A method and apparatus to capture high resolution images using low resolution sensors and optical spatial image sampling

摘要

A high-resolution digital image capturing apparatus with variable resolution capability is presented. In accordance with the present invention, the image capturing apparatus implements a motion control mechanism to incrementally move the sensor array relative to a subject. A frame of the image is captured at each incremental position. The number of frames taken is essentially limited by the distance between adjacent sensors. The frames are subsequently processed and assembled to generate a picture with improved resolution. Accordingly, the image resolution is directly related to the number of frames taken. By using the concept of fractal geometry, the number of frames required for high image resolution may be reduced thereby essentially providing a compressing technique to reduce capturing and processing time. In so doing, a digital image capturing apparatus with variable resolution capability that is inexpensive, portable, and power efficient can be achieved.