be appreciated, however, that the configuration and/or construction of the intervening members894,896may be altered in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, it is envisioned instead that the intervening members894,896may take the form of a thermal gel.

FIG.11is a rear, perspective view of another embodiment of the disclosure including a thermal spreader1000. The thermal spreader1000is substantially similar to the thermal spreader472(FIGS.4-7) discussed above, and, accordingly, in the interest of brevity, will be described only with respect to any differences therefrom.

In contrast to the thermal spreader472, which is formed as a single structure, the thermal spreader1000includes a first thermal bridge1002that extends between the substrate456and the heat sink448, and a second thermal bridge1004that extends between the substrate462and the heat sink448. Although illustrated as being identical in configuration, it should be appreciated that the thermal bridges1002,1004may be dissimilar in alternate embodiments of the disclosure (e.g., depending upon spatial requirements, necessary or desired heat transfer for the ISLAs229,233, etc.).

The thermal bridge1002defines a maximum width Wi and a maximum thickness Ti, and the thermal bridge1004defines a maximum width Wii and a maximum thickness Tii. For example, it is envisioned that the widths Wi, Wii may lie substantially within the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 25 mm (e.g., 9.8 mm to 19.6 mm), and that the thicknesses Ti, Tii may lie substantially within the range of approximately 0.025 mm to 0.1 mm (e.g., 0.032 mm to 0.064 mm), although widths Wi, Wii and/or thicknesses Ti, Tii outside of these ranges would not be beyond the scope of the present disclosure. As discussed above in connection with the thermal spreader472(FIGS.4-7), it is envisioned that the widths Wi, Wii may be non-uniform (e.g., to accommodate other components of the optical module223or the image capture device200), and/or that the thermal bridges1002,1004may include one or more areas of reduced width.

FIG.12is a rear, perspective view of another embodiment of the disclosure in which the ISLAs229,233include the aforementioned overlays890,892, and the thermal bridges1002,1004are respectively connected thereto. More specifically, the thermal bridge1002includes a first end portion1006that is connected to the conductive overlay890, and a second end portion1008that is connected to the heat sink448, and the thermal bridge1004includes a first end portion1010that is connected to the conductive overlay892, and a second end portion1012that is connected to the heat sink448.

Referring now toFIGS.4-12, by varying the configuration of the ISLAs229,233and the presently disclosed thermal spreaders (e.g., the thermal spreader472(seen inFIGS.4-10) and the thermal spreader1000(seen inFIGS.11and12), significant variation and improvement in the run time of the image capture device200is achievable. In a baseline assembly including the thermal bridges1002,1004(FIG.11), in which each of the thermal bridges1002,1004has a width W of 9.8 mm and a thickness T of 0.032 mm, a run time of approximately 7.7 minutes was achievable before reaching a threshold temperature of 75° C. for the ISLAs229,233and a threshold temperature of 52° C. for the battery322(FIG.3A). However, increasing the width W of each of the thermal bridges1002,1004to 19.6 mm (using the baseline thickness T of 0.032 mm) results in an increased run time of 11.4 minutes before reaching the threshold temperatures of 75° C. and 52° C. for the ISLAs229,233and the battery322, respectively, and increasing the thickness T of each of the thermal bridges1002,1004to 0.064 mm (using the baseline width W of 9.8 mm) results in an increased run time of 11.3 minutes before reaching the threshold temperatures of 75° C. and 52° C. Increasing the width W of each of the thermal bridges1002,1004to 19.6 mm and the thickness T of each of the thermal bridges1002,1004to 0.064 mm further increases the run time to 14.8 minutes before reaching the threshold temperatures of 75° C. and 52° C.

In an alternate assembly, using the baseline width W of 9.8 mm and the baseline thickness T of 032 mm, the run time can be increased from 7.7 minutes to 12.6 minutes by incorporating the overlays890,892(FIG.12) and the thermal padding898.

Increases in run time are also achievable by replacing the thermal bridges1002,1004with the thermal spreader472(seen inFIGS.4-7). For example, using the baseline width W of 9.8 mm and the baseline thickness T of 0.032 mm for the thermal spreader472, the run time is increased from 7.7 minutes to 12.6 minutes before reaching the threshold temperatures of 75° C. and 52° C. for the ISLAs229,233and the battery322, respectively. However, increasing the thickness T of the thermal spreader472to 0.064 mm (using the baseline width W of 9.8 mm) results in an increased run time of 16.3 minutes before reaching the threshold temperatures of 75° C. and 52° C., and increasing the width W to 19.6 mm in combination with the increased thickness T of 064 mm results in an increased run time of 18.7 minutes.

In another assembly, using the baseline width W of 9.8 mm and the baseline thickness T of 0.032 mm for the thermal spreader472, the run time can be increased from 7.7 minutes to 16.3 minutes by incorporating the overlays890,892(FIGS.8,9) and the thermal padding898(FIG.10).

While the disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation as is permitted under the law so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the various embodiments of the disclosure described herein and shown in the accompanying figures constitute non-limiting examples, and that additional components and features may be added to any of the embodiments discussed hereinabove without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, persons skilled in the art will understand that the elements and features shown or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with those of another embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure to achieve any desired result, and will appreciate further features and advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter based on the description provided. Variations, combinations, and/or modifications to any of the embodiments and/or features of the embodiments described herein that are within the abilities of a person having ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of the disclosure, as are alternative embodiments that may result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features from any of the disclosed embodiments.

Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim means that the element may be included or omitted, with both alternatives being within the scope of the claim. Additionally, use of broader terms such as “comprises,” “includes,” and “having” should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as “consisting of,” “consisting essentially of,” and “comprised substantially of.” Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is defined by the claims that follow and includes all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.

In the preceding description, reference may be made to the spatial relationship between the various structures illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and to the spatial orientation of the structures. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of this disclosure, the structures described herein may be positioned and oriented in any manner suitable for their intended purpose. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “left,” “right,” “upward,” “downward,” “inward,” “outward,” etc., should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the structures and/or a spatial orientation of the structures. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the use of such terms may be provided in the context of the illustrations provided by the corresponding figure(s).

Additionally, terms such as “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially,” and the like should be understood to allow for variations in any numerical range or concept with which they are associated. For example, it is intended that the use of terms such as “approximately” and “generally” should be understood to encompass variations on the order of 25%, or to allow for manufacturing tolerances and/or deviations in design.

Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and represents embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “A and/or B and/or C” should each be interpreted to include only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C.